Pre Theatre Dinner in London

Smollensky's  is an iconic restaurant-bar for great pre-theatre drinks and food, near the strand. They deliver great cocktails and hearty american themed food for a pre or post-theatre meal alongside incredible happy hours. There are great discounts on meals - that will cater for theatre goers throughout the week, so don't miss out. Book your place at this iconic London restaurant and bar with us online. 

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.

Dip below the arches of Charing Cross to find a cosy wine bar that really looks after its pre-theatre crowd. You’ll be able to sample an excellent value two-course meal between 5 and 7pm, washed down with a couple of glasses of wine from their extensive selection to set you up for a memorable evening in the West End.

Osteria is bringing far more than pizza and pasta to the Barbican. The Italian restaurant focuses on the traditional, home-cooking style food of Italy with an emphasis on seafood and meats. With beautiful views over a courtyard and a sophisticated atmosphere, this is a great spot to indulge before you see a show.

This little Spanish spot is located in the heart of theatre district, situated between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. The perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner in London, come here for tapas snacks, sangria and live authentic music all throughout the week and weekend. Pro-tip: if you're visiting the theatre mid-week, make the most of Salvador and Amanda's generous happy hour.

Balans is a quirky little haven before you jump straight into the theatre. Located by Seven Dials, not only is it a short stroll from Theatreland, they boast a menu of tasty British dishes washed down by a selection of amazing cocktails.

This central London restaurant is located just off Piccadilly Square, promising a cool design, a tasty food menu and delicious drinks. Come here for pre-theatre dinners in London, romantic date nights, or just for a stylish catch-up with friends; you certainly won't be disappointed.

The Phoenix Victoria has you covered with its expanse of British classics, real ales, deliciously crisp wines and enticing atmosphere. Come by before the theatre and linger a little, and don’t forget about their striking private hire Yalumba Room upstairs, custom-made for dinner and drinks before heading on to enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

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!

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.  

This coffee house is an amazing place to grab pre-theatre dinner. Not settling as being an ordinary café, there’s a delicious array of South American meets Australian dishes to choose from, and it sits as a beautiful venue in itself.

This restaurant in Covent Garden not only promises kitsch interiors, lampshades aplenty and a blinding drinks list, it also offers a great food menu, filled with reasonably-priced dishes, and perfect for a pre-theatre dinner date. Stop by for tasty plates, unique character and a buzzing vibe, all throughout the week. 

Scoff and Banter in Bloomsbury is the perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner, from the Dutch Masters-style artwork through to the crowd-pleasing British menu.

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.

Located right in the action on Wardour Street in Soho - Wahaca comes well equipped for quick, tasty pre-theatre dinners in London. Serving a range of reasonably priced Mexican plates alongside a hefty selection of cocktails, if you're looking for a cool but non-pretentious place for dinner before your show; this easy outpost is always a good shout.

From an aerial display as you tuck in Pan-Asian sharing plates, through to burlesque while you sip on cocktails, Circus is a restaurant that packs a serious punch. Located in Covent Garden, the venue puts the glitz and glamour back into dining with epic entertainment and first-rate food and drink.

Fancy something light, packed full of flavour and affordable before the theatre? Rosa's Thai Cafe in Seven Dials is a great spot for stuffing yourself with tasty Asian dishes.

Boasting its place on The Strand, it's no wonder that The Diner is one of the best pre-theatre meals in London. From its Americana menu or burgers, ribs and hot dogs down to its boozy milkshakes and craft beer, this diner inspired restaurant is hard to beat.

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.

Joe's Southern Table promises a boozy mix of USA-inspired plates and American beers. It's located just off Covent Garden's main square, so an ideal location for a pre-theatre dinner date. Come here for neon signs, exposed brick and cool interiors, any night of the week.

Going to the theatre is usually a swanky experience so why not treat yourself to a top notch dinner with Steak and Lobster? Located in Central London, this spot has everything you need for a nice night out, from the swish interiors to the delicious steak and lobster dishes.

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.

This forward-thinking Mexican eatery on St Martin's Lane is the perfect restaurant for a pre-theatre meal. Promising a colourful interior and a unique menu, if you book via DMN you'll benefit from 2 courses for £20 or 3 courses for £25 from their specially-created pre-theatre menu. Add £5 and they'll even thrown in a margarita. 

Mint Leaf is a chic restaurant bar located right in the West End. Serving up delicious Indian cuisine and excellent cocktails it is the ideal spot to enjoy a pre-theatre meal. Pre and post-theatre diners will also receive special deals! You can get two courses for £17.50 or 3 courses £20. This offer is available between 5.30pm-6.30pm and 10pm-11pm, all week!

Farringdon’s non-stop piano bar isn’t just a place to storm the dance floor till the early hours of the morning (though it’s definitely good for that), they’ve also got an amazing pre-theatre offer, where you can enjoy two-courses for £25 or three for £30 all while getting an awesome soundtrack in the background.