For a pre-theatre dinner in Soho the Ivy is a must. The iconic art deco-styled restaurant offers a set menu from 2.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday - perfect for mid-week shows and matinees. Whether you opt for 2 or 3 courses, you’ll get a choice of three different dishes all for under £30. They also offer aperitif cocktails, including the Sloe Americano with Campari, Vermouth, and sloe berries, as well as the refreshing Hugo with elderflower, mint and Prosecco.

Right by Somerset House is Simpson's in the Strand, an institution that has been around since 1848 serving seasonal British dishes and drinks. If you’re a fan of a roast dinner, then you’ll love the menu here. Their signature is roast beef served on carving trolleys, brought out to your table so you can see the meat carved right in front of you. Their bar is also worth a visit, inspired by the chess players who gathered here to play against the best of the best. The drinks menu features cocktails made to order, and a choice of forty artisanal gins to enjoy in the classic G&T.

Tutton’s is a British brasserie located right on the iconic Covent Garden Piazza. Here you can people-watch to your heart’s content with a drink from the bar, a baked camembert or a full three-course meal.

Their pre-theatre menu is reasonably priced (under £20 for three courses), featuring dishes such as toasted sourdough served with pink peppercorn butter and chicken liver pate, as well as a ‘Green Garden’ risotto made with a medley of vegetables and fresh broad beans. This is a great pre-theatre option for those on a budget.

Frenchie is a modern French brasserie in Covent Garden, offering al fresco dining in their umbrella-covered street terrace. In the spirit of bringing a slice of Paris to London, the food is modern, simple and elegant, overseen by head chef Greg Marchand.

Apparently, the name of the restaurant is a nod to his nickname coined by Jamie Oliver, when they worked together at Fifteen. One thing to note about the set theatre menu is that there is currently no vegetarian main, only pescatarian or confit duck leg, but it's worth checking what's on offer before you go.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat near the Apollo theatre in Victoria, J. Sheekey is a great option. Open since 1896, and considered the finest seafood restaurant in London, it's situated in the middle of theatre-land and is a London institution. You won’t be able to miss it with its bright red exterior and winter-proofed outdoor seating terrace.

Due to its location and reputation, J. Sheekey is a favourite for theatre-goers, actors and celebrities too. The menu features the best oysters and champagne and dishes like ceviches, tartares, crab doughnuts and lobster tacos - something for every seafood lover.

On the boundary of Covent Garden and Holborn is Margot, a high-end and elegant space serving regional Italian dishes. Open every day of the week for pre and post-theatre dinners, they also have a fully serviced bar.

The food standout is the pasta dishes, but you can choose between seafood, game, and truffle-based accompaniments. The drink choice on offer is vast with over 350 wines and bartenders ready to whip up cocktails of your choosing.

For a relaxed Italian dining experience near Covent Garden, head to Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano, serving fresh and seasonal dishes in her trademark style. The pre-theatre menus are available every day from 12pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, but feel free to order from the a la carte menu too.

Dishes include roasted swordfish, trofie-shaped pasta and grilled courgette antipasti. For dessert there are fruity sorbets, classic tiramisu and (gorgonzola) cheese & crackers. Drinks range from classy Italian cocktails using Campari, aperitifs and Vermouth to a decently-sized wine list.