Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
4.5
About
An all-day destination for entertainment, afternoon tea, dining, drinking, art & culture, in the heart of Covent Garden and London's West End. In 2019, LW Theatres embarked on £60 million project to restore the historic Grade 1 listed Theatre Royal Drury Lane to its former 1812 glory. Now open all day to the public, the newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane, affectionately known as The Lane, is reimagined as a new destination for entertainment, food, bars, art and culture, so the iconic interiors can be enjoyed by everyone not just theatregoers. Discover more about Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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£35.00
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Covent Garden • 4 min walk
- Temple • 6 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- devrhiannNashville, Tennessee3 contributionsExcellent spot for afternoon tea!Such a delightful experience! We booked the last seating for afternoon tea after a busy day exploring the city and we had the place to ourselves. The wait staff was attentive and kind, and they took extra steps to wish my best friend a happy birthday, which we were celebrating. I am gluten free and they also accommodated my allergy, as well as reaching out ahead of the reservation day about my allergy. Overall a delightful experience!Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 January 2024
- Pathfinder792641Hanwell, United Kingdom20 contributionsTheatre, tour and tea highly recommendedBeautifully refurbished theatre. Started with the tour at 2pm with guides Darren & James who were informative, witty and fun. Highly recommend the tour! Then tea in the Grand Saloon at 4pm. Chandelier filled glamour, pretty cakes, friendly staff, admire the theatrical themed crockery! Also highly recommended.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 February 2024
- isabellelMarbella, Spain1 contributionA Perfect pre-wedding celebrationWe came for a tour, as well as afternoon tea. From Dr Fine, it was perfect. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious, we were allowed to make substitutions when we were not so keen on some of the items. Without hesitation, they fulfilled that. The service was perfect. The staff and team are great. Alessandro in the concierge team who assisted when there was an issue with finding the tickets for something, and Chelsea Oh my gosh in the afternoon tea team was wonderful. I was serenaded and given a plate of cake to celebrate the occasion.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 February 2024
- Victoria S1 contributionAfternoon teaHad the most glamorous afternoon tea for my daughter and my mums birthday, pre Frozen show. Was very delicious and special. Beautiful service, table set up, chandeliers and a piano in the corner. The manageress sang Happy Birthday to the girls too, was very special. Wonderful choice of tea too.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2024
- Pierre-Raphael S1 contributionLovely and yummy afternoon tea in beautiful locationWonderful location and chandelier room. The table is beautifully set and very tasteful. Food is delicious and we were even able to accommodate a vegan menu for one us us. Andrea served us and was so lovely, explained to us every dish and was always there for us. 100% recommendVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 March 2024
- Melanie M1 contributionGreat afternoon tea experienceOur family had a wonderful afternoon tea experience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane! We are impressed with Caroline’s service - she is sweet and attentive - as well as the delicious food and tea. Will definitely come back if we visit London again.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- lvkdicksonWindsor, United Kingdom4 contributionsWonderful afternoon tea in special surroundingsWe had the loveliest time here for afternoon tea before seeing Frozen. We had the gluten free afternoon tea which was delicious, we especially enjoyed the savory offerings but it was all wonderful. The setting is beautiful, very relaxed and comfortable. Our server Carolyn was very attentive and looked after us so well. Special shout out to Emily for all her patience before we came while I emailed about my coeliac husband, and for her special serenade to me for my birthday! Thank you Emily and team for a wonderful, memorable experience ☺️❤️Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- Ilinca C1 contributionA very unique experienceAmazing service with Andrea, our waitress. Delicious and artistic food selections with many assortments of tea. Lovely location and stunning interior decor. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to come back.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 March 2024
- Stefania L1 contributionUnforgettable and beautiful experienceA very intimate and aesthetically beautiful place. Very friendly service, especially from Andrea, who was particularly helpful in guiding us through this wonderful experience. Highly recommended. Worth trying and definitely coming back.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- 612suem5 contributionsHighly recommendedSo different. A wonderful afternoon tea with a difference. Lovely atmosphere. Andrea, the waitress, was lovely and provided my friend and I with a first class service. We would definitely recommend to everyone and will return again. A superb treat. Lovely Nyetimber champagne, excellent food.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 March 2024
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4.5
1,675 reviews
Excellent
1,174
Very good
305
Average
96
Poor
52
Terrible
48
EcoBean
Kennington, UK267 contributions
Aug 2021
Newly refurbished, but not yet open until end of August 2021 for shows, the Theatre Royal Cecil Beaton Bar is an opulent, luxurious venue to meet for cocktails and drinks. We visited as a family of 6, post lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the cocktails, mocktails, herbal teas in the wonderful Art Deco surroundings. There is also a Rotunda Champagne Bar, and a Garden Brasserie style bar serving light meals, all of which are absolutely beautiful.
Seating is varied and very luxurious sofas, arm chairs and accent chairs. I ordered a very reasonable (£2.50) pot of Herbal tea, which came in an amazing art deco style teapot and matching cup and saucer. I tried the Peter Pan non-alcoholic cocktail which was delicious.
We did have one small hiccup trying to order a bottle of champagne, and probably because the staff are all new and not very sure of processes/procedures yet, but we had to wait over 20 minutes for the bottle to be served to our table. Also, the waitress was very friendly, possibly a bit too chatty to be honest, but I was a bit shocked when the bill came and we asked for the car machine, as she promptly informed us that we can't pay Tips on credit cards. I felt that was a bit presumptuous. She did get tipped - in cash.
Really recommend a visit to this Theatre, and we're looking forward to seeing a show here, and will probably book for pretheatre light bites and drinks again.
Seating is varied and very luxurious sofas, arm chairs and accent chairs. I ordered a very reasonable (£2.50) pot of Herbal tea, which came in an amazing art deco style teapot and matching cup and saucer. I tried the Peter Pan non-alcoholic cocktail which was delicious.
We did have one small hiccup trying to order a bottle of champagne, and probably because the staff are all new and not very sure of processes/procedures yet, but we had to wait over 20 minutes for the bottle to be served to our table. Also, the waitress was very friendly, possibly a bit too chatty to be honest, but I was a bit shocked when the bill came and we asked for the car machine, as she promptly informed us that we can't pay Tips on credit cards. I felt that was a bit presumptuous. She did get tipped - in cash.
Really recommend a visit to this Theatre, and we're looking forward to seeing a show here, and will probably book for pretheatre light bites and drinks again.
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Extraordinary667590
26 contributions
Dec 2021
We went to Frozen the musical on Saturday 18th December and paid extra for family hospitality package. It was very busy looked like a full house, We were met by lady in red coat who explained the service and showed us to a reserved table, when I booked this added to the cost of the tickets so I did wonder if it would be worth the extra. It was definitely worth it, the service was so good I don't remember our hosts name but just to say she had dark curly hair so I am hoping she gets the huge pat on the back she deserves, this is how hospitality should be done but rarely is !
We went to a restaurant afterwards and the service in comparison was not at all good, at a time when there are many cancellations and less people going to venues and events we want to feel people actually make the effort to make us feel welcome.
Well earned 5 stars with thanks.
We went to a restaurant afterwards and the service in comparison was not at all good, at a time when there are many cancellations and less people going to venues and events we want to feel people actually make the effort to make us feel welcome.
Well earned 5 stars with thanks.
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard O
London, UK8 contributions
Feb 2022
What a delicious (in every sense of the word) treat. 5* service, 5* food, a brilliant way to start a weekend in London. The Lane has got it just right, a slightly different take on afternoon tea, taking its culinary cue from the Theatre's Regency past which is refreshing given the established competition F&M, the Waldorf etc etc. So good to see the Theatre being used all day rather than just by the theatre crowd, especially after the magnificent restoration project of the last two years. It has to be seen to be fully appreciated. This was our first time for afternoon tea, it certainly won't be the last. At £49 per person it may seem expensive but trust me you will not be able to eat everything and if that's the case the staff are on hand with "doggie bags" so you can take any left overs home. Don't miss out on the Absinthe ice cream at the end - just watching the trolley gliding round the room is a delight in itself. Big shout out to the staff who are impeccable in the way they look after you and a special thanks to Donato our personal waiter who explained how everything works, course by course. Sublime afternoon in the most perfect of surroundings.
Written 7 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen B
London, UK19 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Firstly, Drury Lane is the most stunning theatre in London. The recent renovations have restored this amazing place into an opulent Georgian theatre house with stunning contemporary artwork on the walls and it is a fitting tribute to its patrons of the past. What I would thoroughly recommend however, is the behind the scenes tour - an hour of fascinating, funny and entertaining stories, revealing the secrets, scandals and the history of this amazing place. Darren and his partner guide kept our group enthralled thorough out and did a wonderful job! A great time was had by all!
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krisso
3 contributions
Oct 2021
The show itself is amazing from the set production to the actors. Loved every minute of the performance, and would definitely watch it again.
My disappointment was more to do with the covid guidance, despite being asked to have either a covid pass or lateral flow test on booking the seats I didn't experience 1 person challenged for results or pass and that includes my group. Inside the theatre wasn't much better, I see no point in staff having to wear masks if a majority of the audience wont wear one. Our performance as well was blighted by people trying to take photos (or record) through the show as the staff were constantly up and down the stairs telling people off. Can it really be that hard for people to follow a simple set of instructions to protect the performers and staff and to also not ruin experiences for others.
My disappointment was more to do with the covid guidance, despite being asked to have either a covid pass or lateral flow test on booking the seats I didn't experience 1 person challenged for results or pass and that includes my group. Inside the theatre wasn't much better, I see no point in staff having to wear masks if a majority of the audience wont wear one. Our performance as well was blighted by people trying to take photos (or record) through the show as the staff were constantly up and down the stairs telling people off. Can it really be that hard for people to follow a simple set of instructions to protect the performers and staff and to also not ruin experiences for others.
Written 18 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caron M
Bedfordshire, UK309 contributions
Jun 2022
The tours run several times a day in English. They last about an hour and a half and although stairs are involved there are opportunities to sit while you are being regaled with fabulous tales of the venue. A great experience for lovers of theatre, history and fun facts. Our guides were very professional and made the experience very interesting. Great to see parts of the theatre not usually open to the public and the refurbishment of this old theatre is amazing. We had a really enjoyable visit. Tickets can include a cocktail - worth it as the bar is beautiful but quite expensive. Would recommend this to anyone visiting London.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siobhan
20 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
We did our tour around theatre royal drury Lane on 18th September 2022 as it was a birthday gift for me and my mum for our birthdays from a family member. when we got there we were greeted by friendly staff and after we were given our lanyards, we were informed we were the only ones doing the tour, which was a nice surprise. Our tour guide was called James and he was such a delight, he definitely knew his stuff and he was very thorough. In fact he was so thorough, we didn't need to ask any questions. we did the tour and even went in the auditorium, we were hoping to see the new cast of frozen but I think they already had been on stage practising. We learnt everything about the theatre and even was told a few ghost stories.
The tour was meant to be an hour, but we ended up being an hour and a half as James was very thorough. afterwards we had to leave quite quickly as it was a Sunday and the matinee performance of frozen was an hour earlier.
If you are interested in theatres, or love history or even both, I would recommend this tour and if you have James, you will be taught everything.
Thank you for a wonderful tour.
The tour was meant to be an hour, but we ended up being an hour and a half as James was very thorough. afterwards we had to leave quite quickly as it was a Sunday and the matinee performance of frozen was an hour earlier.
If you are interested in theatres, or love history or even both, I would recommend this tour and if you have James, you will be taught everything.
Thank you for a wonderful tour.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vesna S
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Afternoon Tea at the Theatre Royal , Drury Lane - Fantastic Experience
I have booked Afternoon Tea for a friend of mine and my daughter on 13.12.2022 and we were smitten by ambiance and the excellent service of Mr. Roque. He made us feeling very special and looked after. He has guide us through the menu and served us in an exceptional style and rhythm making our afternoon most pleasant and relaxed. It felt as we were having a personal butler at our service.
Great Christmas Afternoon Tea, we can recommend to every one who would like to experience the charm and tradition of English heritage.
I have booked Afternoon Tea for a friend of mine and my daughter on 13.12.2022 and we were smitten by ambiance and the excellent service of Mr. Roque. He made us feeling very special and looked after. He has guide us through the menu and served us in an exceptional style and rhythm making our afternoon most pleasant and relaxed. It felt as we were having a personal butler at our service.
Great Christmas Afternoon Tea, we can recommend to every one who would like to experience the charm and tradition of English heritage.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa Banks
Lincoln, UK27 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Went to a Sunday evening show of Frozen and it was spectacular! The cast were incredible! The theatre has had a refurb and was so excited to sit in one of the new boxes! Box A is on the left hand side of the theatre and has 2 chairs in that you can move around to change your view/adjust for legroom.
Definitely recommend for couples - there is also another Box A underneath which seats 4 which would be perfect for families too.
Drinks and snacks are at theatre pricing but that is expected and can take glasses purchases in theatre bar into auditorium.
The gift shop opens from 10am daily so we went back the next day to get merchandise in a quieter period. Plush toys, mugs. Jewellery, jackets, t shirts, magnets, pin badges all for sale
Bought the tall branded mug priced at £20 and is great quality.
Definitely recommend for couples - there is also another Box A underneath which seats 4 which would be perfect for families too.
Drinks and snacks are at theatre pricing but that is expected and can take glasses purchases in theatre bar into auditorium.
The gift shop opens from 10am daily so we went back the next day to get merchandise in a quieter period. Plush toys, mugs. Jewellery, jackets, t shirts, magnets, pin badges all for sale
Bought the tall branded mug priced at £20 and is great quality.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThePrivateTraveller
United Kingdom181 contributions
Nov 2021
My husband booked afternoon tea for us when in London for a weekend. We had both expected this to be a real highlight, but in actual fact was such a disappointment. The welcome was great and we were shown up to the Grand Saloon upstairs, at that point it stated to go downhill.
We were given booklets which were clearly explained to be ones for us to take away; after we had ordered the afternoon tea with an extra King’s Punch cocktail, the booklets were whisked away too. Despite actually saying the opposite, the waiter from the off tried to upsell the additional caviar option, which was no good for a vegetarian.
There was nothing wrong with the food, albeit disappointing to have no sandwiches, and for a vegetarian I think there is nothing worse than being offered ‘fake’ something - in this case it was something looking remarkably like shredded salmon, which the waiter said was some sort of protein salmon equivalent.
I heard someone nearby complaining about lukewarm tea, and they said the water came from a hot water tap. Initially, wrongly, I thought she was making a fuss, but after trying my tea when it came I completely understood. The first cup was ok, but as soon as it was left for just a few seconds, and future cups, it was cool. The table was also very small and the waiter had to try and balance things to fit on the table. There were two scones, one each, but they were so small and thin we didn’t think we’d actually be able to slice them.
When the bill came, they had shown this as being the cost of the afternoon tea with two separate cocktails, but then taking off a deduction to bring it back to the standard cost of the afternoon including the punch. That said, they got this wrong and it was charged at £2 more than the menu. Again it wasn’t a bad thing, but just another thing which was disappointing.
I did alternate between awarding two or three stars here - as I say, it wasn’t awful but for the cost and how good it could have been, my overall word for the experience is just underwhelming. For the money, there are far, far better afternoon tea experiences available in London. So disappointed.
We were given booklets which were clearly explained to be ones for us to take away; after we had ordered the afternoon tea with an extra King’s Punch cocktail, the booklets were whisked away too. Despite actually saying the opposite, the waiter from the off tried to upsell the additional caviar option, which was no good for a vegetarian.
There was nothing wrong with the food, albeit disappointing to have no sandwiches, and for a vegetarian I think there is nothing worse than being offered ‘fake’ something - in this case it was something looking remarkably like shredded salmon, which the waiter said was some sort of protein salmon equivalent.
I heard someone nearby complaining about lukewarm tea, and they said the water came from a hot water tap. Initially, wrongly, I thought she was making a fuss, but after trying my tea when it came I completely understood. The first cup was ok, but as soon as it was left for just a few seconds, and future cups, it was cool. The table was also very small and the waiter had to try and balance things to fit on the table. There were two scones, one each, but they were so small and thin we didn’t think we’d actually be able to slice them.
When the bill came, they had shown this as being the cost of the afternoon tea with two separate cocktails, but then taking off a deduction to bring it back to the standard cost of the afternoon including the punch. That said, they got this wrong and it was charged at £2 more than the menu. Again it wasn’t a bad thing, but just another thing which was disappointing.
I did alternate between awarding two or three stars here - as I say, it wasn’t awful but for the cost and how good it could have been, my overall word for the experience is just underwhelming. For the money, there are far, far better afternoon tea experiences available in London. So disappointed.
Written 1 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the dress code? Are trainers (dark) permitted?
Written 10 January 2024
Is it only possible to get online tickets (booking from Germany!)?
I would like a "real" ticket as a keepsake.
Written 8 June 2022
When I went earlier this year - it was eu get time - we did not book ahead, just went in on the day.
I cannot remember whether we were given tickets - I don’t think we weee. Hi eve vet, there was a very fancy menu / piece of literature that was available on the table for each of us to take home should we want to (no cost).
Hope this answers your question (though do note the view of our party of four that this was not a good experience - an insubstantial afternoon tea, poorly served and highly priced, but in a nice setting).
Written 10 June 2022
Hi,
Does anyone know if I can take light snacks into the theatre from outside. I will be coming with a 7 year old and 3 year old and wanted to bring some crisps, chocolates, fruit shoots, etc.
Also can I just put everything in my rucksack and take it into the theatre?
Written 5 September 2021
Hi, Does anyone know if you can take light snacks into the theatre. I will be going with a 7 year old and 3 year old and wanted to take some crisps, chocolates, fruit shoots, etc. Can I just put it in a rucksack and take it in?
Written 5 September 2021
you can but make sure it doesn't rustle. Nothing worse, when watching live theatre and hearing crisps etc rustling away. I am sure the children can manage 1 hour either side of the interval without a snack.
Written 7 December 2021
Hi there. Has anyone got any photos/experiences from BOX J please?
Written 30 July 2021
Afruza A
Chichester, United Kingdom
Has anyone visited with a wheelchair user. The site says there are only 4 possible accessible seats. Is it easy to get in and out with a wheelchair user? Thank you
Written 13 March 2020
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