Tony Banks and the Festival Hall champagne bar

Michael Lynch, chief executive of the South Bank Centre, writes in today's Guardian:

Londoners and visitors to London owe a huge debt to the late Tony Banks (G2, January 10). In 1983 he took the bold decision to open up the foyers of the Royal Festival Hall for free, transforming it from a concert hall for the few into an arts venue for the many. He created an inclusive and unique blend of free music and exhibitions together with relaxed eating, drinking and shopping. In fact, since he opened the foyer 23 years ago, nearly 40 million people have enjoyed wonderful experiences in a wonderful building.

When the hall reopens to the public in summer 2007 after a major refurbishment, we plan to take his idea and move it into a new dimension. We also see Tony Banks' original initiative as a great model for the whole South Bank. And what of the famous Festival Hall champagne bar that Tony closed because he thought it was only for toffs? Well, champagne will be available in all our bars, together with coffee, tea, water, wine and beer.