When I'm in London in November, a friend of mine who lives in the UK will be visiting me, but she's never been to London! We're going to the theatre and then I want to take her someplace special after the show (The Ivy is fully booked, I just called them)

Any suggestions for a post-show restaurant in the general vicinity of Cambridge Cirus/Leicester Sq/Covent Garden? Will travel further, I don't really care, it's just a matter of I think the restaurants in that area (where the theatre is) will be open a bit later then those farther afield (Daphne's, for example, closes at 11..The Ivy is at leave open till midnight..)

I was thinking of possibly Joe Allen, but then again we've both been to the location in New York is it's not really special.

The cost doesn't really matter.

Thanks!

Christine

Not answering your exact question - but I might consider eating pre-theatre instead. You will have a much wider choice, then just go for drinks afterwards.

Hi--won't have time pre-theatre, we're seeing Blood Brothers which comes down around 7 (4pm matinee) and then Cabaret starts at 7:45.

I actually just made reservations--lunch at Le Caprice at 2pm and then Quaglino's for a postshow dinner at 11pm. Still open to suggestions though! (have been to the latter and I loved it, have never been to the former)

Christine

Le Caprice is very nice. I like Quaglino's as well; their passion fruit pavlova is good! The Wolseley is another one worth checking out. I think the Caprice, Ivy and Wolseley are all owned by the same group.

Thanks, tulip, I'll take a look at the Wolseley!

Oh - didn't realize you were doing a two-show day. I do that sometimes too. Of course, then eating dinner pre-theatre won't work.

Haven't eaten at the Wolseley, but I'm sure it would be perfect. I would have recommended Quaglino's - but you already have it booked so I might stick w/ it . . . .

I'm having a hard time figuring out the atmosphere you might want. The Ivy is upscale and a nice relaxed place for dinner and converstation. But the Wolsely to me is very loud, boisterous, and an entirely different atmosphere -- more a bar/bistro than restaurant. In fact, I'd compare it more to the atmosphere of Joe Allen, which as you say is nothing special. I would suggest you may not be able to talk at all at Wolesly due to the noise level late at night. Le Caprice is more like The Ivy (and owned by the same people), and I've actually enjoyed my food there far more than The Ivy. Sounds nice for lunch as well, though, so maybe stick with that.
Rules is open till midnight or so, and is great for after theatre, especially if you're into the "over the top" traditional British decor and menu (game and roasts, etc.)

I liked the "clubby" atmosphere of Quaglino's, but never thought much of the food or the service.

What about the wonderful Italian food at Cipriani, also not far from Cabaret and a real "upscale and pricey, but worth it" after the theatre haunt?