A leading light on the local restaurant scene, The Jugged Hare is as good for post-work drinks and casual dinners as it is for something a little more special. With stag's heads adorning the bare brick walls and strung-up rabbits by the toilets, this spot's seasonal menu boasts top-quality game like grouse, wild duck, and venison shank with crushed turnip cake and Cumberland sauce. Don't skip the titular jugged hare – a vibrant concoction served with creamy mash, cabbage, and bacon. Fancy something sweet? Desserts feature goodies like sweet banoffee pie with salted caramel drizzle. Duck in to their cosy dining area for classic British eats, killer Sunday roasts, and even whisky pairing evenings.

A dream location for all your pre and post-theatre eating needs, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms offers bright, swish interiors and a tasty set menu to match. Tuck into three delicious courses for as little as £18, all made with seasonal ingredients, and washed down with a range of tipples from their impressive bottle list. Their gorgeous menu serves delicacies like Chiswell bouillabaisse, slow-cooked Scottish black face lamb shoulder with red wine jus and pan-seared Suffolk chicken breast.

Looking for something less fussy? All Bar One offers affordable cocktails and easy eats just moments from the Barbican. Pop-in before a gig, or on the way home from work, and get stuck into simple dishes done well, including burgers, salads and pub classics. Their drinks menu is famous UK-wide, with cocktails like the Watermelon Picante, mixed with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, watermelon syrup, and Ancho Reyes Green Chilli liqueur, as well as the Caribbean rum-infused Banana Mai Tai.

Searching for bars near The Barbican? Iberica in Farringdon is a brilliant shout, especially if you love tapas restaurants. Under the direction of the group's three Michelin star winning executive chef Nacho Manzano, the kitchen at this swish restaurant showcases a fusion of signature dishes and new-century tapas. From spring onion tempura with lemon aioli and soy to the epic chorizo lollipops with pear aioli, the menu offers a blend of classics and innovative creations. Additionally, a gorgeous selection of cheeses, cured meats, and preserved fish pays homage to Spain's rich gastronomic traditions; don't sleep on their vino options as well. 

On the hunt for cocktail bars and restaurants near The Barbican Centre? A fairytale spot in the heart of Holborn, The Fable is a unique bar, restaurant, deli and florist that caters to all, young and old. Taking inspiration from Aesop's Fables, this place is decked out with tons of storybook-related decor, twinkling candelabras, grand staircases and fancy flower-shaped chandeliers. The drink menu features unique beers and whimsical cocktails like Princess Rossini, made with Tanqueray gin, sloe, vermouth, blackberry, vanilla, and Prosecco to sip on while you revel in their fancy foodie bits such as breaded sea bass fillets and sweet duck steamed bao buns.

Located inside the building itself, Barbican Brasserie By Searcys is one of the best restaurants near The Barbican if you're looking for pre-theatre dinner or just a few aperitivos to whet your whistle. A bright, windowed dining room offers unparalleled views of your brutalist surroundings, while the menu fronts decadent Italian eats to tuck into. Led by Head Chef Clifton D'Souza, indulge in a steal of a deal: two courses for £26 or three for £31. The menu is bursting with freshly made plates brimming with seasonal ingredients like nduja-stuffed chicken roulade with leek, borlotti beans, and marsala or rib-eye steak with sundried tomato puree, eryngii mushrooms, and pecorino—take your pick. Sweet tooth calling? The dark chocolate and matcha cannoli with poached blackberry is a must-try.

Overlooking London's iconic Smithfield market in the City of London, Balfour St Bart's is a traditional pub sporting high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Located just a short walk from Barbican station, this sprawling bar and restaurant is promising more than a few post-office pints. With a menu of delicious, wholesome dishes, classic cocktails and an amazing line up of craft beers and wine, it's a pub to make the most of. Come down to indulge in their delicious smokehouse concept, featuring tender, smoked meats that melt in the mouth and succulent burgers with a smoky kick. Thirsty? Pair your meal with craft beer or Balfour Winery's very own wine from Kent.

Vinoteca is a top-notch wine emporium with a flair for smart brasserie cooking. They offer an extensive selection of over 250 wines from around the world, including helpful annotations to guide your choice. Inspired by wine bars in Southern Europe, this cosy haunt is a vino lover's paradise. Set in inviting British surroundings, their menu features a changing array of European gourmet dishes, such as crispy confit duck and Cornish hake, each expertly paired with a recommended glass of wine. 

For over a decade, Piano Smithfield has been the go-to spot for a fun and affordable Broadway-style experience. Offering live music every day of the week, it's is the perfect post-work bolthole for those looking to escape a dreary day. Bringing together some of the best musicians in London and excellent cocktails in a slick and refined space, it's got your relaxing evening all sorted. Channel your inner Liza Minnelli or Frank Sinatra, surrounded by the lively atmosphere created by London's finest piano players and singers. It's the perfect escape from the mundane, a chance to immerse yourself in a unique experience that you won't find on your TV screen.