7 London Theatre Bars to Grab a Drink At
A trip to the theatre doesn’t just have to be about the main event, the show. If you have time to kill before a show, check out some of our favorite theatre bars for the perfect pre-show drinks or nibbles.
If you aren’t ready to end your night right after the show, here are 7 London bars that are open late, making them the ideal places to hang out after the show!
- The Young Vic
With an over-spill area and outdoor roof terrace on the ground level, The Cut Bar at the Young Vic offers a seasonal, tasty menu as well as wines, cocktails and craft beer. This airy, bustling space within the theatre’s award-winning building has delicious drinks and food. With a vibrant atmosphere, The Young Vic is a great place for people watching with a cocktail in hand.
- The Bridge Theatre
Located in possibly one of the most beautiful modern theatre foyers in London, a visit to the Bridge Theatre isn’t complete without spending some time in the large cafe-bar area. For a pre-theatre bite to eat, check out the specially devised sandwich menu, as well as the changing selection of cakes, signature doughnuts, and freshly made ice cream. If you want a drink, their bar is stocked with St. JOHN local beers, wines and classic cocktails.
- The Old Vic
For a relaxed all-day artisan cafe or a place for late night drinks, the bar in the basement of The Old Vic serves up unique cocktails, coffee, Instagrammable brunches and seasonal dishes from the best London suppliers. Come in and warm up during cold winter nights. Our favorite thing about The Old Vic: it’s open until 2AM on the weekends!
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Set in one of the oldest theatre sites in London, make your way up the sweeping staircase of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to the Grand Saloon on the Dress Circle level. The Upper Rotunda provides the picture-perfect backdrop to grab a picture with a craft cocktail or glass of wine. This is the perfect place for a pre-show drink if you’re seeing a show at the theatre.
- The Globe
Located at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, Swan is a beautiful Bar and Restaurant set over two floors, with stunning views of the Thanes and St. Paul’s. With seasonal menus rotating throughout the year, enjoy some winter drinks and food at The Globe before your show.
- Menier Chocolate Factory
With timber beams and bare bricks, the restaurant at the Menier Chocolate Factory incorporates all the history and charm of this renovated factory. Don’t miss their specially themed pre-theatre menu, which includes “vegetable BURRitos,” “Schulyer Sisters sliders,” and “The cake turned upside down.”
- The National Theatre
A relaxed and friendly craft beer pub at the National Theatre, The Understudy has outdoor riverside seating and serves a range of craft beers, cocktails and wines. With free board games and a schedule of live music, you don’t even need to be going to the theatre to enjoy the great atmosphere!
No matter what type of food and drinks you love, London has plenty of bars and restaurants close to your theatre. If you’re looking for last-minute London theatre tickets, it’s easy to find them days before a show. Don’t forget to plan your pre-show or after-show dining with one of these 7 options.
This is so helpful. I will be travelling to London on my own too, and seeing your blog is a really big help. This made me more excited!