When my chum from school, gets in touch after 30 years and says he needs a theatre dinner package including a vegan-friendly restaurant in Theatreland, of course I rise to the challenge
Although my wife likes to eat heathily, sort of vegetarian but not quite (I sourced the information for Healthy Restaurants in London for her), I don’t often have the need to find a vegan-friendly restaurant. So when Adrian wrote to me needing some Theatreland advice for his vegan daughter and steak-loving friend… well here is how it started.
“Hi Simon
Looking for ideas for the wife’s 50th birthday on 16th October In London We are taking the kids (mature and sophisticated 17yr old daughter and typical 16yr old son) and meeting two old friends who are eclectic on their views on life.
Currently thoughts ranging from The Play That Goes Wrong through to Les Mis…
This will be after we go for lunch (daughter vegan and best friend steak lover!)
Any thoughts welcome!
Many thanks”
This is good because I didn’t know he was married, or had two kids… to be honest, I thought he was still 18… I mean: I am!
So after a little digging this is what I recommended
Hi, good to hear from you: congratulations on the wedding (well I had to catch up!)
As October 16 is a Sunday you are a bit light on choice regarding shows in London – for example, Les Mis only plays Monday to Saturday – but The Play That goes Wrong does have a Sunday matinee.
There are a few restaurants in Theatreland that cater for Vegans and carnivores alike, rather than just sticking a salad on the list of main courses!
In Romily Street, is Gauthier. It’s a bit pricey, but it is a great (maybe even Theatreland’s best) restaurant for all eaters (the menu on their website doesn’t actually stretch to Steak at the moment but they do a super leg of duck!)
I don’t know how busy Sunday lunchtimes are so I would book ahead!
Check out http://gauthiersoho.co.uk
Then there is Ceviche in Frith Street – yes: Peru does vegan as well as great meat! – http://www.cevicheuk.com/soho
Lastly, La Polenteria is an Italian restaurant in Old Compton Street which is also worth a look – but you have to like Polenta! – http://www.lapolenteria.co.uk/
As they are all in Soho, it’s about a 15 minute walk from the Duchess Theatre but the good news is that the matinee starts at 3pm so tonnes of time to waddle over there after lunch!
If you want a closer restaurant, if you get your tickets from http://londonshow.entstix.com/tickets/the-play-that-goes-wrong (no booking fee for Sunday performances) you get offered a few pre-theatre meal deals too. Most won’t be of use, because of the lack of vegan options on their menus, but Boulevard Brasserie might. Before booking the pre-theatre deal just check what they have on at the moment, direct at the restaurant (020 7240 2992)
I hope that helps
Have a good day and happy birthday to Mrs M!
All the best
Simon