Hello all! I am traveling to London in a week or so and was wondering if I should bring dressier clothes for the theatre (Les Mis, Guys and Dolls, etc.). Also, does anyone know of any good steakhouses in London? Thanks!

You can certainly bring, and wear, dressier clothes but please don't get angry when you arrive to find out there really ISN'T and dress code since you'll see most every mode.

No code really, just tidy casual.

Although at a recent visit to Phantom, everyone was in smart casual except one couple who looked like they were either going to a ball at Buck house or just been, looked a trifle out of place I think.

Muck

If you're an American you won't be over impressed by our steakhouses. In any case simply never ever go to the Aberdeen Steakhouses which are sited in the tourist hotspots - it is impossible to overstate how bad these are.

The best steakhouse IMHO is the Popeseye in Blythe Rd (near Olympia) which is very good indeed. Coming to England to eat steak is abit like going to America to eat custard.

i usually wear jeans and a dress shirt to the theatre in london. this is my own preference and how i feel most comfortable. you would not be overdressed in a dress or a suit but this is certainly not required. there is no dress code as others have said. this goes for the west end and the national theatre across the river.

i agree with audere about the steak (although i don't know where you are from). i rarely have steak in restaurants in london. i prefer to make them myself as i can generally do it much better. steaks in london represent very poor value, IMO. you have to pay a lot to get a decent one. there are many steakhouses in central london (eg aberdeen and scotch chains - stay away from them!!!)

First rule of being a tourist in London is NEVER EVER go to an Aberdeen Angus Steak House!

The Gaucho Grill an Argentine steakhouse with restaurants across London is always a pretty safe bet for steak

"Smart casual" - although a terrible office inspired saying would probably be the best way to describe theatre attire although they won't kick you out if you are wearing jeans or a tuxedo

I'd go with anything from jeans and a nice top to a skirt and heels - just depends on whether you feel like dressing up or not. Sometimes after traveling awhile it can feel great to get dolled up!

There isn't a dress code; people wear whatever they fancy.

You'll feel sillier over-dressed than under-dressed though. Full-on ball gowns or really 'dressy' stuff will stand out rather!

I think the "dress code" bit has been covered.

But I do have a question - any particular reason you want a steakhouse? Perhaps because that is usually the "safe" choice where you live when you don't know know the local restaurants??

If so, that really isn't true in London. It is usually best to avoid ANY restaurant w/ "Steak" or Steakhouse" in its name.

You can get steaks in lots of restaurants (but mostly not like what you may be used to at home).

I agree with Janis on the steak thing...IF you are over there expecting to see this huge, thick piece of meat a la Nebraska and Kansas City you may be in for a shock.

Thanks for all the info. I work and live in Europe, so I have not had a good steak in a long time. Where I live, the steaks are miserable, so I thought maybe some of the big American steakhouses are in London. I will probably go for Gaucho Grill as I remember enjoying that restaurant in California. Thanks again!