Mezzanine at the National Theatre

Performance snapshots & framed photographs of stage greats put diners in the mood for a grand old time at this gregarious eatery attached to the National Theatre – although you can drop in even if you’re not booked for a show. Mackerel escabèche with broad beans, baby carrots & radishes makes a bright seasonal opener, with mains spanning anything from smoked tuna with sauce vierge to steak & chorizo pie with butter beans. Seasonal specials such as steamed asparagus with hollandaise or English strawberries & raspberries with milk ice cream add extra zing to the menu, while grills & pastas keep it simple for show-goers in a hurry. Long-serving staff work speedily to ensure no one misses curtain-up, & the Euro-accented wine list offers an easy-glugging selection by the glass.