A trip to the theatre isn’t complete without a drink in hand. If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare before a show, or if you just need a change of scenery for your post-work pint, check out these awesome, and often underrated theatre bars. These spots welcome all theatre-goers with open arms, but are also open to the public – whether you’re catching a show or not – so grab a mate, grab a drink and start your night.
If you don’t want your evening to end once the curtains are drawn, these bars are open late, making them the ideal place to hang out well into the night!
The Young Vic
An outdoor roof terrace and ample seating on the ground level make The Cut Bar at the Young Vic just the place to sip a cocktail, a glass of wine or a pint of craft beer. This theatre’s award-winning building is a perfect home to the bustling, airy space complete with delicious food and drink and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Bridge Theatre
The Bridge Theatre has possibly one of the most beautiful modern theatre foyers in London, and you just have to spend some time in the large café-bar area. The bar is stocked with local beers, great wines and classic cocktails. If you’re looking for a bite to eat to go with your cold drink, check out the rotating selection of cakes, signature doughnuts, and homemade ice cream.
The Globe
The iconic Shakespeare’s Globe hosts Swan, a beautiful bar, restaurant and event space set over two floors, with stunning views of the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Swan is open all day serving coffee to cocktails and everything in between. Be a London tourist for the night by hitting these classic landmarks all while sitting with a drink in hand.
The Soho Theater
The Soho Theater is a vibrant venue that features new theater, cabaret, and comedy. Switch up your typical night out for a less classic stop (less classic than The Globe, that is) at the ever-buzzing Soho Theatre Bar. The bar doubles as a cooperative workspace and café by day and a high energy bar and hang out by night. Stop by for a coffee or a pint and try out some new theater – you may be surprised by the pleasant change of pace.
The Old Vic
In the mood for a coffee or would you rather stick with an alcoholic beverage? The bar above The Old Vic serves up coffee and unique cocktails. Pop in for brunch – hello, mimosas! – or seasonal dishes from the best London suppliers. Head upstairs before your show or pull up a chair and sit for a spell. The best thing: it’s open until 2AM on the weekends!
Tip: Pre-order drinks on The Old Vic Bar app and receive 10% off your first drink. Download the app for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Menier Chocolate Factory
This renovated factory incorporates all of the charm and history it once held with bare brick and timber beams. Grab a pint or try the pre-theatre set menu, which features themed meals that were made for the theatre stars themselves. Don’t skip out on dessert! You can’t visit a chocolate factory without indulging in a chocolate platter.
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is home to many bars, restaurants, tearooms and cafés, but The Understudy comes as the most acclaimed. The space has an outdoor, riverside courtyard and serves a range of draught beers, wines and cocktails. Free board games and a schedule of live music makes you feel like you’re at the theatre without even seeing a show.
No matter how you like to spend your Saturday night – at the theatre or grabbing a pint with your mates – London has plenty of bars and restaurants that will lead your night in the right direction.
