Where to stay
Staying in Covent Garden, Soho or on the Strand puts you within ten or fifteen minutes' walk of almost every theatre. Prices vary a lot by date, so compare before you book.
The Savoy
The Strand
A grand riverside hotel beside the Savoy Theatre and the Adelphi and Lyceum theatres.
Covent Garden Hotel
Monmouth Street, Seven Dials
A boutique hotel in the heart of Theatreland, a short walk from the Cambridge and Shaftesbury theatres.
Strand Palace Hotel
The Strand
A large, central hotel within walking distance of Covent Garden, Aldwych and the Strand theatres.
Haymarket Hotel
Suffolk Place, Haymarket
A design hotel next to the Theatre Royal Haymarket and His Majesty's Theatre.
The Londoner
Leicester Square
A central hotel right on Leicester Square, steps from the cinemas and many West End theatres.
Premier Inn and Travelodge
Several branches in and around the West End
Budget-friendly chains with branches near Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Waterloo. Book early for weekends.
Where to eat before or after the show
Many restaurants offer pre-theatre menus, usually served before about 6.30pm, so you can eat well and still reach your seat. Book ahead for evenings and matinee days, and tell them what time your show starts.
Côte Brasserie
Branches around Covent Garden, Soho and the Strand
A relaxed French brasserie with a set menu for early diners, handy for a quick bite before curtain up. Check the website for the branch nearest your theatre.
Rules
Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
Traditional British cooking in a restaurant that has served Londoners since 1798, close to the Strand theatres.
J Sheekey
St Martin's Court
A long-standing seafood restaurant tucked behind St Martin's Lane, popular with theatregoers.
The Ivy
West Street, near Cambridge Circus
A classic West End brasserie that has fed theatre audiences for generations.
Dishoom Covent Garden
Upper St Martin's Lane
Popular Indian all-day dining. Expect queues at peak times, so book or arrive early.
Chinatown
Gerrard Street and around
Dozens of quick, affordable restaurants a few minutes from Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue.
Tips for theatre nights
- Eat early: many pre-theatre menus end by about 6.30pm for a 7.30pm curtain.
- Matinee days are busy, so book lunch or a late lunch in advance.
- Allow ten minutes to walk from the restaurant to your theatre, and more in the rain.
- Check the theatre's own website for bag policies and when doors open.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to stay for West End theatre?
Covent Garden, Soho and the Strand are closest to most theatres. Waterloo and Southbank are a pleasant walk away and often cheaper.
Where can I eat before a West End show?
Look for pre-theatre menus around Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Soho, including brasseries such as Côte, and Chinatown for a quick bite.
Full hotel guide for the West End
These are editorial suggestions, not an exhaustive list. Hotels and restaurants change their prices, menus and opening hours, so check directly before you book.
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