In the post-work, pre-show rush, it's all too easy to succumb to fast, quick, and sometimes crap food. When it comes to pottering around the West End against the clock, there are some exceptional places to duck into for a pint and a bite, or something more sophisticated. We've put together a list of favourites, from our own experience and from suggestions made by our Facebook followers.
Brasserie Zedel
Great for: matinee, pre-theatre, post-theatre, after-show drinks
Cuisine: French
The vibe: chic underground beaux-arts eatery
Formerly The Regent Palace Hotel, the venue thankfully retained its absolutely gorgeous interior, boasting high ceilings, beaux/deco fixtures, mirrors and white marble. Now a Parisian brasserie, fixed price set menus are available all day, every day, in addition to some competitively priced daily specials, including escalope and confit duck. If time allows, art deco aficionados should sneak inside the Bar Americain to check out the original 1920 wood panelling while sipping on a retro tipple.
Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED, 020 7734 4888
Prix Fixe menu Two courses for £9.95, three courses for £13.25, Plats du Jour £15.75, Formule Menu £19.75
Clos Maggiore
Great for: matinee, pre-theatre
Cuisine: fine French dining
The vibe: idyllic date/redemption spot (because you forgot the anniversary last year)
Mecca of romance, Clos Maggiore is a much-feted destination for lovers across the capital. With a magical mix of low lighting, white tablecloths, wood panels, full-length windows and fairy-light-adorned conservatory, it’s no surprise that Clos witnesses at least one proposal a week (although we don’t have the statistics for the subsequent yes/no/wine in the face). The menu is seasonal, and offers indulgent delights such as smoked wild sea bass and roasted Iberico black pig rib. Did we mention the 2,000 strong wine list? We did? Oh Good.
Clos Maggiore, 33 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD, 020 7379 9696
Pre and Post-Theatre Menu (price dependent on time):
Two courses for £28.50/£33.50 with ½ Bottle of Wine
Three courses for £33.50/£38.50 with ½ Bottle of Wine
The Northall @ Corinthia Hotel London
Great for: pre-theatre, post-theatre, after-show drinks
Cuisine: British
The vibe: opulent Victorian setting
A breathtakingly grand and glamorous venue, the Northhall enjoys views of the Thames and nearby Whitehall Gardens and is perfect if you’re taking in a show at the Playhouse Theatre across the road. Friendly and knowledgeable service ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the ground floor bar is our top-tip for an intimate drinkie after the final curtain. The theatre set menu will set you back £28 for three courses.
Corinthia Hotel London, 10a Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5AE, 0207 321 3100
Theatre menu Two courses for £24, three courses for £28. Available noon-3pm, 5.30-7.30pm and 9.30-11pm
Joe Allen
Great for: pre-theatre, early week post-theatre, after-show drinks
Cuisine: US
The vibe: keeping it casual and cool, New York Style
Expect exposed brickwork, white-topped tables and an innate love of the theatre in this subterranean dwelling, which has long been popular with those from both sides of the boards — as established actors, aspiring artists and show lovers all converge for a slice of Stateside cuisine. Enjoy Reubens and gooey brownies, washed down with a Brandy Alexander. Also a ‘secret burger vendor’, they cook up a mighty fine patty, if you want to get stuck straight into London’s never-ending meat trend.
Joe Allen, 2 Burleigh Street, WC2E 7PX, 020 7836 0651
Set menu Two courses for £15.95, three courses for £18.95. Served all day noon-7pm.
Joe Allen also does show and meal packages — check the site for details
Opera Tavern
Great for: large group outings, pre-theatre, after-show drinks
Cuisine: modern Italian/Spanish
The vibe: popular tapas bar in the heart of theatre-land
Situated opposite Drury Lane Theatre stands the youngest sibling of the Salt Yard venture. This low-lit, two story eatery comes complete with a long bar, and an open grill for rustling up their mouth-watering Ibérico pork, imported from Spain. Large parties of eight or more can opt for the set menus for a selection of sharers, while those on the go can imbibe a cheeky half-pint along with mouth-watering tapas before curtain-up. Grab one of the box window seats if you want to indulge in some people watching on the streets below.
Opera Tavern, 23 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JS, 0207 836 3680
Group set menu is available for groups of 8+, £35pp or £40pp for the 'Chef's Selection'
The Savoy Grill
Great for: pre-theatre, after-show drinks (American Bar)
Cuisine: grill
The vibe: historic Hollywood hangout
Swearmeister General Gordon Ramsey presides over the iconic Savoy Grill, a structure steeped in history, having played host to the likes of Churchhill, Wilde and Monroe, to name but a few. An art deco overload of Swarovski chandeliers, and gold-leaf-backed tortoiseshell Lucite walls awaits, as well as some seriously carnivorous roasts, braises and pies. We also suggest swinging by the equally famous American bar — sheer bliss.
The Savoy Grill, Strand, WC2R 0EU, 020 7592 1600
Theatre menu Two courses for £31, three courses for £35. Available Monday–Friday 5-6.30pm/9.30-10.30pm
Portrait Restaurant at National Portrait Gallery
Great for: weekend pre-theatre
Cuisine: modern British
The vibe: laid-back and arty
For beautiful panoramic views of the city, without the nosebleed-inducing bill, the Portrait Gallery houses a restaurant and bar, with a contemporary set menu available Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Find a seat and enjoy delicious classic British dishes such plum and almond crumble and roast cod fillet to patrons overlooking Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
Portrait Restaurant, St Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE, 020 7312 2490
Theatre menu Two courses for £19.95, three courses for £23.50. Available Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 5.30-6.30 pm
Bob Bob Ricard
Great for: weekday matinee, post-theatre lounging
Cuisine: classic English and Russian
The vibe: luxurious art deco
Not strictly a ‘pre-theatre’ venue and deviating away from set menu options, this is still an ideal venue for some indulgent and un-rushed late night glamour. If you yearn for an equally decedent pre-matinee treat, there’s a lot to choose from on the menu and the oft-photographed 'Press for Champagne' buttons at every table never get old. Caviar, oysters, chateaubriand, lobster mac and cheese - it's pure extravagance.
Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James St, Soho, W1F 9DF, 0203 145 1000
All images courtesy of the named restaurants, but article written independently.
Updated 5 January 2018.