Barbican - London
Overview
In the heart of the Barbican Estate, Barbican is located in the north of the City of London, England. The largest performing arts centre in Europe, the Barbican Centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. The Barbican Centre concert hall accommodates the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Inside the Barbican is a library, 3 restaurants and a conservatory. Opened in 1982, at a historical capital cost of £161 million (the equivalent to almost £400 million in 2007), it was built as "the City’s gift to the nation". The City of London Corporation, the UK’s third largest funder of the arts owns, funds and manages the Centre. The Barbican hall has a capacity of 1,949 seat, Barbican Theatre, 1,166 seat theatre, the Pit, a flexible 200-seat theatre venue, Barbican Cinemas, 3 cinemas seating 288, 255 and 155 people. There are 3 Restaurants, 7 Conference and 2 Trade Exhibition facilities, Informal performance spaces, Barbican Art Gallery and the smaller horseshoe shaped, Curve. Geoffry Powell, Peter Chamberlain and Christopher Bon were the architect.

Accommodation
A good or bad accommodation can either make or break your day. Therefore, Barbican offers all kinds of hotels to suit every visitor’s according to their need and budget. Feel at home at The MiNC - Eagle Court Apartments equipped with modern conveniences. With easy access to transport links, you can go to any part of the city, thus making your stay worthwhile. Radisson SAS Portman Hotel is perfect for your business or leisure stay as it has been tailored-made to serve the purpose of both. You will enjoy the excellent service and the spacious and comfortable suites.

Shopping
Make shopping a wonderful experience at Barbican. Roman Road Market sells the best in crafts, home and garden, antiques, food, clothing, books. If you love scents and simply cannot resist a sweet smelling one, you should get one for yourself at Penhaligon’s, a 130 year old scent emporium. Surprise your beloved with a ring from Nicholas James and seal your love. It is a good place for buying jewellery. Music lovers can throng the Barbican Chimes Music Shop where you will get the best in music instruments, sheet music and accessories.

Food
Barbican offers varied option of restaurants. Visitors will find their kind of food and restaurant in Barbican. Reward yourself a sumptuous lunch or dinner at the Essence Restaurant. You can relish Scallops with julienne mangetout, roasted marinated Italian pork, grilled confit artichokes with Manchego cheese. Come and dine with your family at Balloons Restaurant. You name it and you will be served any cuisine of the world. However you must try out the main courses which include a tender pan fried rainbow trout, salmon teriyaki, Cajun spiced blackened chicken, and lamb shank.