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Post by chrismis on Sept 18, 2016 15:30:06 GMT
I miss the Stockpot in Panton Street. Great value for money and where else could you get soup, liver and bacon and steamed sponge pudding and custard with a cup of tea for under a tenner? Was always full of people going to the theatre and great if you were dining alone. There's still a Stockpot in Old Compton St. as far as I know. I used to eat there regularly about 20 years ago and yes it was amazing value for money! I don't have time for a meal these days on my 'matinee day trips' to London but I have many happy memories of my 'stagey' between show meals there!
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Post by d'James on Sept 18, 2016 15:38:20 GMT
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Post by foxa on Sept 18, 2016 16:13:08 GMT
I'm a fan of Wahaca - there are several. The one right on the South Bank can get crowded, but you can usually find a table at the one near the Old Vic or Covent Garden - but, annoyingly they don't do reservations, so you can be left sipping your passionfruit mojito longer than you might like: www.wahaca.co.uk/locations/
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Post by mallardo on Sept 18, 2016 16:18:17 GMT
Agree on Wahaca - even though it's not "real" Mexican food it's excellent in its own way. The margaritas are certainly real.
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Post by chrismis on Sept 18, 2016 16:23:53 GMT
Oh how sad! It really was a great little place. Thanks for posting the article,it was a lovely reminder of all the very filling 'set' meals I ate there.and a great tribute to the owners. I always felt I'd had a 'healthy' meal because they served 'piles' of veg. with everything!!!
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Post by d'James on Sept 18, 2016 16:32:23 GMT
Yeah. It's a shame, I only went there once. I noticed it was gone earlier this year and found that article soon after. It was a sort of reassuring presence in Soho.
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Post by showgirl on Sept 18, 2016 16:52:59 GMT
I still hanker after the days when Mildred's (vegetarian and vegan cafe, now in Lexington St) was in its original Greek St location. So handy for the West End; the food was tremendous (and cheap and substantial); the waitresses (they were all female) knew me and so on. I did go a couple of times after it moved but it wasn't the same or as easy to access. It was also great for being somewhere a woman on her own could feel completely comfortable, which I'm not in the major chains, ideal though they otherwise are.
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Post by Anniek on Sept 19, 2016 7:36:28 GMT
Benito's hat does good and cheap burrito's, sushi take-aways/subways and chill in the park (When the weather is good), and sometimes I enjoy a steak at Chiquito. Awful atmosphere but the food is pretty good and it's cheap Is he still looking, after over forty six hours, for that perfect place to grab a quick and cheap bite? This reply was so not necessary. I was only trying to help out someone here, maybe he can use my recommendations another time. But I hope you enjoyed pointing this out to me.
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Post by Anniek on Sept 19, 2016 7:39:40 GMT
I totally forgot about Vapiano (wardour street, Great Portland street, Southwark Street; if going to Menier Chocolate/Globe). Good, fresh Italian cuisine
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2016 8:08:46 GMT
If you're going to the Open Air Theatre, then maybe reconsider your winter goals Francesca on Baker Street has good-sized portions of Italian food for a very affordable sum. Maybe not on Vapiano levels, but I'd still go there again.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 19, 2016 8:48:08 GMT
I think they had one in the 70's in the Kings Road and a couple of others? Ate at Panton St many times. (Lets not go overboard, the food was OK but the price was right. Bring back Chicken Kiev!)
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Post by alece10 on Sept 19, 2016 9:51:58 GMT
I think they had one in the 70's in the Kings Road and a couple of others? Ate at Panton St many times. (Lets not go overboard, the food was OK but the price was right. Bring back Chicken Kiev!) Yes I fondly remember the Kings Road one too. Stockpots always served fresh cabbage and carrots whatever you were eating.
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 19, 2016 14:19:49 GMT
I think they had one in the 70's in the Kings Road and a couple of others? Ate at Panton St many times. (Lets not go overboard, the food was OK but the price was right. Bring back Chicken Kiev!) Yes I fondly remember the Kings Road one too. Stockpots always served fresh cabbage and carrots whatever you were eating. Well the cabbage was fresh when they started cooking it! The present and so far only Mrs Snow, must be very tolerant as I believe it was one of the first places I took her for a slap up meal in London's Glamorous West End!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2016 15:51:30 GMT
Yes I fondly remember the Kings Road one too. Stockpots always served fresh cabbage and carrots whatever you were eating. Well the cabbage was fresh when they started cooking it! The present and so far only Mrs Snow, must be very tolerant as I believe it was one of the first places I took her for a slap up meal in London's Glamorous West End! Mrs Snow must be very tolerant, Mr Snow, or else she was just completely and utterly smitten by you (perhaps you are a dish?) from the off...! The Stockpot served up grub. Cheap, and not always cheerful, and you had to share tables before it was fashionable to do so. Good riddance to it? Where do you take her now to impress her? (Please don't say the Angus Steakhouse!)
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 20, 2016 7:47:45 GMT
How nice to be asked. (PS Mrs Snow would no doubt echo Liza Tarbucks line. “Darling you’re simply gorgeous…..in the dark”.) We’re always rushing and a heavy meal with wine before theatre is not a sensible option for me. Zzzzzzz However, 1 When we went to Allegro at the Southwark Playhouse we wandered into the ‘food market’ opposite. There was lots of choice and the standard was better than OK, but it was a really fun thing to find. 2 I mentioned On the Bab above. Been twice, cheap, fast and tasty. onthebab.co.uk/coventgarden/3 As others have said Five Guys is a really good quick burger. 4 Surprise no one has mentioned Joe Allens. It would age me terribly to admit how long ago I first went but have been back several times and its always been really good. They don’t pretend to offer ‘fine dining’ and their menu which has hardly changed looks like the fayre you get offered in most ‘restaurant’s’ these days. But sometime the original is still the best and they execute things very well. www.joeallen.co.uk/PS I think it’s an in joke but the Burger is never actually written on the menu. So if you go with friends who are struggling to choose, tell them the Burger is legendary but it’s to special order only. They will have to ask the Waiter if it’s being served tonight? It works every time. Great place to meet friends the staff ensure you’re welcome. 4 There’s an excellent Tapas place on the street outside of Borough Market which is lovely after a matinee at the Chocolate Factory. Name escapes me? To impress or when time allows. 5 Have been to The Ivy Market Grill a few times. On the main Square in Covent Garden its very convenient and not much more expensive than any of the chain restaurants in London. However, the service has been excellent and the food very tasty. No idea if it has links to a more famous restaurant of a similar name. theivymarketgrill.com/ The same friends who recommended this are also saying we must meet next time at www.thedelaunay.com/6 For the first time last week we ate at The Royal Opera House. Two courses before and cheese in the interval. It was surprisingly good food and service but you do pay for it. For the right occasion we will repeat. www.roh.org.uk/visit/restaurants-and-bars/menu-options-and-prices7 The Savoy has an excellent lunch set price menu in a beautiful room. Bottled water, Wine, supplementary options and service can make a ‘bargain’ surprisingly expensive but everyone should do this once. Since the 2008 crash there are lots of these lunch offers to be had in famous hotels, as apparently bankers now have to work a full day. So you’ll be able to enjoy lunch without prats braying next to you! restaurants.lastminute.com/the-savoy-grill/80221 Does anyone know of a Piano Bar in London? Where people actually sing along?
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Post by avenueqresident on Sept 20, 2016 11:57:13 GMT
Highly recommend Honest Burgers. They have locations between the Stand and Covent Garden and in the heart of Soho (in a tucked away alley). Simple yet delicious affordable options and sit down quick service, make sure you get the bacon ketchup with the rosemary salted chips!
For more adventurous (and still affordable) burger combinations, also try Patty & Bun on Old Compton St!
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Xanderl
Member
Not always very high value in terms of ticket yield or donations
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Post by Xanderl on Sept 20, 2016 14:10:16 GMT
Keep meaning to try them. I also recommend Bleeker Street Burgers who have an open-air outlet on the South Bank under Hungerford Bridge over the summer (probably this weekend is your last chance this year though!)
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Post by Nelly on Sept 20, 2016 14:30:28 GMT
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Post by hal9000 on Sept 22, 2016 17:41:46 GMT
How about pre-theatre dinner Funny Girl, aside from Savoy eateries Gordon Ramsay/etc? May well end up going there because it's for a birthday and we want somewhere nice, but I am thinking of options.
We are slow walkers so maybe somewhere between 5-10 mins on foot?
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Post by poster J on Sept 22, 2016 21:06:31 GMT
Sophie's Steakhouse just up from the Lyceum, or any of the usual chains that side of Covent Garden if you prefer those. Plus Salieri on the Strand as I previously mentioned, and the various chains that also have branches on the Strand.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 22, 2016 21:32:33 GMT
How about pre-theatre dinner Funny Girl, aside from Savoy eateries Gordon Ramsay/etc? May well end up going there because it's for a birthday and we want somewhere nice, but I am thinking of options. We are slow walkers so maybe somewhere between 5-10 mins on foot? I've just come back from dinner at Simpsons on the Strand. Next door to the Savoy. Really nice meal and elegant surroundings. The roasts are on a silver domed trolley and carved at your table
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Post by Mr Snow on Sept 23, 2016 5:03:49 GMT
How about pre-theatre dinner Funny Girl, aside from Savoy eateries Gordon Ramsay/etc? May well end up going there because it's for a birthday and we want somewhere nice, but I am thinking of options. We are slow walkers so maybe somewhere between 5-10 mins on foot? I've just come back from dinner at Simpsons on the Strand. Next door to the Savoy. Really nice meal and elegant surroundings. The roasts are on a silver domed trolley and carved at your table Excellent call. Simpsons is another place everyone should try at least once. I have a biography of Offenbach and there's a letter he wrote from London saying he wouldn't eat anywhere else. They serve game and birds in season with bread sauce etc. Warning prices are 'serious'. It lives upto the 'been here since Victoria was a lass' vibe. Previously mentioned Joe Allen is an easy walk to the Savoy.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 23, 2016 7:00:40 GMT
I've just come back from dinner at Simpsons on the Strand. Next door to the Savoy. Really nice meal and elegant surroundings. The roasts are on a silver domed trolley and carved at your table Excellent call. Simpsons is another place everyone should try at least once. I have a biography of Offenbach and there's a letter he wrote from London saying he wouldn't eat anywhere else. They serve game and birds in season with bread sauce etc. Warning prices are 'serious'. It lives upto the 'been here since Victoria was a lass' vibe. Previously mentioned Joe Allen is an easy walk to the Savoy. Agree it's not a cheap night but I had an offer.3 courses and glass of wine for £30. Considering the venue and quality of food it's not bad as a special treat. Recently went for a pizza at a well known chain. Pizza dessert soft drink each and the bill was £58 for the two of us so not a lot of difference.
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Post by hal9000 on Sept 24, 2016 13:26:03 GMT
Thank you! Simpsons it is.
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Post by samjane92 on Sept 29, 2016 8:31:20 GMT
I love this place, however they have changed it so you can only get the menu up until 5, not 6. If I am going to the theatre its generally from work or between a matinee and evening show so it no longer works. Real shame but there are lots of other options in the area as mentioned so only a loss to Big Easy. Andalucia on panton street does a great pre theatre meal also.
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Post by ctas on Oct 1, 2016 22:08:40 GMT
I'm a big fan of fun deals and while Cote Brasserie is a little average at times I found if you book with Delfont Mackintosh you often get a little voucher at the bottom of your email for a free cocktail for each member of your party. Also of note, if you sign up to Cote's email list you get a free £23 bottle of wine. Their pre-theatre menu is pretty good value too, so my two course dinner out for two with cocktails and a bottle of wine cost me a grand total of around £26 (for both of us, not each) the other day.
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Post by niallpalmer on Oct 2, 2016 18:27:45 GMT
I put this together a while ago if it's of interest - it's on the blog on my signature (sorry it's so long!):
ADELPHI THEATRE The Nell Gwynne 1-2 Bull Inn Ct, London WC2R 0NP Small traditional pub with dark wood & hanging lamps. Tucked away in the small alley beside the main Theatre entrance. Near enough to escape for an interval drink. La Perla 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E Great for pre-show cocktails & Mexican food. Mermaid mural & the best tacos in town. Just a few steps from the Adelphi Stage door.
ALDWYCH THEATRE The Opera Tavern 23 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS Lovely bar and restaurant over two floors, with tapas & charcoal grill. Notable for its Ibérico pork and foie gras burger. From Aldwych Stage Door, head along Tavistock St and right onto Catherine Street. The Delaunay 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB Old-fashioned high-end dining with smartly turned out staff. Crisp white linen and they even serve Schnitzel (possibly with noodles if they’ve seen The Sound of Music).
AMBASSADORS THEATRE The Two Brewers 40 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EP Classic 19th Century Pub a short zig-zag from the Theatre. Traditional cask ales and simple pub grub. Dining Logo Le Beaujolais 25 Litchfield St, London WC2H 9NJ Whilst the downstairs restaurant is members only, the authentically French wine bar is open to all, offering a wonderful assiette de fromage and boeuf bourgignon. Check website for opening times.
APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVE The Lyric 37 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LU A hop, step and jump from the theatre but worth it for the warm welcome and excellent food & craft beers on offer. The Palomar 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN Eclectic flavours of modern Jerusalem. Mosaic & wood surrounds table seating plus the chance to dine at the bar if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. Booking is highly recommended!
APOLLO VICTORIA The area around Victoria Station has been undergoing complete renovation for several years. As a result it’s probably better just to meet either inside the station or directly at the Theatre. If you’re arriving early, then The Cask & Glass at 39/41 Palace Street, Victoria SW1 5HN is worth the 5-10 minute detour. Pre-show, the restaurants in nearby Cardinal Place are decent enough but if you’re looking to eat out after the show, head back into Soho.
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE The Crown Monmouth St, London WC2H 9DD 19th Century pub with tiled exterior. Easily close enough to nip across the cobbled roundabout of Seven Dials for an interval drink. Drinkers spill out on to the pavements in summer. The Hawksmoor 11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG Wonderful steakhouse with set & a la carte menus located in the old Watney-Combe brewery. Features a Monday Wine Club where you can bring your own bottle for £5 corkage.
CRITERION THEATRE The Queen’s Head 15 Denman St, London W1D 7HN Although a pub since 1736, the current Victorian building combines with just a touch of Art Deco away from the crowds. The Queen’s Head offers excellent British pub food just steps from the madness of Piccadilly Circus. San Carlo Cicchetti 215 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HL Seasonal menu of delicious small plates of authentic Italian ingredients to share or eat alone amongst the pretty light grey Italian marble surrounds. Rather expensive but rather gorgeous.
DOMINION THEATRE The Flying Horse 6 Oxford Street, London W1D 1AN The last remaining traditional pub on Oxford Street, the only one in striking distance of the Dominion Theatre and always busy. Designs by Felix de Jong, the leading decorative artist in music hall. Hakkasan 8 Hanway Pl, London W1T 1HD Cantonese delicacies, enhanced by ebony and gold traditionally-drawn panels. One of only two Michelin starred restaurants on our list – priced accordingly but worth every penny.
DONMAR WAREHOUSE The Crown & Anchor 22 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS British cask ales and classic pub grub with large upstairs bar in the heart of Covent Garden’s cobbled streets. Very busy at weekends as you’d expect. Belgo Centraal 50 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LJ Cavernous basement restaurant with vaulted ceilings and waiters dressed as monks serving Moules, Frites and Belgian beers. Right opposite the theatre, if you dined any nearer you’d be on the stage.
DUCHESS THEATRE The Opera Tavern 23 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS See Aldwych Theatre for details Joe Allen 13 Exeter St, London WC2E 7DT A Theatreland staple with backstreet entrance. Downstairs you’ll find a classic American menu, walls strewn with Theatre memorabilia, resident pianists and at least one or two famous faces.
DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE The Harp 47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS Full of charm, beer, cider and sausages. Space is tight but there’s seating upstairs. In summer, drinkers spill out into the alley behind. Barrafina 10 Adelaide Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HZ Top notch tapas where you can see your food being prepared before your eyes. You may have to wait to be seated, but worth it for the grilled sardines, stuffed courgette flower and suckling pig.
FORTUNE THEATRE The Coach & Horses 020 7240 0553 (No website) 42 Wellington St, London WC2E 7BD Compact Victorian pub serving excellent Guinness and whisky in a narrow-fronted local almost hidden behind flowering baskets. Sarastro 126 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5SU Deliciously flamboyant with Opera boxes and Turkish/Mediterranean menu. Live music and décor that’s often in danger of upstaging the show itself.
GARRICK THEATRE The Bear & Staff 10-12 Bear St, London WC2H 7AS Ignore the Garrick Arms being next door, and head up Charing Cross Road to the Bear & Staff. Good pre-theatre menu and pleasing to see a decent choice for vegetarians too! Cork & Bottle Wine Bar 44-46 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AN Don Hewitson and Will Clayton have built up a staggering selection of fine wines from around the world. Choose an honest Shepherd’s Pie or stylish Charcuterie. Enchanting little Bistro.
GIELGUD THEATRE The White Horse 020 7437 5745 (No website) 45 Rupert St, Soho, London W1D 7PB The type of “spit & sawdust” pub that is fast disappearing as Soho increasingly becomes homogenised and rents go into the stratosphere. Randall & Aubin 14- 16 Brewer St, London W1F 0SG Seafood, oysters & modern British cuisine. Great atmosphere, service and if you can stretch your budget, a mighty fine Lobster!
HAROLD PINTER THEATRE The Tom Cribb 36 Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA Tom Cribb, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was once publican here. A plaque outside marks his career. Inside, a warm welcome awaits with real ales and fish finger sandwiches for lunch. Kanada-Ya 3 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DL The best Ramen in London. Very small inside and at times you may have to queue. Busaba Eathai along the road is also excellent if the line is too big.
HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE Vista 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS Blow the budget with cocktails at the nearby Trafalgar Hotel. One of the world’s best rooftop bars with panoramic views from Nelson’s Column to the Royal Opera House. Chop Shop 66 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4RF A carnivore’s paradise. Not the lightest on the wallet, but made up for with excellent service and so close to the Theatre that you can almost smell the greasepaint…
LONDON COLISEUM The Lemon Tree 4 Bedfordbury, London WC2N 4BP Pretty little pub right beside the Coliseum stage door. Stand outside and you’ll often hear the sound of ENO’s singers wafting down from their dressing rooms. Thai Pot 1 Bedfordbury, London WC2N 4BP Established in 1992, again, this is right beside the stage door. The kitchen also supplies food for the Lemon Tree next door. Authentic Thai menu and great value. Highly recommended.
LONDON PALLADIUM The White Horse 16 Newburgh St, Soho, London W1F 7RY Look for the art deco exterior and prancing horse. Yards from London’s iconic Carnaby St, chat over pint of real ale and a Gloucester Old Spot sausage. Dishoom 22 Kingly St, London W1B 5QB Set curiously around a 1960s retro/colonial style living room, you’ll be hard pushed to find better Indian cuisine anywhere in London.
LYCEUM THEATRE The Wellington 351 Strand, London WC2R 0HS Edwardian pub with marble exterior and long wooden bar. Terrace outside. Food has mixed reviews, but you can’t beat the location. Joe Allen 13 Exeter St, London WC2E 7DT See Duchess Theatre for details
LYRIC THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE The Lyric 37 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LU See Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for details Bocca di Lupo 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB Choose from dozens of Italian classics like lamb sweetbreads and sea bream carpaccio, freshly prepared in an open kitchen. There’s a one-dish pre-theatre menu – otherwise go Dutch and share a selection of the delicious small plates.
NEW LONDON THEATRE Lowlander Grand Café 36 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5RR Super selection of Belgian Beers in a stylish and vibrant grand café. Go European with a Continental Sausage Platter or Vegetable Hutsepot. Busy at weekends, as you’d expect, but always fun. Jar Kitchen 176 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QF Small, friendly restaurant with a local, seasonal and low waste philosophy. If that all sounds a bit serious, don’t worry: the food is fun & delicious. Limited opening hours – check online.
NOEL COWARD THEATRE The Salisbury 90 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4AP Victorian pub oozing character, once known as “the actor’s pub” and built on a former prize-fighting site. Etched glass and carved mahogany remain although fish & chips now replace the fisticuffs! Koha Restaurant & Bar 11 St. Martins Ct, London WC2 4AJ Better known as Café Koha, this family run Theatreland favourite sits in a little alleyway between two stage doors. Also home to the Show Off piano bar.
NOVELLO THEATRE Cellar Door Zero Aldwych, London WC2E 7DN Once a public toilet, this tiny subterranean cocktail bar now plays host to cabaret artistes and burlesque shows. Mirrored walls and dark interiors where once Wilde, Gielgud and Joe Orton loitered. Joe Allen 13 Exeter St, London WC2E 7DT See Duchess Theatre for details
THE OLD VIC The Penny 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB Beneath the Old Vic you’ll find a café and coffee shop which turns into a late night beer & wine bar and stays open until 1am (2am at weekends) attracting a funky crowd & occasional thespian. Meson Don Felipe 53 The Cut, London SE1 8LF Classic Tapas bar/restaurant. Very laid back with live guitar music most nights and just a few minutes along The Cut from the theatre.
PALACE THEATRE The Spice of Life 6 Moor St, London W1D 5NA Victorian, wood panelled pub right beside the theatre, with a good selection of ale and live music in the basement. You might even bump in to the cast of the new Harry Potter play. Le Beaujolais 25 Litchfield St, London WC2H 9NJ See Ambassadors Theatre for details
PEACOCK THEATRE The Ship Tavern 12 Gate St, London WC2A 3HP Mahogany-panelled 16th century pub 5 minutes walk past Lincoln’s Inn Fields onto Gate St. Quaff a fine cask ale and snaffle a scotch egg while soaking up five hundred years of history. Coopers Restaurant 49 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PF A well-kept secret, Coopers is the haunt of barristers from the nearby Inns of Court. Don’t let that put you off – relaxed, unobtrusive service and great food. Weekdays only.
PHOENIX THEATRE Phoenix Artist Club 1 Phoenix St, London WC2H 8BU Private Members club but open to the public before 8pm. Frequented by artistic types and many a West End turn. Socialising doesn’t get more theatrical than this. Flat Iron 9 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LS Top notch steaks & unruffled service in an industrial/brick setting which still manages to keep a sense of style and flair. Great value.
PICCADILLY THEATRE The Queen’s Head 15 Denman St, London W1D 7HN See Criterion Theatre for details Brasserie Zédel 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED Grand French art deco restaurant offering à la carte and prix fixes menus from 11.30am until midnight. Home to Crazy Coqs, one of London’s foremost cabaret & jazz venues.
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Gordon’s Wine Bar 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE Wonderfully atmospheric venue, full of candle-lit nooks and crannies. A simple bread and cheese plate for two goes perfectly with any of the fine wines on offer. Delightful terrace. The Northall 10a Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5AE Lavish hotel restaurant with a surprisingly affordable Theatre Menu. High ceilings, excellent service and marvellous food make the perfect start – or end – to any theatre trip.
PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The Spice of Life 6 Moor St, London W1D 5NA See Palace Theatre for details Gauthier Soho 21 Romilly St, London W1D 5AF Michelin star dining in this fine Georgian townhouse. A home away from home – that’s assuming you’re lucky enough to live with a Michelin-starred chef. Closed Sunday/Monday.
PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE The Tom Cribb 36 Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA See Harold Pinter Theatre for details Busaba Eathai 35 Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA Consistently great Thai treats from this reasonably priced chain. Location, location, location – you’ll be hard pressed to find better food so close to Leicester Square.
QUEEN’S THEATRE The Theatre Café 66 Shaftesbury Ave, London, England W1D 6LX You won’t find alcohol here – just scrumptious cakes, coffee and fellow theatre lovers draped over sofas or sat along the benches in the windows. Great for watching theatricals go by. Tao Tao Ju 15 Lisle Street, Chinatown, London WC2H 7BE Cross Shaftesbury Avenue to experience the amazing sights and smells of Chinatown. Pass Gerrard St and turn left into Lisle St to find Tao Tao Ju – excellent Cantonese food in an upmarket setting.
SAVOY THEATRE The Coal Hole 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW Formerly the coal cellar from the Savoy Hotel, this enormous Victorian pub once hosted performances by Gilbert & Sullivan. Simpson’s in the Strand 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW Beautiful Grand Divan where waiters bring antique silver-domed trolleys to your table to carve 28 day aged beef. Patrons have included Dickens, Bernard Shaw and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
SHAFTESBURY THEATRE The Old Crown 33 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BH The Craft Beer Co. and The Crown at number 51 but we’ve chosen The Old Crown on the corner of New Oxford & Museum Street for the delicious burgers, comfy Chesterfields and haunted staircase. Da Mario 63 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9AJ Little family-run restaurant in London, serving great truffle pasta and the best Tiramisu outside of Mama Italia! Cosy, and proper old-school…highly recommended by the Shaftesbury box office.
ST MARTIN’S THEATRE The Two Brewers 40 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EP See Ambassadors Theatre for details The Ivy 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ Harlequin windows and the chance to dine with the Hollywood A-Listers. The Ivy’s name comes from the suggestion that “we all cling together like ivy” during the war. Booking essential. Dress code.
ST JAMES THEATRE The Cask & Glass 39/41 Palace Street, Victoria SW1 5HN Tiny little pub adorned with flower boxes and hanging baskets. One for the railway enthusiast with its photos of nearby Victoria Station, beloved also of locals and the odd escaped civil servant or MP. Phoenix in Victoria 14 Palace St, London, Victoria SW1E 5JA Busy gastro-pub serving Burgers, Steaks and Venison Stew. Despite mixed reviews online, the Phoenix is right beside the theatre and sometimes there’s a lot to be said for sheer proximity!
THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE Nell of Old Drury 29 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS Rumour has it there’s a secret passage leading from the Theatre into the cellar here. That might well be true judging by the number of cast & crew that pop up. You can even order interval drinks! The Crusting Pipe 27 Clare Market, Covent Garden WC2E 8RD We’ve chosen the Crusting Pipe for its location downstairs in Covent Garden’s historic Piazza. You’ll often hear string quartets playing and the occasional Opera Diva singing for their supper.
THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET The Admiralty 66 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS Set over three floors, the perfect place to watch the tourists clambering over Trafalgar Square’s sleeping Lions. As you’d expect, busy at most times of day. Brumus Bar & Restaurant 1 Suffolk Place, London SW1Y 4HX Stylish restaurant in the lovely Haymarket Hotel, with well-rehearsed staff who appreciate the importance of timing for pre-theatre dining. Elegant with great value fixed menu.
TRAFALGAR STUDIOS Walkers of Whitehall 15 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DD Re-opening in June 2016 following a complete refurb. Lovely pub in a quiet courtyard that most people hurrying along Whitehall miss. Café in the Crypt Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN Cross Trafalgar Square to the brick vaulted Café in the Crypt in nearby St Martin In The Fields. Basic self-service refectory, but so atmospheric – and a fraction of the price of nearby restaurants.
VAUDEVILLE THEATRE The Nell Gwynne 1-2 Bull Inn Ct, London WC2R 0NP See Adelphi Theatre for details Rules 34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB The oldest restaurant in London, this is the place where Charles Dickens came to write and Elaine Stritch learned of the death of Noel Coward. Excellent service and classic British menu.
VICTORIA PALACE Currently undergoing refurbishment
WYNDHAM’S THEATRE Koha Restaurant & Bar 11 St. Martins Ct, London WC2 4AJ See Noël Coward Theatre for details J Sheekey Restaurant 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL Fine fish, oysters and fruits de mer. A favourite haunt of actors & producers. Come for the set lunch menu and oyster bar – just don’t forget there’s a show to go to afterwards!
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4,369 posts
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Post by Michael on Oct 2, 2016 19:29:03 GMT
Mostly Starbucks. Sometimes it's a bit tricky to find one with a free comfy armchair, but I know of a few that are usually not that overcrowded. I usually carry a book and/or my iPad with me, so I read a few pages, surf the internet or watch some films or TV series.
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2,570 posts
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Post by viserys on Oct 2, 2016 20:14:31 GMT
I'm never not in the mood for food. Ahem.
In the West End I usually go to Foyle and poke around the bookshelves. Since I bought a Kindle I don't lug books home by the suitcase load anymore, but I enjoy finding inspiration in the various departments, browse shelves and so on.
If I'm outside the West End for one show, I usually enjoy the long walk back to the West End (or wherever I am in the evening), get some exercise and fresh air in and have time to mull over the show I've just seen.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2016 7:48:08 GMT
I book two-show days, and walk between theatres, so that takes up a lot of my between-show time. Otherwise, I too am a fan of sitting and reading. The National has been quite a good base for me in the past for just settling down with a book to kill a few hours, though the arrival of more eating establishments and the removal of the comfy chairs does make me feel awfully like they don't want me sitting and reading if they can't monetise that somehow. I have been known to hang out in the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery too. They're free to enter (useful if you need the loo but resent paying for the privilege), super convenient for the West End, and because they're always so reliably there, I don't feel like I'm messing around or wasting time or anything if I only spend a little time looking at only a couple of rooms of paintings. If you're a musician, Denmark Street is a GREAT place to waste time, I love browsing sheet music and trying out instruments that are way too expensive for me to buy.
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