Backstage at The Old Vic is set just behind the theatre on Waterloo Road and is open to everyone, making it a useful spot for lunch, dinner, drinks or a pre-show meal in one of central London’s busiest cultural neighbourhoods.
By day, the space feels bright and relaxed, with lots of natural timber, warm red tones and simple contemporary furniture giving it a creative, informal character. Come evening, lower lighting creates a more intimate vibe in the restaurant and bar, with table service, generous seating and an outdoor terrace for warmer nights. There's free Wi-Fi, plenty of plug points and even a Script Library, so it's also a great place for a solo afternoon, with your laptop or favourite book.
The food is seasonal and broadly European, with enough variety to suit different appetites. Starters include courgette fritters with herb mayonnaise, goat’s cheese-stuffed peppers with olive tapenade, squash arancini with fried sage and aioli, and potato pavé for something crisp and comforting.
Main courses include both lighter vegetarian plates and more substantial options; the sage and squash risotto comes finished with Parmesan, while a marinated mushroom skewer is paired with Greek salad, tapenade and Lebanese garlic sauce. Meat and fish dishes include chicken escalope with fennel salad and roasted new potatoes, featherblade of beef with squash purée, asparagus and gremolata, and seared salmon with chorizo and borlotti cassoulet. Spinach and ricotta cannelloni adds another satisfying vegetarian choice. Desserts keep things classic, from crème brûlée and summer berry meringue to brownie with vanilla ice cream, sorbet and affogato, with the option to add a shot of amaretto.
The drinks list covers artisan coffee, cocktails and low and no-alcohol options, so there is no need to make Backstage just a dinner stop. If you are seeing a performance, it is worth returning afterwards too: show your ticket after 9pm and you can receive 20% off drinks.