Find cheap, tasty food in London: before or after the curtain call
By Steph Dye (follow Steph on Twitter: @HelloIAmSteph)
A night out in the city can be expensive: especially when you are taking into to account the cost of expensive, west-end theatre tickets. However, lots of restaurants offer great deals before and after shows, so that can really make the most of your evening without it costing the earth. Here is Broke In London’s pick of the best pre- and post-theatre menus.
As stated above, the menus have been chosen for their affordability. The venues are organised by their location in the city, e.g. ‘Central’ refers to restaurants close to theatres in the West End, ‘East’ is venues close to the Barbican etc. There is also a few suggestions of the theatres that are within a five minute walk, so you can eat a well-priced meal in peace and not worry about missing your show! However, some of the venues are more expensive than others so check out the ‘£’ sign for further details. £ = Serious bargain, generally a meal of two courses or more will be no more than £15 per person | ££ = mid-range, meals range between £15 and £25 | £££ = perhaps more of a special treat, around £25 or just over!
Central London
Big Easy | Covent Garden | £
Burgers at Big Easy © bigeasylondon via Instagram
What is it?: Considering bibs are handed out as part of the cutlery, you can definitely expect to get messy at this Southern BBQ joint. Food generally comes either deep fried or slow cooked, but if you are looking for inspiration, go for the basket of deep fried, jumbo shrimp served with fries and ‘slaw.
When is it?: Monday-Friday, 12pm-6pm or 10pm onwards.
How much is it?: £10 for two courses.
Where is it?: 12 Maiden Lane WC2E 7NA.
5 minutes from: Adelphi Theatre; Savoy Theatre; Lyceum Theatre.
Blacklock | Soho | ££
‘All In’ at Blacklock ©blacklocksoho via Instagram
What is it?: An unusual basement chop house that uses a traditional iron to char-grill it’s skinny and big chops. The best deal on the menu is an ‘All in’ deal, which is a selection of the day’s skinny chops with flat breads and a side dish.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm; 5pm-11pm.
How much is it?: £20 per person (minimum of 2 people per ‘all in’ order)
Where is it?: The Basement, 24 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LG.
5 minutes from: Apollo Theatre; Queen’s Theatre; Gielgud Theatre; Lyric Theatre
Blanchette | Oxford Street | £
Dinner at Blanchette ©blanchettelondon
What is it?: Eclectic bistro with a tapas-style sharing concept. Expect an unusual soundtrack, as designed by one of the brothers that has founded the restaurant. Highlights include Ox cheek bourguignon and salmon confit.
When is it?: Monday-Friday, 5pm-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-6pm.
How much is it?: £15/£19.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 9 D’Arblay Street, W1F 8DR.
5 minutes from: London Palladium; Apollo Theatre; Soho Theatre; Prince Edward Theatre.
Brasserie Blanc | Chancery Lane | £
Pudding at the Brasserie Blanc ©brasserieblanc via Instagram
What is it?: Light, bright and with a modern French menu, this bistro-style restaurant has a stunning classical design. The set menu has filling, delicious options such as pan-fried, sirloin of pork and a decadent chocolate mousse.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, until 6.30pm.
How much is it?: £10.95/£13.45 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 119 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1PP.
5 minutes from: Royal Opera House; Lyceum Theatre; Peacock Theatre.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials/Air Street | Shaftesbury Avenue | £££
Steak at The Hawksmoor ©hawksmoorrestaurants via Instagram
What is it?: Classic British eating and a meat lover’s haven, the Hawksmoor also serves up a great, seasonal fish selection. Food from the express menu includes potted, smoked mackerel, rump steak and a classic sticky toffee pudding.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, before 6.30pm or after 10pm.
How much is it?: £25/£28 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: Air Street: 5A Air Street, W1J 0AD; Seven Dials: 11 Langley Street, WC2H 9JG.
5 minutes from: Shaftesbury Theatre; Palace Theatre; Gielgud Theatre; Leicester Square Theatre.
Holborn Dining Room | Holborn | ££
British classics at the Holborn Dining Room ©holborndiningroom via Instagram
What is it?: All things classic, modern and British are served at this brasserie, which is set in 5-star surroundings. Plus, they also supposedly host London’s biggest gin bar. Pimped-up pub classics such as fried squid and pot-roast lamb breast dominate this early and late supper offering.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 3.30pm-6.30pm or 9.30 pm-11.30pm.
How much is it?: £20/£25 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN.
5 minutes from: Shaftesbury Theatre; New London Theatre.
Imli Street | Soho | £
Vegetable Dumplings at Imli Street ©imlistreet.com
What is it?: There is a cool, industrial vibe at this street food orientated Indian restaurant. The two-course set menu offers a variety of sophisticated street food and anglo-Indian favourites. The menu also comes with a glass of wine or the cocktail of the day.
When is it?: Wednesday-Saturday, 4.15pm-6.45pm; 9.30pm-10.30pm; Sunday, 4.15pm-6.45pm; 9pm-10pm.
How much is it?: £15 for 2 courses.
Where is it?: 167-169 Wardour Street, W1F 8WR.
5 minutes from: Soho Theatre; London Palladium; Queen’s Theatre.
Indigo @ One Aldwych | Strand | ££
Dinner at Indigo ©onealdwychhotel via Instagram
What is it?: Elegant and tasty British fare, that is clean in it’s presentation, yet is served with an unusual twist – there’s no gluten or dairy in sight. Proteins, fruit and vegetables are the stars on this menu of humble yet sophisticated offerings.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-6.30pm or 10pm-10.15pm.
How much is it?: £22/£27 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ.
5 minutes from: Novello Theatre; Duchess Theatre; Lyceum Theatre; National Theatre; Savoy Theatre.
Le Garrick | Covent Garden | £
A meal at Le Garrick ©le_garrick via Instagram
What is it?: A cosy, intimate dining room that is packed to the candlelit alcoves with romance. The menu is sparse – choose between 2 French classics for starters, mains and pud – but very cost effective.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-6.30pm; 10pm til late.
How much is it?: £13.50/£16.45 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 10-12 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BH.
5 minutes from: Wyndham’s Theatre; Ambassadors Theatre; Garrick Theatre.
Li Veli | Covent Garden | ££
Li Veli antipasti ©Li Veli.com
What is it?: A collaboration by two families: the first, has a heritage of traditional wine making whilst the other’s background in olive oil. Put together, they make Li Veli the perfect Italian pairing. Dishes include a lamb ragu lasagne, mussels and grilled octopus. (Must be pre-booked).
When is it?: 5pm-7pm, Mon-Sun.
How much is it?: £18-£22 for 2/3 courses.
Where is it?: 69 Long Acre, WC2E 9JS.
5 minutes from: New London Theatre; Royal Opera House; Theatre Royal; Duchess Theatre; Novello Theatre.
Piquet | Oxford Street | ££
Confit Duck at Piquet ©piquetldn via Instagram
What is it?: Channeling the best, seasonal food from both sides of the Channel, this set menu at Piquet takes the best pieces of France and Britain and pairs them with wonderful, attentive service. Deliberate over choices including chicken pithivier, crispy duck salad and floating islands with caramel custard, as well as much more. The price also includes a glass of wine and a coffee or tea.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-closing time.
How much is it?: £19.50/£23.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 92-94 Newman Street, W1T 3EZ.
5 minutes from: London Palladium; Soho Theatre; Shaftesbury Theatre; Phoenix Theatre.
Portrait Restaurant | Trafalgar Square | ££
A Roast at the Portrait Restaurant ©sweet811 via Instagram
What is it?: With wonderful views out over some of London’s greatest landmarks, this menu offers great reductions on what would normally be a hugely expensive meal. Choices, including fillet of hake and grilled Gloucestershire Old Spot pork chop, are minimalistic but expertly cooked.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-6.30pm.
How much is it?: £19.50 /£23.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE.
5 minutes from: Garrick Theatre; Adelphi Theatre; Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Morada Brindisa Asador | Soho | ££
Tapas at Morada Brindisa Asador ©rochellegyer via Instagram
What is it?: Taken from the name of the traditional Castilian oven that the food is cooked in, it’s no wonder that this Spanish restaurant creates, traditional, homely favourites. Choose from three plates of tapas, which are served with a drink, salad and fresh bread.
When is it?: Monday-Thursday, 4pm-7pm.
How much is it?: £20/£25 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 18-20 Rupert Street, W1D 6DE.
5 minutes from: Prince of Wales Theatre; Leicester Square Theatre; Gielgud Theatre; Queen’s Theatre; Apollo Theatre.
Opera Tavern | Strand | ££
Tapas at the Opera Tavern ©operatavernrestaurant via Instagram
What is it?: Perfect for a quick, pre-matinee meal, the Opera Tavern serves delicious, Italian and Spanish style tapas. Choose two or three dishes from the lunch menu, which is divided into meat, fish and vegetable offerings.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm.
How much is it?: £16.50/£20.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 23 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JS.
5 minutes from: Theatre Royal; Aldwych Theatre; Duchess Theatre; Savoy Theatre.
Quo Vadis | Soho | ££
Pudding at Quo Vadis ©quovadissoho via Instagram
What is it?: Fun and quirky eating matched by it’s Soho setting. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, however previous menus have included chilled lettuce soup and chickpea pancakes, aubergine, goat’s curd and coriander.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm or 5.30pm-11pm. (Please note the restaurant is closed until the 12th September for renovations.)
How much is it?: £19.50/£22.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL.
5 minutes from: Soho Theatre; Palace Theatre; Phoenix Theatre.
ROKA | Aldwych | £££
Dinner at ROKA ©rokarestaurant via Instagram
What is it?: The fourth branch of the hugely successful Japanese food restaurant, Roka Aldwych offers a contemporary take on the classics. Try out sashimi, tempura or dishes from the robata grill. The menu comes with complimentary green tea.
When is it?: Monday-Friday, until 3.30 pm or 5pm-6.30pm; Saturday, 5pm-6.30pm.
How much is it?: £27/£31 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 71 Aldwych, WC2B 4HN.
5 minutes from: The Novello; Theatre Royal; Aldwych Theatre.
Salt ’n Pepper | Soho | £
Lamb at Sal ‘n Pepper ©SaltnPepperUK via Twitter
What is it?: Packed with Indian and Pakistani flavours, this is the first of the chain to be based in the UK, however there are 26 other branches located around the world. The menu features a lot of recognisable classics, such as tikka, rogan josh and jalfrezi. The meal also comes with complimentary rice and a naan.
When is it?: Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm.
How much is it?: £7.95/£9.95/£12.95 for 1/2/3 courses.
Where is it?: 32 Orange Street, WC2H 7HQ.
5 minutes from: Garrick Theatre; Prince of Wales Theatre; Her Majesty’s Theatre.
East London/Barbican
Le restaurant de PAUL | Bank and Covent Garden | £
Dinner at Paul’s ©paul_bakeryuk via Instagram
What is it?: About as French as you can get, the menu at Paul is comprised of simple French classics including Coq au Vin and Café Gourmand (tiny french desserts and coffee).
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-8pm.
How much is it?: £12/£15 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: Bank: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ; Covent Garden: 29 Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED.
5 minutes from: Wyndham’s Theatre; Garrick Theatre; Adelphi Theatre; The Barbican.
Chiswell Street Dining Rooms | Moorgate | £££
Smoked Eel at the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms ©chiswellstreetdiningrooms via Instagram
What is it?: A self-proclaimed modern dining room in the centre of the city, this restaurant is part-posh pub, part-grown up eatery. Think pub classics, like fish cakes, black pudding and rabbit all feature on the seasonal menu.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 5.30pm – 6.30pm; 9.30pm – 11pm.
How much is it?: £22/£27 for 2/3 courses. (Sides are additional and cost £4.50 each.)
Where is it?: 56 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA.
5 minutes from: the Barbican.
The Jugged Hare | Moorgate | £££
Dinner at The Jugged Hare ©thejuggedhare via Instagram
What is it?: Another gastro-pub from the same parent company as the Chiswell Dining Rooms, but set apart by the large eight spit rotisserie, visible from the open kitchen. Menu includes seasonally sourced ingredients such as Norfolk quail, Herdwick lamb and Peterhead cod.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-6.30pm or 9.30pm -11pm.
How much is it?: £25/£29 for 2 /3 courses. (Sides are additional and must be bought separately.)
Where is it?: 49 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA.
5 minutes from: the Barbican.
West London/Royal Albert Hall
Ognisko | South Kensington | ££
Food at Ognisko ©Ognisko
What is it?: A nod to delicious, Polish cuisine, this fancy town house is a smart place to eat out, with a gorgeous terrace for eating al fresco. Dishes include can guinea fowl and marinated herring but change on a daily basis.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 5.30pm-7pm.
How much is it?: £18.50/£22 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 55 Prince’s Gate, Exhibition Road, SW7 2PG.
5 minutes from: Royal Albert Hall.
South London
Baltic | Waterloo | ££
Dinner at Baltic ©balticrestaurant via Instagram
What is it?: Baltic is a busy restaurant and bar serving all things Polish and vodka-based in a bright, airy dining space. Dishes include comforting, eastern European favourites-made-posh, such as confit duck salad and Chicken a la Kiev.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 5.30pm-7pm.
How much is it?: £18.50/£22.50 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 74 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8HA.
5 minutes from: Young Vic; Old Vic.
Simply Indian | Borough | ££
Curry at Simply Indian ©simplyindianse1 via Instagram
What is it?: Casual and relaxed Indian dining experience that offers a large variety of dishes and something a little different to your standard pre-theatre lunch menu. You can also bring your own booze with no corkage fee!
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-2.30pm.
How much is it?: £12.95/£15.95/£18.50 for 1/ 2 /3 courses (When booked in advance.)
Where is it?: 25 Tabard Street, SE1 4LA.
5 minutes from: Shakespeare’s Globe.
Swan @ Shakespeare’s Globe | Borough | ££
Food at the Swan ©swanabout via instagram
What is it?: Dining at the Swan is the opportunity to dine in style without worrying about getting to the theatre on time! Dine on three courses, including options such as cured salmon, sasso chicken and a bakewell tart whilst looking out over the Thames and St Paul’s.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm or 5pm-6pm.
How much is it?: £24.50 for 3 courses
Where is it?: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT.
5 minutes from: Shakespeare’s Globe.
North London
Almeida | Islington | ££
Dinner at Almeida ©almeida_restaurant via Instagram
What is it?: Sharing it’s name with both the theatre it serves and the road it sits on, The Almeida is all about relaxed, bistro-style dining. The flavours are distinctly British and dishes include pea veloute, roast chicken and a rice pudding.
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-7pm or 9.30pm-10.30pm.
How much is it?: £19-£22 for 2 /3 courses.
Where is it?: 30 Almeida Street, N1 1AD.
5 minutes from: The Almeida.
Bibigo | Angel | £
Food at Bibigo ©bibigouk.com
What is it?: Fun, funky Korean flavours that reflects the collective lifestyle of Korean culture. In other words: expect to share. Expect the favourites, such as bibimbap, barbecue and kimchi!
When is it?: Monday-Sunday, 6pm-11pm.
How much is it?: £10 for 2 courses.
Where is it?: 407 St John Street, EC1V 4RW
5 minutes from: Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Love culture but not the theatre? There are still plenty of great art exhibitions to visit before the end of the summer!
Or, if two course isn’t enough for you, what about celebrating with an unlimited eating or drinking deal?
