Planning a trip to the theatre in London, but don’t really know where to go for after the theatre drinks? London is a cultural hub in terms of great theatre, with some of the best shows in the world, so you won’t be lacking of choice for musical, dramatic or comedic entertainment. But don’t fret; ‘theatreland’ has much more to offer in terms of post theatre bars in London. If you don’t want your night to end right away, there are plenty of post theatre drinking spots in London. Here are some recommendations of bars near theatres where you can take advantage of special deals and simply have somewhere to discuss the spectacle while sipping some delicious cocktails.
Great drinks, incredible street food, and a prime location on London's South Bank - The Understudy brings it all together. With an ever-changing selection of craft beers, expertly mixed cocktails, and food from KERB's best traders, this is the kind of place where one drink turns into an all-night affair.
Tuck into Meltdown's signature burgers, slurp on Sen Noods' ramen, or snack on Sireli's halloumi fries while soaking up the buzzing atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the Apollo Victoria, this weird and wonderful hotel bar is as chic as it is kitsch. Fronting leopard print everything and a stunning Champagne list, it's the perfect way to treat yourself to a few post-show cocktails.
This space is exclusively available for private hire, so it's great for large groups after the theatre. Their dedicated events team can cater to all your needs, and there's a tasty canape menu is you get hungry.
After enjoying a dazzling show in the heart of the city, elevate your London experience at Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, located at the top of Page 8 Hotel. This exquisite venue boasts a breathtaking view of the city, enhanced by the warm glow of golden lighting and the stylish charm of burnt orange furnishings. You'll find a droolworthy selection of plates on the a la carte menu here, including Jersey oysters to begin, then salt marsh lamb rack or a light chicken and avocado salad washed down with a classic cocktail (think negronis and margaritas).
Whether you're watching The Book of Mormon or Motown, VQ should be on your radar when it comes to dinner. Serving up substantial meals at reasonable prices, you can find almost anything that you want as their menu takes you from day to night at ease.
Steps from the West End theatres, The Marlborough Head is ideal for grabbing a bite or a drink before or after a show. From hearty pies to classic fish and chips, the menu pairs perfectly with a pint of cask ale, a glass of wine, or a cold beer.
Cosy corners, a bustling bar, and a friendly atmosphere make it a quintessential London stop-off, whether you're meeting friends, winding down after a performance, or just soaking up the theatreland energy.
Right in the heart of the National Theatre, Lasdun is perfect for post-show dinner. From the brains behind the iconic East London public house, The Marksman, the modern dining room is perfect for business lunches, date nights and all kinds of celebration too.
Both the a la carte and set menus focus on British classics with a twist. We're talking braised ox cheek, smoked sea trout, whole Dover sole and Herefordshire ribeye.
With a British theme and intriguing art work, Scoff & Banter makes for a great choice for post-theatre bites. Try the shepherd's pie or fish and chips for quintessential UK dining.
If you're on the hunt for top-notch boozers in Holborn, LOCKES is a great shout for post-theatre drinks. You can settle into stylish and swish interiors all while sipping back espresso martinis, pina coladas and other classic cocktails.
The Balans Society Café is in the ideal place for some post-theatre food, or even a few eccentric cocktails or two. With venues in Soho and Seven Dials, you're sure to find something within stumbling distance of Theatreland.
You don't need to go far after your show to discover Forza Wine, as it's located within the National theatre itself. Their charming outdoor terrace boasts amazing views of Thames, while the spacious interior is perfect for relaxing with friends.
They offer one of the widest selections of wine around, as well as killer cocktails and mocktails. And if you're feeling peckish, their menu includes everything from whipped cod's roe to burrata and anchovies on toast or bavette with salsa verde.
Treated yourself to a night of theatre in the West End, and need somewhere to discuss the show? Head over to The Dilly in Piccadilly. This classy haunt offers a slick, speakeasy vibe, as well as fun cocktails, live entertainment and so much more.
Located on Leicester Square, Dovetail Bar At Empire Casino is a top choice for late-night sips following a night at the theatre. The sultry space is filled with comfy leather seating and dark wooden furnishings, and there's even a rooftop terrace that looks out over the bustling streets below.
There are DJ sets here on a regular basis, and the bar is open until 2 or 3am. Plus, they offer cocktail masterclasses with their expert bartenders.
Take your post-show drinks to Opium, a decadent West End den that's sure to hit the spot for creative cocktails and other spirit-laced drinks. But that's not all, as showing a theatre ticket for that day will also get you 20% off the bill.
Situated in Kensington, The Gore Hotel is just around the corner from Royal Albert Hall, boasting stylishly vintage interiors, from the plush velvet tartan banquette seating to the dark wooden panelling. On the menu? Lamb shepherd's pie, wild mushroom penne and much more.
Craving some food after a theatre show? Situated in Covent Garden, Crown & Anchor is a superb spot if you're after chilled pints of beer, a cosy atmosphere and the best grub - we mean burgers, sausage rolls and sumptuous pies.
Resting fittingly above the Barons Court Theatre, Curtains Up is a cosy pub that's ideal for anyone looking to wind the evening down after a show. Beautifully decorated, the plain beige walls and simple yet homely mahogany bar contrasts wonderfully with the fine details of the colourful chairs and patchwork couches. To really put a smile on the face of their guests, the team of chefs have devised a menu of traditional British dishes, including the likes of ale-battered fish & chips, succulent burgers and seasoned steaks.
When it comes to post-theatre dinner deals, Karma Sanctum Soho has you covered. The Warwick Street hotel is sorting you out with two or three courses of mouthwatering Japanese plates and a glass of Champagne from just £32.
Whitcomb's is one of the best places for dinner in the West End. Offering a selection of French Mediterranean fine dining, with dedicated post-theatre menus, this is a haven for elevated pasta dishes, prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood in an elegant setting.
If you're after somewhere to grab a drink after the theatre in London, then The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue is bound to continue the fun, yet sophisticated, vibes. Whipping up killer concoctions and fronting a cool tailor shop-inspired look, this bar is sure to impress.
You'll find the Art Yard Bar and Kitchen inside the stunning Bankside Hotel off of Southbank, decked out in stylish furniture and colourful artwork. You'll find a great range of cocktails, coffee and bar snacks here, as well as a delicious all-day menu of international eats. Think cherry tomato arancini, beef tartare with olive puree, butternut squash and ricotta ravioli, with an indulgent chocolate fondant to finish.
Fancy tropical cocktails after the theatre? The Palm House is nestled right in the heart of Victoria, shaking up a range of concoctions alongside delving out ice-cold beers. Or, grab a bottle of New World wine.
Watched your favourite West End show and now fancy some scrumptious grub? Here's where Boulevard Brasserie comes in. Inside this classic French eatery, you'll be met with 1960s-inspired interiors and a delicious menu. Think steak, chicken liver parfait and much more.
Right after your show, make your way to Bardo St James's for a post-theatre treat. Enjoy tucking into everything from light bites and Italian pastas to fresh seafood and much more. Plus, they sling out gorgeous glasses of wine.
Open until after midnight, Dovetail Bar in Covent garden is the ideal place for a few sophisticated post-theatre drinks, tucked away above a restaurant. Their elegant yet intimate venue is full of modern artwork, plush velvet bar stools and low lighting, with a chilled playlist to sip along to. You can expect exciting twists on classic concoctions here, as well as a carefully curated selection of spirits.
In need of some after-theatre tipples? We have just the right place. Head to Tequila Mockingbird in Covent Garden for their epic range of bespoke concoctions, from margaritas to mojitos and everything in between, this underground haunt won't fail to disappoint.
Found near The Shaftesbury Theatre and Dominion Theatre, Bloomsbury St Lounge inside Radisson Blu hotel is perfect for your post-theatre drinks. Head to their lounge bar for signature cocktails like the pomegranate gin fizz, rosemary and blood orange sunset, and much sought-after white sangria, as well as a range of spirits and wine.
Looking for somewhere fun to head after the theatre? Then check out Albert's Schloss on Shaftesbury Avenue, where Bavarian eats meet live music and steins of beer from all over Europe. They host everything from request-driven piano sessions to house bands and cabaret performances here, paired with a mouthwatering menu of everything from chicken schnitzel to chickpea Fattoush salads and Scottish smoked salmon on Rye bread.
If you're wishing for an adventurous night following the theatre, look no further than the Experimental Cocktail Club in Soho. This Paris inspired, speakeasy style cocktail club is like no other in town. Perfect as a post theatre bar in London, be amazed by an impressive collection of spirits and liquors from the 1940s and 1950s, and by their range of exciting cocktails and mixology. Spend your night in this Parisian inspired décor with dark furniture and low lighting for an intimate atmosphere.
If you're a sucker for a drink after the theatre, then The Wild Monkey in Covent Garden is a grand shout. A hidden gem, the haunt promises everything from gorgeous forest-inspired decor to botanical cocktails using Monkey 47 gin and plush seating.
Looking for a spot to unwind after the theatre? End your night on a high note with Aqua Kyoto, a stunning (covered) rooftop terrace offering unique Japanese dishes. Don't miss out on their deliciously affordable post-theatre set menu for just £35 per person, featuring mouth-watering shirataki noodles, rock shrimp tempura and more.
Christopher's Martini Bar is a great restaurant bar to go to after the theatre. Go straight to the glamorous American deco Martini Bar to sample some classic, contemporary and decadent drinks. Alternatively, you can head to the celebrated American Dinning Room for pre/post theatre meals served till 11.30pm. Hear you can choose from some refreshingly light starters, a variety of deliciously prepared proteins for mains, and something sweet to top off your meal; they also offer great vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.
Designed in authentic Art Deco surroundings, Bar Américain is a sophisticated choice if you want to relax and have a chat with friends and family and aren't too fussed about holding back on the cash. Located right by Piccadilly Circus it is one of the classiest bars near the theatre district. A young, professional and trendy place for a glamorous night, enjoy classic and house special cocktails, wines and champagne to your taste.
