There’s no business like the restaurant business. That’s how it goes, right? Few cities rival London when it comes to Theatreland, with more musicals and plays than hospital full of broken legs could supply. But the million dollar question is, of course, where to eat? We’re here to guide you to the best shows coming up this winter, each paired with a show-stopping, theatre-dining-friendly restaurant within walking distance.
In assocation with:
The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket
No introduction is needed for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s monster musical hit, which is still enchanting audiences after almost 30 years in the West End.
Dinner: Hawksmoor, 5a Air Street
Walking: 6 minutes
Showstopper: Generous slabs of divine British-reared beef cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill, with officially the best chips in London. And don’t get us started on that indulgent chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake…
Menu: Express menu, Mon-Sat 12N-6.30pm and 10pm onwards, £23/26 for 2/3 courses
Les Misérables at Queens Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, this electrifying musical set in revolutionary France has never been hotter thanks to the film adaptation in 2012.
Dinner: Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean Street
Walking: 5 minutes
Showstopper: Aside from its bubbly main man Jeremy Lee (this chef’s a one-man show all on his own), the reliably good British dishes change daily – though you can expect signature smoked fish to crop up most days.
Menu: Theatre set menu, Mon-Sat 5.30-7pm, £19.50/22.50 for 2/3 dishes and a glass of house wine
Romeo and Juliet at Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road
When a play has Kenneth Branagh as its driving force, you know it’s going to be something special. As part of his Garrick Theatre residency, Branagh will direct Richard Madden and Lily James in the title roles of Shakespeare’s heartbreaking drama: a reunion for all three following this year’s Cinderella movie.
Dinner: Christopher's, 18 Wellington Street
Walking: 9 minutes
Showstopper: The smoky goodness of tobacco onions and gut-busting desserts: white chocolate pannacotta, chocolate amaretto pavé or fresh fruit salad (nope, us neither). Being a US-inspired menu, you also know the portions are going to be positively gargantuan.
Menu: Pre- and post-theatre menu, Mon-Sun 5-6.15pm and 10-11.30pm, £18/24 for 2/3 courses
Ready for an encore? Save the standing ovation for our full selection of London’s best pre- and post-theatre dining
This article was modified 22 January 2016