msdonut

We will be in London for a couple of days and one night in July on our way to Africa and would like to see one show and do dinner before or after. Any comment on Jerry Springer The Opera? Any restaurant suggestions.....Thanks.

Diego13

Havent seen Jerry Springer, about the restaurants I would recommend you the Oxo Tower, Foliage, Baltica, Quaglinos, Le pont de la tour. But then again, you will be in London so finding a good place to eat wont by a problem.

Nikki

I am also going to see Jerry Springer in July and looking for a place to eat before or after. Are the places Diego named near the theater?

Tasha8182

I would highly recommend going to Shakespeare's Globe and catching a play there. They are currently performing Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet. Both were excellent!

Kristi

There's a good Belgian place called Belgo Centraal (comes recommended in a bunch of guidebooks) at 50 Earlham, same street as the theatre where Jerry is at. They have good specials for lunch (until 5:30) and specials in the early evening until 7 or 8, unfortunately for us nothing after the performance. It's a little loud, tables are communal so it's not a good place if you're looking for something intimate but I thought both the food and the service (and the selection of Belgian beers) was very good.

We were able to get 1/2 price tickets for a Friday performance in early June but I suppose you wouldn't want to bank on that in high season.

jonldn

Jerry Springer is an oddity to say the least! I found the 1st act ok but the 2nd act was just a bit much (and I am no prude!) the language is very bad I know it got rave reviews.....but I couldnt see why myself!

If you are relgious at all its a bit of a no no (sorry to sound so negative but fore warned is forearmed as they say!

J

Nikki

Thanks, Kristi, what did you think of the show? I bought my tickets already but I see that they have been available at TKTS every time I've checked on line recently.

Any other ideas for pre- and post-theater dining?

m_kingdom2

Jerry Springer is a superb performance, and highly entertaining. Don't let language offend you my dear.

As for restaurant suggestions, no need to dine anywhere near the theatre. I always like a late dinner after the show - more relaxed - when there's no need to rush and clockwatch. What types of cuisine are you looking for, and what's your budget - I'd advise looking at all the restaurant suggestions made over the years on this fourm.

Nikki

Looking for moderately priced restaurants, possibly ethnic. I really am interested in places near the theater to cut down on the transportation hassles. There will be a couple of nights we might be going to the theater.

Not sure whether dining after the theater will work for us. Our 18 year old daughter will be with us, and she stays up much later than we do. But I'd like to leave the option open depending on how we feel at the time.

smiroglotta

We just returned from London and although we did not see that show, we did walk in and around the area where it is playing. There are many restaurants to choose from. You might ask at your hotel to see if they recommend one. My wife and I had your teenage daughters with us and heard the show was a little too much-- so we oopted for two others. But the show has leagues of fans, so my guess is you'll enjoy it.

Diego13

Nikki, most of the restaurants I mentioned are near the theatres. Le pont de la tour and Oxo Tower have great views of the river. Baltica it?s a more upbeat place. These restaurants go from 25 to 60 GBP per person aprox. If you decide to go to any of these places it would be best after the theatre.

m_kingdom2

Oxo - overrated place, don't waste money here!

Pont de la Tour - excellent food, never overdress there though - smart casual, not smart!

I quite like Baltic, although the bar is a little common, and there was apparent substance abuse in toilet cubicles, the white powder! The food is filling, and the cocktails poorly mixed - too much lemon juice everywhere! It's not madly expensive, around 40GBP a head with some drinks.

If you don't want to eat after, it won't be that late, I'd recommend having a large, late lunch - that way you will be enjoying a meal, and won't have to worry about rushing too finish your meal.

Tulips

Le Pont de la Tour and Oxo Tower are nowhere near the theatre district. Quaglino's is in St James; a bit of a walk from Covent Garden. I like Joe Allen before or after the theatre, but this may be a bit to American for you. Mon Plaisir in Covent Garden is a nice French restaurant.

Kristi

I thought the first half of Jerry Springer was a hoot (yes, there are lots and lots of obscenities!), the second half lagged a bit but overall I enjoyed it. The guy who plays Jerry Springer is a dead ringer for him. Some of the other actors are quite good as well.

It's funny, my husband remarked at the end that it would never be able to play in America because of the religion issue (won't tell you what that is or I'd spoil the fun) but I see it is coming to San Francisco and then Broadway in the future....

Diego13

Tulips its right, the Oxo and Le pont de la tour are not walking distance from the theatres, they are not to far by taxicab either. I received great service when dinning there. I beleive those are places worth visiting at least once.

By the way, Im returning soon to London and a few friends recommended the Seraphins restaurant. Have any of you heard or visited that place?

Nikki

I guess I'd better catch the Jerry Springer show on TV once before I go to London so I can see what he does look like. Not worried about obscenities, not worried about blasphemy, I've read the reviews.

Been looking up all these restaurant suggestions in my Time Out guide. Thanks to all. Any ideas in Soho, which is near the apartment we're renting?

msdonut

Thanks to all the responses for restaurant suggestions. Think we're gonna pass on Jerry Springer - may be a bit much for our teen-age daughters but may follow up on the suggestion for the Globe Theater. That sounds good to me - just hope my husband won't fall asleep during our first night there doing Shakespeare!

Laurie

My family enjoyed the restaurant called Sarastro before a play last summer.

They have a menu for a "tenner". It was very good and had several choices for 10 pounds. The decor in this restaurant is very unique. I am pretty sure they have a website. Maybe you can google it!

Tulips

The Regents Park Open Air Theatre also do Shakespeare. Usually very good, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Bring a picknick.

Patrick

Jerry Springer is not for the closed minded. It is really over the top, but very well done. Do you know the winner of the Olivier award (equivalent of our Tony's) for best supporting actor in a musical was won by "the chorus of Jerry Springer, the Opera"?
I would also suggest Mon Plaisir which is on Monmouth about a block from Jerry Springer at The Cambridge Theatre. Great for either before or after (my preference), as they will do a good job of getting you out in time if you choose before. In either case, it is really excellent French food in a charming restaurant and good value.