London’s theatre scene is centuries old, with the West End putting on some of the biggest and most exciting shows around. From lively musicals to thought-provoking dramas, the West End is a hub of culture, excitement and creativity.
With fantastic offers on the Piccadilly London West End Hotel, it’s the perfect time to book a special theatre trip as a treat, with tickets for an eagerly anticipated show. Of course, before you head to the performance, you’ll want to get a bite to eat, and with plenty of great restaurants in the area, you’re spoilt for choice.
Read on for a rundown of some of the best places to eat and drink before a theatre performance in the West End.
Dishoom
Serving up a delicious menu of Indian food inspired by Irani cafés in 1960s Bombay, Dishoom is a great place to head to for a pre-show snack or drink, whether you’re looking to whet your appetite, or just relax with friends over some tasty bites before the performance starts. You might want to follow this up with a relaxing Indian Afternoon Tea the following day back at the hotel for more delicious and spicy nibbles.
Head there earlier in the day if you have a matinee show booked, to indulge in their delicious breakfast menu, with spicy omelettes, vegan sausages and bacon naan rolls to look forward to. Or, sample their exquisite cocktail menu which combines exotic flavours with classic liquors.
Balthazar
This stylish French brasserie has long been a West End favourite for theatre-goers, and it’s not hard to see why. The stylish destination is a great place to head to if you’re staying in the Piccadilly London West End Hotel and looking for somewhere to dine before a show.
A classic French menu offers a delicious brunch on weekends, along with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. And if you just fancy a drink, check out their great cocktail menu, or enjoy an excellent coffee and pastry while you relax, before making your way to your performance.
The Salisbury
A traditional pub located right in the heart of Theatre Land, The Salisbury is a Victorian pub with ample history and great ambience. If you’re looking to go somewhere that gives you a distinctive taste of London, then it’s hard to beat this distinguished spot.
Located in a Grade II building, the pub was originally named after the venerable Lord Salisbury and boasts a distinctive style of its own. Featuring lots of Art Nouveau themes, you’ll find a generous amount of polished glass and opulent etchings across its walls and hanging around you. In fact, the unique look of the pub has earned it a spot on the CAMRA National Inventory, as a pub of historic significance. With so much history within, it’s the ideal place to have a memorable drink before a show.
The Coach and Horses
If you’re looking for a restaurant near Piccadilly, you might want to check out one of the most famous ones in the city. The Coach and Horses pub is a well-known local institution, and you’ll find it in an impressive Grade II listed building. A pub has stood in the same spot since the 18th century, while through the 20th century, it was run by the infamous Norman Balon, who had a reputation for being London’s rudest landlord.
More recently though, it became the city’s first vegan-friendly pub, serving vegan and vegetarian meals, and it even boasted a nudist license for a brief period! Most famous of all though are the pub’s epic piano sing-along nights, making it a truly special and atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or snack when you’re in the West End.
Experimental Cocktail Club
Located down the road from Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of Chinatown, you’ll discover a surprising and rewarding drinking spot that is the perfect place to visit before a night at the theatre.
The Experimental Cocktail Club might appear to be an unassuming little space from the outside, but once you find its battered doorway and make your way in, you’ll discover a lively and buzzing spot with superb atmosphere and a memorable selection of inventive drinks.
The stylish and opulent décor makes it an inviting space, while the delicious menu has plenty to offer and entice you.
The Ivy
The original Ivy, located on West Street, might be one of the most well-known spots in the West End, in large part because of its celebrity diners and the chance to get a selfie in the bathroom with one of your favourite stars. However, the beautiful décor and fantastic menu mean that it’s also a place worth visiting for its own qualities as a fine restaurant, and you’re unlikely to ever leave feeling disappointed.
You’ll find an excellent selection of food on the menu, including comforting British classics and tasty Pan-Asian fare. It also has a delicious range of desserts on offer, for anyone with a serious sweet tooth. If you’re staying at The Piccadilly London West End Hotel with someone special and want to impress them, this might be the ideal destination for a pre-theatre dinner date.
Foundation Bar
If you’re looking for a stylish drinking spot that isn’t too packed with pre or post-theatre crowds, then this distinctive Soho gem might appeal. Featuring eclectic murals across the walls and striking décor inside, it packs an immediate visual impact.
The cocktail menu is even more impressive, with a wide variety of classics as well as their own twist on favourite drinks. If you’re with a group of friends, it’s worth getting their sharing teapot for the quirky novelty factor. Aim to head there in good time to get one of the more cosy and intimate booths, where you can relax and enjoy your drinks contentedly. The bar also features a good selection of tasty nibbles featuring plenty of staple items, including pizzas, burgers and other snacks.
