hmathis

Yes we know how to say it but I am wondering if we will take the tube from County Hall to the theater (we are seeing Mousetrap at St. Martin's one night and Mama Mia at Prince Edward another)or hop the train from nearby Waterloo directly to that area.....or perhaps we will take a taxi since we will be dressed a little smarter for the evening and will not have on walking shoes...any idea if it would cost a fortune to taxi from County Hall to Leicester Square....taxis may not even be able to get to Old COmpton Street in the evening (I think it is pedestrian only) but it would be romantic to ride through the city in the taxi and not have to walk as far! Opinions?

Also, any recommendations Ben Haines and others for nice not too post places for evening dinner..we are not cosmo eaters really but we don't want to eat at multilpes either (except for maybe lunch here and there) THanks for any affordable but classy suggestions.

jody

I've put this on my pre-theater dinner places.

it is from a post earlier this week from Melj

Had pre-theatre dinner with K. one night at the Criterion in Piccadilly Circus (a Marco Pierre White restaurant). Elegant, very British, wonderful food for a set 3-course price of 18GBP. Her recommendation (thanks!) and I highly concur.

hmathis

Sounds perfect...near what tube stop and what dress?

Jacqui

I would estimate your taxi charge as anywhere between £5-15 - with the traffic being the key determinant. Theatre District can get very congested around 7-7:30pm as everyone tries to get to their shows.

Kavey

Hi,
As the K mentioned I can answer that question!
Criterion restaurant is next door to Criterion theatre and the tube stop is Picadilly Circus. The restaurant is just behind the Eros statue in Picadilly Circus - just ask Tube staff for the best exit to use.
The restaurant is expensive if you eat from the regular a la carte menu but affordable if you are seated AND order before 6.30 from the pre theatre menu which is £15 for 2 courses or £18 for 3 courses. You have a choice of 3 dishes for each course.
The decor of the dining room itself is a great attraction - the gold mosaic ceiling is still beautiful to me even after many visits.
Service last week was not up to standard though we made sure we fed this back to management.
Kavey

janis

There aren't any trains from waterloo into the center of London so you will need the tube or a taxi. But if it isn't raining you could walk from County Hall Marriott to either theatre in 15 or 20 minutes over the Hungerford foot bridge and up St Martins Lane or Charing Cross Rd or through China Town.

starspinners

Old Compton Street is now pedestrian only in the evenings, but a taxi could let you out nearby on Charing Cross Road or on Frirth Street, or Greek Street. You would have only a short walk to the front of the theater ( even if you are wearing high heels. *S* )
Another way to get around in the West End is via pedicabs... you will see them waiting outside the theaters as people are streaming out after the show. That's an option for getting to your post theater dinner. I believe you can book these in advance, your concierge should be able to get this information for you.
P.S. Even if you choose not to walk to the theaters, maybe you can take the stroll across the Hungerford Pedestrian Bridge another evening... it just opened last Autumn.. the bridge is nicely illuminated and it makes for a very pleasant walk.

mdtravel

I'd take the tube. Traffic will ensure the taxi taking longer than the tube. I stayed at the County Hall and took the tube to/from Leceister everyday.

chrisp

Janis, Thats 20 minutes Londoner speed. 30 minutes American walking speed, maybe a bit more.

ben_haines_london

Sorry I have been slow to see this. I think you should ho to Green Park tube station at six, and walk north to Shepherd s Market, where you will find a dozen restaurants or more, most of them ethnic. You should be on Piccadilly to take your bus to the theatre 25 minutes before curtain up.

Another idea in good weather is to sup at Gordon s Wine bar, beside Embankment underground station.

But if you meant all over London, not just near theatres, please would you e-mail me and I shall gladly copy you a list I keep of pubs and other places where I like lunch.

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