Full of bright lights and tangible anticipation, London’s West End continues to lead the way for theatre, ballet and opera performances all across the globe. With more than 40 venues showing a variety of entertaining productions, there truly is something for everyone in the London theatre scene.
Back when Shakespeare’s Globe was the very height of British entertainment, audiences are known to have purchased food and drink before and during the performance like ale, nuts, and gingerbread. Of course, over the years our tastes have become more refined, but theatre and food still very much go hand in hand. A beautiful meal before an evening at the theatre has become a practised tradition among many stage-enthusiasts and as such many of London’s best restaurants have set up entire menus for precisely this occasion. Three courses and a cocktail are the perfect way to avoid entering the famed West End venues feeling hungry and to ensure you can remain fully focused on the high-quality performances taking place on the stage.
Given the staggering number of people vying for a reservation in some of London’s most lavish pre-theatre hotspots, competition for bookings can often be tricky. In order to snag a table at one of the city’s best restaurants, an up-to-date guide to pre-theatre dining is essential. Here is a list of the top five spots across the city where you are sure to be served an incredible meal before a trip to the theatres.
The Petersham, Covent Garden
The Petersham in Covent Garden is the perfect pre-theatre dining spot for anyone attending a show at the Royal Opera House, as it is only a four-minute walk away. A sister site to Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, this Covent Garden eatery had expertly shifted from a charming café-conservatory into the ideal pre-theatre restaurant. Past the nursery and tapas in La Goccia is a chandelier lit dining room full of cast iron furniture and fresh flowers. The menu is as vibrant as the décor with starters such as green watercress soup full of colourful vegetables like pink fir potatoes, or a flavourful saffron risotto with peas and asparagus. With mains like Haye Farm lamb or Cornish pollock with pesto, exceptional service and a quiet, pre-theatre slot, enjoying a delicious meal before a play has never been easier.
Spring, Somerset House
If you are planning to attend a play at either The Savoy Theatre or The Lyceum Theatre, look no further than Spring which is only a few seconds away from both. Owned by acclaimed Michelin-star chef Skye Gangell and following her philosophy of minimal waste, menus are exclusively online as they change from day to day. There is an emphasis on seasonality as well as an homage to the restaurant’s namesake in the pre-theatre menu with its crisp seasonal dishes. Dainty breadbaskets are available and contain soft, fresh sourdough and seven-seed rye bread. Portion size is perfect and sustainable, with the previous day’s trimmings playing a large role, like in the smooth house made pasta with fresh tomatoes or in the juicy beef meatballs covered in beetroot leaves and taleggio sauce. There is plenty of room for a delicious pudding to round out a great dining experience.
The Delaunay, Holborn
For those attending a musical at the Aldwych Theatre, The Delaunay restaurant is only a one-minute walk away, making it the perfect choice for a pre-theatre meal. With its glorious infusion of Viennese culture and French bistro ambiance, The Delaunay has a distinct New York feel that is simultaneously grand and classic. The menu comes in two or three courses but service and attention to detail is impeccable even in the pre-theatre rush. Options include smoked salmon or roast tomato soup to start, followed by mushroom stroganoff, grilled chicken or smoked haddock kedgeree with a poached egg. There is also a selection of deserts to choose from such as a decadent sachertorte. But what really gives The Delaunay its shine is the extensive drinks menu with wines such as magnums, ports and sherry from numerous locations.
Frenchie, Covent Garden
Located just a five-minute walk away from The Adelphi, Frenchie is the sister spot to the Michelin-star Parisian restaurant on Rue de Nil. With sherbet-coloured chairs and a long, sleek bar, Frenchie is a real taste of Paris in the heart of Covent Garden. Parmesan gougères and the infamous bacon scones served with warm syrup and clotted cream are served before the starters. Then there’s the option of a fresh watermelon gazpacho with feta, sweet peach and basil, or a heartier option in handmade pappardelle with lamb ragu. A popular main meal is seared cod, courgette and beans in a lovely bisque with the option of additional sides such as pureed potatoes. With an assortment of drinks to choose from, a favourite is the ‘Frenchman in NY’ which includes gin and an Earl Grey and lemon-verbena liqueur.
Claridge’s, Mayfair
Finally, a mere ten-minute walk from the London Palladium is the iconic Claridge’s hotel, with a dining room as opulent as the building itself. Decked in tall blooms, classic stained-glass windows, vivid green leather chairs and statement lighting, Claridge’s is one of the most iconic pre-theatre establishments in the city. With its impressive symmetrical marble-topped bar and wide selection of drinks to match like the spicy margarita, Claridge’s is ideal for pre-dinner drinks. It also boasts extensive, three-course menus that start with warm bread and butter and a starter of ham hock terrine, fresh beetroot salad or cauliflower velouté with smoked salmon. Highlights from the selection of main meals are the beef cheek bourguignon and creamy mashed potatoes with gravy and the vegetarian option of spinach and ricotta agnolotti. And if, after all of that, there’s room for dessert, there is a warm chocolate souffle or a beautiful pavlova to choose from.
Pre-theatre dining is a great way to start what is bound to be a lovely evening on the West End. Conveniently located restaurants are a must, and with the vast array of critically acclaimed eateries spread across London there is absolutely no need to sacrifice quality for closeness when you can simply have both.
