Pre Theatre Dinner in London

Heading out to catch a theatre show in London, and want to find a good place to eat or drink before the action? Well you've come to the right place. From restaurants promising pre-theatre discounts, offers and deals, to the hottest places to eat in London - there are some fantastic West End bars and restaurants, just waiting to be discovered. Take a look at our picks below for the best places for a pre-theatre dinner in London, check out the deals and discounts available, then make a booking online.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 11th June 2024




Vapiano Tottenham Court Road

Picture this: you've booked to see a show in the city and you're in need of an affordable meal beforehand that's not too far away. Well, you're in luck with Vapiano's Tottenham Court Road and West End locations as they're within close proximity to some of London's most iconic theatres. Customise your own pasta by choosing the shape, and look forward to light sourdough pizzas, lasagne and more.

Be At One Piccadilly Circus

Fancy Extra Long Happy Hour? (Requires an app Download) and 1 other offer

If you fancy a lavish drink before your show in the Soho area, Be At One Soho delivers consistently delicious cocktails in their buzzing bar that is sure to get you in the mood to be dressed up for your favourite show. For those closer to the West End or the famous Lion King theatre head to the friendly Be At One Covent Garden. You must be warned that going there during the happy hours means risking missing the show because of the fun you'll be having. To ensure that you start off your night of theatre is hassle-free; book a place here.

Karma Sanctum Soho

If you're looking for a pre-theatre restaurant in Soho, swish hotel Karma Sanctum could be the perfect spot. The Warwick Street beauty offers a dedicated menu for early evening diners that includes two course of delicious Japanese eats and a glass of fizz. 

Mulberry Bush

Located within a stone's throw of the water's edge, Mulberry Bush is a trusty gastropub favourite from the guys at Young's. Decorated head chef Roger Vincent specialises in seasonal foods and tasty daily changing specials, and there's a cracking choice of beers and an ever-rotating guest ale list if you're just planning on dropping in for a drink before heading to the theatre.

Prelude By Oriole

For a light pre-theatre dinner in Covent Garden, visit the mysterious speakeasy Prelude by Oriole, named after an exotic bird. It provides a glamorous space with tropical wallpaper and plush leather seating to enjoy an award-winning drink, as well as some Nikkei-inspired small plates like chickpea chips with aioli, sirlion sando with tonkatsu chipotle and burnt matcha cheesecake. 

Inamo Covent Garden

Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £49.95 per person and 2 other offers

Inamo is a forward-thinking restaurant group promising interactive table-tops, beautiful Pan-Asian cuisine and oriental themed cocktails. Their Covent Garden restaurant is located within a stone's throw of some of the West End's most iconic theatres. A great place to have dinner before the show, they also have a range of restaurant deals including a 2 course for £10 lunch offer, and 3 courses for £20 dinner offer.

Walkers of Whitehall

Walkers of Whitewall is sat in the middle of Britain's political hub, only a stone's throw away from Trafalgar Square, and offers the city's busy crowds delicious dishes created using only the finest ingredients that can be found in London. From cumin leg of lamb to bavette steak served with chimichirra, they chefs have let their imagination flow, adding slight twists to a number of traditional gastro dishes. Only a short, idyllic walk away from the city's West End, this is an ideal spot for anyone looking for a pre-theatre dinner in London.  

Opium

Located behind a nondescript jade green door in Chinatown, Opium is the cocktail bar and dim sum parlour that's on everyone's lips when it comes to seductive sips and a bite to eat. But did you know that it also offers a tempting pre-theatre menu? For £25 per person, you can enjoy two dim sum baskets (think crab and samphire dumplings and Cantonese BBQ pork buns) and a signature cocktail, like the grapefruit gin-based Mind The Gap. 

The Botanist

Bottomless Brunch at Botanist Sloane Square

The Botanist is a sophisticated drinking and dining spot in Sloane Square. Serving up classic British dishes and bespoke cocktails, it is the perfect spot to visit before the theatre. The Cadogan Hall pre-theatre special makes it even better! If you're planning on seeing a show at the Cadogan Hall you can receive a special discounted rate on the pre-theatre menu. Book your table online in advance and enjoy an evening at one of London's best restaurant bars!

May Fair Bar

Set Menu 2 dishes £25

Looking to dine in style before heading to the theatre? Then check out May Fair Bar and Kitchen, close to Green Park station, found in the iconic hotel of the same name. Their menu bends Japanese and Italian cuisines, featuring dishes like wild mushroom risotto, black cod with chilli salsa or crispy aubergine coated in ginger. As for the drinks, don't miss out on their enticing cocktails - we recommend the raspberry and cherry blossom sour.

Balans - Various Sites

Before the show, come to Balans to enjoy a delicious European meal surrounded by moody candlelight, and after the show – you can come back for more food until the early hours of the morning.