To my mind London’s finest theatre for a number of years now has been the Donmar Warehouse in the Seven Dials area of Covent Garden. Few theatres can match the cosiness of the Donmar and fewer still can match the quality of the productions – the fact that so many international stars have been drawn back to the stage despite it only housing 250 seats and offering tickets at a fraction of the West End in general, is testament to this.
So, you have managed to get your tickets for the Donmar (no mean feat in itself in light of its popularity); the next task is finding somewhere to provide you with the sustenance to ensure that you are height of attentiveness for the world-class performance. Though it may at first thought be a simple task all too often it is not. Finding somewhere that opens earlier enough to dine in good time to get to the theatre and order the interval drinks, as well as offering good food and also being at a price that does not seem beyond the pale for what has been a swift bite is not straight-forward.
At the London Food Review we have come with a guide to some of those places that should be on the short list for that pre/post-Donmar meal.
Clos Maggiore - 33, King’s Street, London. WC2E 8JD.
Cuisine: Modern European
Telephone: 0207 379 9696
Deal: 2 courses & half a bottle of wine or 3 courses for £21.50.
Certainly one of my favourite restaurants in London, the décor, food and service combine to make any meal at Clos Maggiore memorable and exceptionally good. I would not however pop in her for the a la carte pre-theatre as it would not seem to do the food justice to have to be out by 7pm – luckily the restaurant has also realised this and offered what I believe to be the best pre-theatre in London. For £21.50 you can either have three courses or two courses and half a bottle of wine. The selection is not enormous, however I have never had a poor dish at Maggiore. Being a little over 5 minutes from the Donmar it is perfectly placed and I can’t imagine a better culinary start to an evening at the theatre.
Mon Plaisir - 19 – 21, Monmouth Street, London. WC2H 9DD.
Cuisine: French
Telephone: 0207 836 7243
Deal: 2 courses £12.95
This is a very French restaurant that is just around the corner from the Donmar and is an excellent choice for pre-theatre. Whilst I find the a la carte a little expensive at times at £12.95 the pre-theatre menu is fantastic value. You will often get only a choice of two items per course however there is usually something for everyone; which are often accompanied by big bowls of veg & starch which allow you to fill up to your heart’s content. The décor is pleasant, the staff make sure you get out in good time to get to the theatre and the food is extremely reliable – a great pre-theatre choice.
Joe Allen - 13, Exeter Street, London. WC2E 7DT.
Cuisine: North American
Telephone: 0207 836 0651
Deal: 2 courses £16.00
I can’t say I find the fact that the restaurant repeatedly describes itself as legendary particularly endearing; however that apart Joe Allen is a great choice for pre-theatre. The North American menu sees influences from across the continent, offering simple and well sourced dishes. The pre-theatre provides you with a selection of three dishes per course for £16.00; there often being a particularly pleasant sounding vegetarian option. The restaurant has a cosiness to it that creates a warm and relaxed environment in which to eat. Being only a short walk from the Donmar it is definitely one to keep in mind.
Incognico - 117, Shaftsbury Avenue, London. WC2H 8AD.
Cuisine: Modern European
Telephone: 0207 836 8866
Deal: 2 courses £19.50
The mixed French and Italian menu at Incognico is always worth a stab pre-theatre. Despite its uber-modern exterior the dining space is surprisingly classical. The dining room is dark wood with unctuous leather banquettes, providing a pleasant setting in which to enjoy the traditional cooking. The pre-theatre menu is large, with an offering of 5 dishes for each course, with something for everyone. The food is well cooked and pleasantly filling, the service is attentive and the décor only adds to the occasion. There is certainly no need to avoid Incognico when looking for that pre-Donmar nibble.
Axis at One Aldwych - One Aldwych, London. WC2B 4BZ.
Cuisine: British
Telephone: 0207 300 0300
Deal: 2 courses £21.50
A restaurant that doesn’t have quite enough soul to be a great option for dinner out for the full a la carte menu, having a little bit too much of a business lunch / hotel feel to it; however it hits the spot for pre-theatre. The dining room isn’t exciting however has a grandness to it, the service is extremely efficient and the British food is reliable, well sourced and tasty. At £21.50 the pre-theatre menu provides three choices for each course. Only a short walk to the Donmar, dining at Axis provides an upmarket start to your evening out without the usual high prices.