On our recent trip to London for a West End theatre marathon, we made sure to stop by the Theatre Cafe on St. Martin's Lane, conveniently located near iconic theatres like the Noel Coward and the Duke of York's. Visiting on a Friday lunchtime around 12 PM, we found the cafe to be a quiet retreat initially, though it began to buzz with activity as the afternoon wore on—clearly a popular spot for fellow theatre enthusiasts.
The cafe's decor is a love letter to musical theatre, with tributes to shows like Six and Wicked adorning the walls, and themed tables that make you feel like you're dining right in the heart of the West End. As you sit and enjoy your meal, you’re serenaded by a constant stream of musical theatre songs, adding to the immersive experience. It's an Instagrammer's dream, with plenty of quirky spots to snap that perfect "stagey" selfie.
We decided to grab a bite to eat and opted for the cheese and ham toasties (£3.80). Simple but satisfying, they were a comforting choice that hit the spot. The menu also features other light bites like mozzarella, pesto, and tomato paninis (£3.80), nachos (£10), a variety of pizzas including a vegetarian option (£10), and hot dogs ranging from £5 to £7.
The drinks menu is where the Theatre Cafe truly shines, with a delightful selection of theatre-themed beverages. I couldn't resist the "Everybody's Talking About Jammie" freakshake (£5.50)—a strawberry-flavoured delight topped with cream and, in my case, pink party rings (they had run out of Jammie Dodgers). Lawrence opted for the "I'm Not Throwing Away My Shot" freakshake, a rich blend of chocolate and coffee flavours, adorned with cream and gold star sprinkles.
For fans of Heathers, the themed smoothies (£5) are a fun nod to the musical, with options like the "Heather Chandler" (strawberry, red in colour) and "Veronica Sawyer" (blueberry and blackberry, blue in colour). The hot drinks also feature clever names, such as "Defying Gravi-tea" and "Charlie and the Hot Chocolate," adding a touch of whimsy to your caffeine fix.
For those looking for something a bit stronger, the cafe also serves a variety of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails on tap with clever, stage-inspired names. You guessed it—they have options like the "Cinderella Fizz," the "Starlight Espresso Martini," and "Putting on the Aperol Spritz." These drinks not only taste great but also add a bit of theatrical flair to your experience.
The cafe also boasts a small performance space, which hosts live performances and open mic sessions, offering fans a chance to showcase their talents or simply enjoy an intimate performance. Unfortunately, there were no performances happening during our visit, but it's an exciting feature that adds to the cafe's charm.
No visit to a cafe is complete without dessert, and the Theatre Cafe doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed a slice of Victoria sponge (£3.20), while Lawrence treated himself to the red velvet cake (£3.50). Both were simple yet delicious, rounding off our visit on a sweet note.
The cafe also offers a range of merchandise, including t-shirts, cups, and even a cookbook—perfect for taking a piece of the magic home with you.
While the Theatre Cafe is a delightful spot to immerse yourself in musical theatre culture, it’s not without its minor flaws. The food, though tasty, is basic, and the cafe can get quite crowded as the day progresses, which may detract from the experience for some.
All in all, the Theatre Cafe is a must-visit for any musical theatre fan. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, community, and nostalgia, with enough flair to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re in between shows or just want to soak up the West End vibes, this cafe hits all the right notes.
If you would like to learn more about the Theatre Cafe you can visit their website by clicking the link button below.
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