London undoubtedly has one of the best theatre scenes in the world, with dozens of great shows on the West End to choose from every day. But the pre-theatre experience is just as important as the main event, and there are some exceptional places to enjoy a fantastic drink or meal before you go on to the evening’s main event.
With some great value London Hotel Deals on offer right now, it’s the perfect time to book tickets to one of the West End’s top shows and plan a perfect stay in the city. Read on for some suggestions on the best places to eat and drink before your show.
The Swan
Tucked away inside the Globe Theatre, this is naturally one of the best places to go to if you’re planning to catch some Shakespearean magic on stage afterwards. The Globe Theatre is one of the most historic venues in the city, featuring a close reproduction of the original theatre that would have stood in the city, back in Shakespeare’s days.
The restaurant and bar is a great place to head to, whether you plan to enjoy a quick drink before the play, or a more leisurely meal. With both lunchtime and dinner options, you can check it out before matinee and evening performances. It’s worth heading there a little early if you can, as the window seats afford fantastic views over St Paul’s and the River. If you’re staying in
Hotels near Hogarth Road, plan your route ahead of time to get the best spot in the restaurant.
Balthazar
Located in Covent Garden, this chic French eatery provides a fantastic range of options and is hugely popular with theatre-goers in the city. Inspired by classic French cuisine, you’ll find a variety of traditional items on the menu for lunch and dinner services, as well as a delicious afternoon tea, with decadent pastries and cakes to indulge in before a cosy matinee.
Despite the elegant menu, Balthazar has a pleasantly laid back atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink or two after the performance too. And with its distinctly theatrical décor, it’s an ideal place to help get you in the mood before a special show.
Aquavit
Located conveniently close to the Harold Pinter Theatre and other major venues on the West End, this stylish, Scandinavian-inspired restaurant serves up delectable food that is as delicious as it looks. As an extremely popular spot with both regular diners and theatre-goers, it’s a good idea to book in advance, so if you’re planning a stay at a Park Grand London Kensington hotel in London, be sure to organise your theatre plans around your dates.
Aquavit offers an excellent range of Nordic cuisine, with great value options for two or three-course meals, helping you enjoy a great night out without having to pay a fortune.
Dalloway Terrace
Lovers of classic British literature won’t want to pass up on the chance to dine in a restaurant inspired by one of the famous Bloomsbury Set – Virginia Woolf. Named in honour of one of her most celebrated characters, the restaurant offers a rare chance to eat outdoors, while still keeping you close to the West End buzz.
If you’re staying in Hotels near Hogarth Road and are booked in to see a play at the nearby Phoenix Theatre, Dalloway Terrace offers a mouth-watering menu of tempting nibbles and drinks, as well as plenty of satisfying meals including gourmet burgers, fresh seafood and more.
Brasserie Zédel
With its sumptuous Art Deco interior, Brasserie Zédel is well worth a visit at any time when you’re in the city. And if you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion, it’s a great idea to snap up some brilliant London Hotel Deals right now and make a reservation here, alongside your theatre tickets. As well as being a sure-fire impressive gift, you’ll also get to have a truly unforgettable experience.
The stylish marble and mirror interior will leave you feeling more than a little awed, but the delicious fixed-price menus and excellent range of drinks will soon have you enjoying the night in no time. If you can, it’s worth heading to their in-house bar to enjoy the 20’s themed décor, whilst downing a nostalgic cocktail or two.
My Old Dutch
For those with a serious sweet tooth, this dessert restaurant is the perfect place to head to if you just want a sugary pick me up before a show, or want to indulge in a little extra dessert. The restaurant may not be particularly fancy, but the exceptional range of sweet and savoury pancake options means that it’s one of the busiest places on the West End.
Look out for their traditionally made pancakes with a variety of toppings and fillings, and tuck in.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
While this popular theatre restaurant is limited to grill and oysters, the exceptionally well-made food means that it’s kept busy with theatre-goers all day. The relaxed but stylish ambience means that it’s a great place to enjoy delicious seafood, meat or game, expertly prepared by their celebrated team.
If you have a little extra time before your performance, it’s a great idea to check out the bar for some oysters and champagne. With an elegantly designed bar, it’s a joy to visit and experience, and a perfect place to impress someone special.
Clos Maggiore
Voted the most romantic restaurant in London, keep this one in reserve for extremely special occasions only. The drink and food menu boasts plenty of extravagantly prepared dishes made from seasonal ingredients, but it’s the atmospheric interiors that keep it one of the most popular places to head to in the city.
Choose from over 2,000 wines on the expertly selected list, and enjoy dining under sparkling fairy lights or soft mood lighting. It’s rumoured to have at least one wedding proposal every week, which is no surprise, considering the breathtakingly elegant space within.
