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National Theatre - The Buffini Chao Deck

National Theatre, Upper Ground, Lambeth, London, SE1 9PX

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Access Guide

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Introduction - The Buffini Chao Deck

  • The newly refurbished Deck is a stunning events venue situated on the roof of the iconic National Theatre. Offering breath-taking panoramic views across London, The Deck combines a riverside outdoor terrace with a large flexible event space. The building is wrapped in glazed panels which can be retracted on warmer days, so the uninterrupted view is preserved no matter the weather.
  • The Buffini Chao Deck is ideal for a stylish dinner and dance for up to 100 guests, or standing receptions for up to 200. State-of-the-art lighting and AV has been designed and installed by the National Theatre's Sound and Lighting departments, providing an inspiring backdrop for conferences, away-days, and product launches. In addition, The Buffini Chao Deck is licensed for weddings, with London's skyline and the Thames riverscape providing the perfect setting to say 'I do'.
  • Capacities:
  • Dinner with dancing 100
  • Barbecues 180
  • Reception 200
  • Conferences 120
  • Cabaret 50
  • Boardroom 20
  • For more information and to check availability please call 020 7452 3999 or email [email protected].

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • For more information about access at the National Theatre you can either call 020 7452 3284 or email [email protected].
  • Assistance dogs are welcomed into the auditorium.
    The theatre can provide a service where they can look after your assistance dog during the performance, returning them to the owner in the interval and at the end.
  • Water bowls are available for assistance dogs.

Parking (Off Upper Ground)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 500cm x 500cm (16ft 5in x 16ft 5in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • To book a space please call the Box Office on 020 7452 3000.

Parking (Underground)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
    • The car park type is underground.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height of the restriction barrier is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • Car park charges for cars and motorcycles
      Parking spaces in the basement car park are £8.50 after 17:00.
      If attending a daytime ticketed event and you leave before 19:00 the charge is £8.50.
      A combined matinee and evening show rate is £15.00.
      Validation must be obtained from the Box Office for these two options.
      On Sundays/public holidays parking is £8.50 all day, with no validation required.
      An early bird offer is available Monday to Friday, when you arrive between 06:00 and 09.30am, and leave by 18.30 for £12.
      The Hourly tariff for cars and motorcycles not attending National Theatre performances are 2 hours £7, 4 hours £11, 8 hours £16, 12 hours £24 and 24 hours £28.
      Lost tickets will be charged at full daily rate.
      Payment - There are four payment machines, one in the car park near the entrance to the theatre that takes cash and cards, one in the car park towards the BFI exit, and two in the basement lobby that take cards. Touch cards can also be used at the exit barriers.
      Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
      When attending a performance, or dining at an NT restaurant, Blue Badge holders can park anywhere in the car park and there are spaces near the lifts reserved for use by disabled people. There is a ramped entrance with semi-automatic doors to the basement foyer and lifts.
      For free parking, Blue Badge holders should take their badge, theatre ticket and car park ticket to any Box Office in the foyers for validation prior to leaving.
      For further Access information phone 020 7452 3000 or email [email protected].
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 430cm x 500cm (14ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is concrete and block paving.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.

Other Floors (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Underground Car Park, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the car park and on the ground floor ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
  • The clear door width is 118cm (3ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 126cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 2in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Approach (The Queen's Walk to National Theatre)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is concrete.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.

Outside Access (Riverside Festival Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located along The Queen's Walk.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 240cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 220cm.

Entrance (National Theatre Level 3 Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Olivier Foyer.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is portable.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

The Deck - Outside Terrace

  • There is step-free access along the terrace walkway outside of the desk.
  • On the path leading from the National Theatre entrance there is a slight slope with a handrail on the left.
  • The Deck Outside Terrance runs around the edge of the main room.
  • There are views of London and the River Thames from the terrace.
  • There is seating available.
  • The seating includes chairs with armrests and a sofa.
  • There are low tables available.

Outside Access (The Deck - Room Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located just off the outside terrace.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Deck)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was The Deck.
    • The Deck is located just off the outside terrace.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The layout of the room varies depending on meetings and events taking place.

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located at the rear of the room.
  • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl and wood.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Accessible and Standard Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope located to the right of the bar.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the ramp.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the bar.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 220cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 105cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right of the bar.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the shared toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.