In other words, is it the same offerings at different prices, or is it much less food for a little less?

Any thoughts?

Early bird special? Less Food?

"pre-theatre" means just that - they serve early enough that you can eat and get to the theatre by a 7:30 curtain.

Sometimes a pre-theatre menus will include some smaller meal choices, and therefore could be cheaper. But the main purpose ofr pre-theatre is to get in and out in time to make your show.

I understand what you're asking, but there is no set answer. Overall I'd say most "pre-theatre" menus are more limited but the portions are not usually smaller -- they just offer more for the money because it would be a slow time otherwise.

A pre-theatre menu is usually a very "set" menu, i.e., limited in variation and this may vary from country to country. An early-bird special has nothing necessartily to do with attending a theatrical evevnt and is a term more likely to do with timing (as in of the day) such as parking.

topping

I often dine on pre theatre dinner menus in London when meeting friends straight after work.

The portions are certainly not smaller than a la carte in my experience (I have eaten at most of the same places a la carte also).

The main difference is that most a la carte menus offer only 3 choices for starter, 3 for main and 3 for dessert.

Also, most restaurants have a cut off time by which you have to be seated and ordered.

Occasionally, though not often, I've also been told, on booking, that they will need my table back at a certain time - though not often. Last time this happened they asked for the table back at 8.30 on a 6.30 booking, so not a big deal.

Obviously, this is relevant only if you're not actually rushing off to the theatre.

Kavey (London)

Sigh, should have previewed.

That should read:

The main difference is that most pre theatre menus offer only 3 choices for starter, 3 for main and 3 for dessert.