Best London restaurants with pre and post theatre menus and deals

 

Jump to: West End  |  Victoria  |  South Bank  |  Tower Bridge

We've told you where to get the best set lunch deals in London - but another way to eat well at a bargain price is through the humble theatre menu. Available for a short period pre (and sometimes post) the curtain going up, these menus offer great value at some of London's top dining destinations. We've kept our choice centred around London's main theatre districts.

 

West End

These restaurants are perfect for all the theatres in the centre of town, including those along Shaftesbury Avenue, through into Drury Lane and along Aldwych.

Romano's

100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW

Romano's is the second restaurant at Simpson's in The Strand, where Jeremy King has brought new life back into the classic space. It's the more affordable restaurant in the building, with this prix-fixe option a real steal. Make sure to also have a quick martini in the bar here too. 

The offer: Two courses £21, three courses £24.75

Available: All day, every day

 

Chishuru

Fitzrovia - 3 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AX

Chishuru comes from chef Adejoké Bakare and it's a Michelin-starred restaurant where the focus is on West African cuisine. It's one of the pricier menus in the guide but really worth it for some exceptionally good cooking. 

The offer: Three courses for £65

Available: Monday - Thurasday only

 

The Ambassador's Clubhouse

Mayfair - 25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BQ

This restaurant comes from the same team behind Mayfair's Gymkhana and features an Indian menu that focuses on the Punjab. The restaurant also looks spectacular, so it's an ideal special occasion place. The menu here can feature dishes like Ranjit Shahi prawn curry with lasooni naan.

The offer: Two courses £36, three courses £45

Available: Monday - Thursday, 5-6pm

 

Town

Covent Garden - 26-29 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5RL

Stevie Parle's Covent Garden restaurant is a great-looking spot with a menu that celebrates British produce and regenerative farming. The "Quick Dinner" is what you're after here, where dishes can be a woodland pork collar with borlotti bean and datterini.

The offer: Two courses £29, three courses £34

Available: Every day

 

Twenty8 Nomad

Covent Garden - 28 Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AT

Set inside the old Bow Street Magistrates Court, this restaurant is in a hugely impressive triple-height room that's flooded with light in the day. The restaurant here takes its inspiration from both London and New York. 

The offer: Two courses for £35

Available: Daily, 4-6pm

 

Poon's

Somerset House, New Wing, Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LA

Amy Poon's revival of her family restaurant inside Somerset House has been a huge hit. The food here celebrates Chinese home cooking and the restaurant is set in a beautiful-looking room. 

The offer: Three dishes and soup for £35

Available: Daily until 6pm

 

DakaDaka

Mayfair - 10 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BX

This restaurant is away from the Regent Street crowds on Heddon Street and is a modern interpretation of Georgian cuisine with open-fire cooking. Their excellent dumplings and red wine ice cream can be found on this set menu. 

The offer: Two courses £29, three courses £33

Available: Tuesday - Friday, 12-6pm

 

J Sheekey

28-34 St. Martin's Court, London WC2N 4AL

This legendary restaurant is often used as a post-theatre haunt for some actors and now they've launched a menu to encourage more, The Post-Theatre Club menu. It's the perfect post-theatre snack with small plates including their great tempura and oysters and you can add on a cocktail like a Negroni or a Twinkle. 

The offer: Two small plates & one cocktail for £21.30

Available: Post theatre, 9pm until close Monday-Saturday

 

Brasserie Zedel

20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED

This huge basement restaurant in the heart of Piccadilly is surprisingly affordable for such a central and lavish looking restaurant. The prix fixe isn't strictly a theatre menu, but still represents a great deal - and it's available all day. 

The offer: Two courses £16.95, three courses £19.95.   

Available: All-day, every day.

 

Clos Maggiore

33 King St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD

Clos Maggiore is often touted as one of the most romantic restaurants in London and is blessed with a fantastic-looking (and heated) courtyard. Expect a modern European menu and a huge wine list too.

The offer: Two courses (with fizz) for £35, three with fizz for £38

Available: Mon - Sunday, 5-6.30pm

 

Hawksmoor Air Street & Hawksmoor Seven Dials

5a Air Street, London, W1J 0AD and 11 Langley Street, London WC2H 9JG

Hawksmoor's two central steak restaurants aren't what' you'd normally consider the most affordable affairs, but their early evening set menu gives you a taste of Hawksmoor at a very good price, and it does include rump steak.

The offer: Two courses £25, three courses £30

Available: Mon-Sat 5pm-6.30pm

 

Sushi Kyu

Soho - 30 Brewer St, London W1F 0SS

Omakase restaurant Sushi Kyu has a special speedy dining experience that's perfect for the pre-theatre crowd. The offering includes a chef’s seasonal appetiser, miso soup, five pieces of nigiri sushi, dessert, and a glass of Black Chalk English Sparkling Wine - or a non-alcoholic alternative.

The offer: £59 for a four-course omakase

Available: Every day, 5.30pm to 6.30pm

 

Estiatorio Milos

St James - 1 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4NW

Dining at this high-end Mediterranean restaurant is normally not the cheapest of experiences, so their pre-theatre menu is a good way to dine there without the high price tag. The pre-theatre menu includes grilled octopus, sea bream and mushroom risotto.

The offer: Three courses for £57

Available: Daily from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

 

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Covent Garden - Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF

With its own restaurant, this is the only theatre in the West End where you can enjoy a three-course menu before heading to a West End show without having to leave the building. Dine at The Lane and enjoy a British menu with vegan and vegetarian alternatives too.

The offer: Three courses, £39.50

Available: Two sittings per show

 

SOLA

Soho - 64 Dean St, London W1D 4QQ

Victor Garvey's Michelin-starred Soho restaurant takes its cues from Californian cuisine for a new theatre menu that features some of the best dishes the restaurant has to offer. The food here is extremely accomplished and the theatre menu itself is one of the best deals in Soho for this level of cooking (it's also available at lunchtime). 

The offer: Three canapes, two dishes and a dessert for £84

Available: Wednesday - Saturday, 5-6pm

 

Toklas

Temple - 1 Surrey Street, London WC2R 2ND

Mediterranean-influenced restaurant Toklas is a great option for pre-theatre dining if you're going to something on the Strand. Plus, if the weather is decent, they have one of the best terraces in the area. Make sure to order the amazing chips as a little extra. 

The offer: 2 courses £26, 3 courses £29

Available: 5:30pm-6:30pm

 

Gaucho

Tower Bridge, Chancery Lane, Piccadilly and Covent Garden

If carbon-neutral steaks and Latin American cuisine are your thing then the brand new pre and post-theatre menus at select Gaucho restaurants will be right up your street.

The offer: Two courses £17.95, three courses £19.95

Available: Daily, between 5pm-6.30pm and 9.30pm-11pm

 

Bocconchino Soho

Soho - 59 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JY

Bocconcino in Soho is a high-ish end modern Italian restaurant with dishes from regions throughout Italy. The three-course menu here lets you choose options of pasta, pizza and more as well as desserts like homemade Sicilian cannolo. 

The offer: 2 courses £30, 3 courses £35

Available: Mon - Fri and Sunday 5-6pm, Mon - Thurs 9.30-10.30pm

 

Kolamba

Soho - 21 Kingly St, London W1B 5QA

This Sri Lankan restaurant in Soho is very popular and they put on a special deal for the pre-theatre crowd. At the time of writing, options included fish cutlets to start with and a rice curry bowl for the main course. 

The offer: 2 courses £20, 3 courses £25

Available: Monday - Friday until 4.30-6pm.

 

Lahpet

Covent Garden - 21 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB

Burmese restaurant Lahpet's express menu has a choice of curries, like king prawn or coconut noodles with chicken and sides that include shan tofu fritters. 

The offer: Curry and side for £17.50

Available: Monday - Friday until 6pm

 

Manzi's

1 Bateman's Buildings, Soho, London W1D 3EN

This huge seafood restaurant in Soho comes from the same group that owns The Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel. It has a dramatic look and the bar's great too. In addition to their set menu there's also an oyster hour that works for a pre-theatre option.

The offer: Three courses and a glass of wine £29.50

Available: Tues to Fri until 6.30pm

 

Mildreds

Covent Garden - 79 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AA

If you're looking for a plant-based/vegan option before heading to the theatre, this outpost of Mildreds is a good bet, with options like a salsa verde burrito and kimchi bokkeumbap on the menu. 

The offer: Two courses for £24, or three for £32

Available: Mon to Fri 3pm - 7pm

 

Balthazar

4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ

Originating in New York, the London Balthazar is a popular Covent Garden destination. Expect brasserie-style food in an impressive dining room.

The offer: 2 courses £24.50, three courses £27.50

Available: Mon - Fri 12-5pm, 8pm - close; Sunday 5pm - close

 

Bocca di Lupo

12 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7BB

Jacob Kenedy's longstanding Soho spot is a top place for seasonal Italian food. Best place to perch? Up at the counter.

The offer: £18 for starter and main, add £6 for dessert.

Available: Monday to Friday until 6.30pm

 

Cafe Murano

Covent Garden - 36 Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PB

This is Angela Hartnett's more casual offering. It serves regionally focused Italian dishes in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Dishes can include mains line spring lamb spezzatino or fregola with steamed mussels & clams.

The offer: Two courses for £30, three for £35.

Available: Monday - Saturday 5pm-7pm

 

Cora Pearl

30 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8NA

This restaurant comes from the same people behind Kitty Fisher's. Expect a modern European menu - and maybe get their famous ham and cheese toastie as an added extra. They'll even ask you what time curtain up for your show is to make sure you don't miss it.

The offer: Two courses for £32, three courses for £35.

Available: 5pm - 6.15pm

 

The Delaunay

55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB

One of the ever-reliable Wolseley Hospitality Group restaurants, this is extremely handy for a pre or post-theatre visit, with a classic central-European menu on offer. They also do special packages with the theatre tickets included. 

The offer: Three courses and a drink for £29.50

Available: The prix fixe is on all the time

 

Ivy Market Grill

1 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8PS 

A spin-off of the London institution, The Ivy, this Covent Garden spot serves up all the usual brasserie fare. Their 1917 heritage set menu is the option to go for when looking for a pre or post-theatre deal. 

The offer: 2 courses £27.95, 3 courses £32.95

Available: Mon-Thurs all day, Fri till 6.30pm.

 

NOPI

21-22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE

One of Yotam Ottolenghi's two main central London restaurants, NOPI serves up a global menu that places particular focus on seasonal produce. 

The offer: Six dishes to share, £46 per person, £67 with wine pairing.

Available: Mon - Fri - until 6:30pm

 

Spring

Somerset House, New Wing, Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LA

This is the late Skye Gyngell's restaurant at Somerset House, where there's a strong focus on sustainability. The set menu is a "scratch" menu that specifically makes use of surplus ingredients. 

The offer: Three courses - £40

Available: Tues-Sat 5.30pm - 6.15pm

 

Sushisamba Covent Garden

The Opera Terrace Covent Garden, The Piazza, London WC2E 8RF

It may not have the view of the City original, but this Sushisamba is in an impressive central Covent Garden position. Here, the food is a mix of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. 

The offer: Three courses £29.50

Available: Daily 12pm - 6pm and after 9pm

 

Wiltons

55 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX

One of London's oldest and most prestigious restaurants, the seasonal menu here may be one of the pricier theatre menus but it does have an option of half a dozen oysters to start. 

The offer: Two courses £47.95, three courses £57.95

Available: Mon - Sat 5.30pm - 6pm

 

 

Victoria 

Heading to a production at the Victoria Palace or Apollo Victoria? Here's where to eat pre and post-performance.

The English Grill

The Rubens at The Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS

If you're looking for something a little more fancy before the theatre, the beautiful room at The English Grill is a great option. The menus here offer a take on British classics, with the lamb croquette being a must-have. 

The offer: Two courses £49, three courses £55

Available: Tuesday - Saturday 5.30-7pm

 

The Palm House

150 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5LB

Part of the big Nova complex, this is a lively place that's particularly good for groups and very close to all the theatres near here.

The offer: Two courses £19.50, three courses £22.50.

Available: Mon-Fri 4pm - 8pm.

 

Lorne

76 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1DE

This restaurant in Victoria is run by a duo consisting of an ex-sommelier from River Cafe and a former chef from Brawn, so expect a particularly good wine list and a modern British seasonal menu to match with it. 

The offer: 2 courses £30, 3 courses £36.

Available: Tues-Sat 5.30pm - 6.15pm

 

Rail House Victoria

8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ

The Victoria sibling to the Riding House Cafe, this is a contemporary brasserie focusing on Modern European and Asian dishes. There's an extensive counter dining area, so it's well worth popping in, even if you haven't booked. 

The offer: The pre-show menu is three courses for £25

Available:  Monday - Saturday for dinner

 

 

South Bank

For all the theatres and performance spaces ranged along the South Bank, these are the handiest restaurants for theatre dinners. 

Gillray's

County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB

One of the higher-end options on the South Bank and with fantastic views across the river, this is a British steakhouse with steak and chips available on their Butcher's Menu. 

The offer: You pick a steak (ranges from £25 - £30) and then choose a sauce and a side.

Available: Mon-Sat 12pm to 6pm.

 

Lasdun

National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX

The people behind Hackney's hugely popular pub, The Marksman also run this restaurant in The National Theatre, making good use of the Brutalist architecture while serving up a menu that celebrates British produce. 

The offer: 2 courses £32, 3 courses £38

Available: 12-2pm and 5-6.30 pm

 

Skylon

Belvedere Rd, Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX

This restaurant on the river is part of the Royal Festival Hall and has huge windows giving a very impressive view of the Thames. The set menu here is the Festival of Britain menu (but it's quite a pan-European take). 

The offer: 2 courses £30, 3 courses £35

Available: 12pm to 6.30pm.

 

 

Tower Bridge

Booked in to see a performance at The Bridge theatre? Here's where to eat close by.

The Coal Shed

One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, London SE1 2RZ

Originally from Brighton, this restaurant is mainly about steak and grilled food and the set menu has a smash burger option available. 

The offer: Two courses £19, three courses £24

Available: Mon-Fri 12pm - 6.30pm

 

Ivy Tower Bridge

One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2AA

The closest restaurant to The Bridge Theatre (it's right next door), this puts the Ivy's modern brasserie offering right in front of Tower Bridge. Opt for their 1917 heritage menu.

The offer: Two courses for £22.95

Available: Mon-Thurs until close, Fri until 6.30pm

 

Le Pont de la Tour

The Butlers Wharf Building, 36d Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE

Just a short walk from The Bridge Theatre, this longstanding restaurant has spectacular terrace views of Tower Bridge and features a modern French menu. 

The offer: Two courses £35, three courses £40

Available: Every day 5.30pm - 6.30pm

 

  

Also see - set lunch deals

Going to a matinee? Here's how you can save money on lunch

 

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