One of the most popular reasons to visit London is for its world-class theatre. So when you’re off to see a show, make a night (or day) of it and enjoy a delicious meal before curtain's up. Here are some pre-theatre dining suggestions for restaurants located in London’s most vibrant theatre districts, with something for every taste and budget, starting with Covent Garden.
Pre-theatre dining in Covent Garden
Located right in the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is the place to go for the hottest theatre and musical shows. In just a few short steps you can jump between the
Adelphi Theatre,
Lyceum Theatre,
Novello Theatre,
Savoy Theatre,
Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the
Royal Opera House. Here are just a few local restaurants for those on a budget – and those looking to splash out.
Pre-theatre dining in Covent Garden on a budget
Don’t let the premium Covent Garden piazza location and swanky red leather interiors dissuade you from grabbing a swift bite here before a show. Pay for a two-course meal with a £20 note and you’ll be given a handful of change back.
Tucked away on a side street near the piazza, this swanky yet casual restaurant has more than 20 pizza creations to choose from, each representing a city from across the globe. Order the ‘London’ for a Cumberland sausage, streaky bacon, Portobello mushroom and runny egg combination. The kids menu will keep little ones full until bedtime too.
Serving up delicious pan-Asian cuisine, Inamo is a restaurant for anyone who loves to play with their food. Orders are made via an interactive menu beamed directly onto the table, the surface of which also keeps diners entertained with games and a live video stream from the kitchen. Book ahead for money-saving offers.
Splashing out on pre-theatre dining in Covent Garden
Located on The Strand, STK is living proof that steak restaurants are not all stuffy, antiquated, masculine affairs. In keeping with the glamorous, modern interior, guests are required to dress up – which, if you’re off to the theatre, you probably will be anyway. Arrive early to sneak in a cocktail at the Radio rooftop bar, before enjoying one of the premium steak dishes on offer.
Polpo’s small chain of classy restaurants has been awarded the Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide for six years running. And no wonder when you sample the simple but delicious Italian food, served on shareable small plates with young Italian wines.
London’s oldest restaurant, Rules offers diners a meaty range of game, fish and beef dishes, in a setting befitting of its lasting legacy. It also has an impressive range of old and new world wines to sample, available by the glass.
