London’s West End has a vast spectacle of theatrical treats in store for the summer season. Before settling into your seats, why not enjoy a delicious pre-theatre dinner in one of the capital’s many West End restaurants?
With an abundance of eateries around every corner and cuisines to suit all tastes, we’ve shone the spotlight on the four top pre-theatre menus in London worthy of a standing ovation.
Authentic Thai cuisine: Nipa Thai
The award-winning restaurant Nipa Thai is situated on the first floor of mid-century icon Lancaster London. Providing unrivalled views across Hyde Park, the restaurant has received the prestigious “Thai Select” award from the Thai Government for its authentic cuisine. The Pre-theatre Nok Khamin menu features Thai favourites such as Thai Green Curry (Kaeng Kiew Warn Puk), Spring Rolls with Glass Noodles (Por Pia Thod), and Thai Chicken Satay. The two-course menu is available from 5pm until 6.30pm and is priced at £23 per person.
Italian cuisine: Bocca Di Lupo
Italian food doesn’t come more ‘bellissimo’ than Bocca Di Lupo. The food is handmade, from the gelato to the pasta, and the atmosphere is always vibrant. Enjoy a procession of pre-theatre dishes before heading out to the famous streets of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The menus at the restaurant change every day to ensure the freshest produce is always served, and guests can sit atop the opulent marble bar while they admire the skilled kitchen team at work. The one-dish meals are available from 12.30pm until 3pm, and 5.30pm until 7pm, and are priced at £18 per person.
British cuisine: The Ivy Market Grill
For those in search of a classically British pre-theatre dinner menu, The Ivy takes centre stage. The extensive menus at The Ivy Market Grill have been created by The Ivy Collection’s celebrated Executive Chef, Sean Burbidge. Dishes on offer include Sage Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash, Baked Goat’s Cheese and a Herb Salad; and Mussels Mariniere with Rope Grown Mussels, Shallots, White Wine, Parsley and Thick Cut Chips. The two-course menu is available from 4.30pm until 7pm and is priced at £16.50 per person.
American cuisine: Smith & Wollensky
For a stateside steak in London, Smith & Wollensky offers prime meat cuts, spectacular seafood platters and a legendary chocolate layer cake. Guests dining off the pre-theatre menu will be able to enjoy dishes the steakhouse is known for, such as the Wollensky’s famous Split Pea Soup and the 28 Day Dry-Aged British Rib-Eye (340g). The restaurant’s location is a stone’s throw from the River Thames, boasting the ideal spot for an early evening stroll along the river. The two-course menu is available from Noon until 6.30pm and is priced at £25 per person.
