London & Partners round up the best places to enjoy a delicious meal before embarking to one of London’s world-famous theatres

Alfresco dining in Covent Garden. Tuttons is one of Covent Garden's longest standing restaurants

London is home to dazzling musicals and daring new writing, from the West End to the National Theatre, The Old Vic and more. And thanks to its equally fine array of restaurants, theatregoers can nourish their stomach as much as their soul, with plenty of eateries offering pre-theatre dining for groups.

Here, we round up the city’s top dining experiences. Feeling peckish already? See visitlondon.com/travel-trade for more information on how to book.

The Heart of Theatreland

Let’s start our journey in Covent Garden, the heart of London’s Theatreland.

Situated in the famous piazza, Tuttons is one of Covent Garden’s longest standing restaurants, located just a stone’s throw from the top theatres and shows.

The restaurant offers a pre-theatre menu to enjoy before your performance.

Sink into a plush red booth, offering floor to ceiling views of the historic piazza and indulge in two or three courses from Tuttons’ special menu.

Dishes include roast salmon fillet, wilted spinach with a shallot, tomato, olive and balsamic dressing and glazed apple and almond tart with ginger Chantilly cream.

Also located within the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, Fire & Stone offers an innovative take on traditional pizza fare. Famous for its unique flavour combinations and authentic toppings inspired by cities around the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not far from the piazza, you will find the Strand Dining Rooms.

Whether you’re drawn by the dining décor at the front or the gentleman’s club ambience at the back, this recently opened restaurant is bound to prove a hit with groups seeking classic British fare. Its pre-theatre menu - served from 1700hrs until 1900hrs Monday to Sunday - includes hanger steak with Stilton and port butter, smoked garlic mashed potato and the appetising Strand seafood crumble, among other dishes.

Whitehall Favourites

While in Whitehall, why not visit the OneTwentyOneTwo Restaurant at the historic Royal Horseguards Hotel. In commemoration of the hotel's former neighbour Scotland Yard, this restaurant is named after its famous telephone number, Whitehall 1212.

The Royal Horseguards

Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, don’t miss the restaurant’s outdoor terrace that overlooks the London Eye. Specialising in contemporary dining, it caters for groups of up to 40 people with private dining rooms and al fresco dining as additional options.

Looking for a fun pre-theatre dining option? Just around the corner from Victoria - and a short walk from Piccadilly - is the original Hard Rock Café.

Opened in June 1971, it was the first of its kind. Tuck into authentic American cuisine whilst experiencing the spirit of rock music, surrounded by memorabilia from iconic US artists. Before you leave, remember to pop to The Vault - London’s only rock and roll museum housed in The Rock Shop.

Hard Rock Café offers authentic American cuisine and rock music. HARD ROCK CAFE

A Taste of Hollywood

Crowned the UK’s Best Group Dining Experience at the prestigious Group Travel Awards in summer 2014, Planet Hollywood is the UK’s only Hollywood-inspired restaurant, showcasing more than 60 pieces of movie memorabilia.

Look out for Charlie Chaplin’s trademark cane, numerous 007 pieces spanning several decades, a Storm Trooper’s helmet and ‘The Hoff’s’ red shorts from Baywatch. You can even go palm-to-palm with your heartthrob on the famous ‘Wall of Hands’. Surprise your group as their name appears in lights on the plasma screen to welcome them.

Traditional Favourites

With several locations across London, groups are sure to find something they like at Garfunkel’s. Choose from the traditional British breakfast, famous fish and chips, steaks and burgers served fresh from the grill or its brand new hot dogs, classic pasta or stone-baked pizzas. If you want to surprise your group with a more unusual location, the stunning Georgian architecture of St Martin-in-the-Fields' Café in the Crypt is ideal.

It’s also perfect if you plan to see a lunchtime concert followed by a theatre show, as both are within easy reach. Just across the road you’ll find the National Café. Located in the magnificent National Gallery, it’s one of the most charming and elegant restaurants in London, offering all day dining from hearty breakfasts to evening meals.

Book Now

For more information and to start planning your pre-theatre dining experience contact London & Partners. Visit their dedicated travel trade website at visitlondon.com/travel-trade to keep up-to-date with the latest openings and group offerings.