A Big Day Out at Cabaret the musical

Make the most out of your day seeing Cabaret in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Cabaret is one of the most celebrated musicals in the canon, but Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is something more. A deeply immersive version of the masterpiece by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff, it sees the Playhouse Theatre transformed into a 1930s Berlin nightclub, where the party is alive, the music is playing – and something dark is in the air.

This multi-award-winning production is a must-see, but there’s plenty you can do with your time in London before and after visiting the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre. Here’s our guide to what to do, where to eat and where to shop in the area, to help you have a big day out seeing Cabaret in the West End.

Things to do near Cabaret the musical
Restaurants near Cabaret the musical
Shopping near Cabaret the musical
Bars and pubs near Cabaret the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Cabaret the musical
On-theme activities for Cabaret the musical

Things to do near Cabaret the musical

The Playhouse Theatre sits between London’s theatre district and the bank of the Thames, with lots to see and do in the area.

If the weather’s good and you’d prefer to be outside, the Victoria Embankment Gardens are right beside the Playhouse Theatre. This series of gardens on the north side of the Thames are the perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic lunch and contain lots of historic statues to discover. Also right beside the theatre, you can delve into a bit of local history at Benjamin Franklin House. This museum is housed in the world’s only remaining Franklin residence and is a great place to learn about Franklin’s time in London, as well as the rich history of the house.

Just five minutes away you’ll find historic Trafalgar Square, where you can spot Nelson’s Column along with the famous bronze lions and fountain. This monument commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar and is a must-visit spot for London sightseers. Right beside Trafalgar Square you’ll find two of London’s best-loved museums. The National Gallery displays artwork from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, whilst the National Portrait Gallery is home to famous faces from throughout history.

A ten-minute walk from the theatre is another one of London’s best-loved attractions. With views extending up to 40km on clear days, the London Eye is the most popular paid attraction in the UK, with three million annual visitors enjoying the city from a whole new perspective.

Or, if you just want to unwind, AIRE Ancient Baths is the place to do it. This luxurious spa and bathhouse is inspired by the traditions of Ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilisations and is hard to beat for a restorative day out.

Restaurants near Cabaret the musical

To add to the immersive experience, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club offers pre-show dining. Here are a few of our other favourite options for dinner in the area.

Fatt Pundit – Traditional Chinese cooking techniques are combined with the spices of India in this authentic Indochinese eatery. Their menu honours the unique cuisine that originates from the migration of Hakka people from Canton to Kolkata.

The Northall – A bar and dining room in the elegant Corinthian Hotel, this classy spot serves small plates and brasserie classics in a refined setting. Don’t forget to check out their curated wine list and fabulous cocktails.

Kerridge’s Bar & Grill – Classic British dishes are reimagined by Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge and head chef Tom Childs in this stylish restaurant, all using seasonal flavours and locally-sourced ingredients.

50 Kalò di Ciro Salva Pizzeria – You’ll find some of the best pizza in London at this authentic Neopolitan pizza spot, created by a master pizzamaker.

One Twenty One Two – Named after the phone number of Scotland Yard Whitehall, One Twenty One Two offers a modern take on classic British dining in the beautiful Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Bustronome London – You can’t beat Bustronome for a unique dining experience. Picking up just minutes from the theatre at Victoria Embankment, this double-decker restaurant on wheels serves a six-course tasting menu with incredible views of London.

Shopping near Cabaret the musical

Lots of London’s best shopping lies near the Playhouse Theatre. Just ten minutes away you’ll find Covent Garden, home to global beauty brands and high-quality independent stores. For a curated experience, St Martin’s Courtyard, fifteen minutes away, houses a discerning collection of fashion and lifestyle brands as well as cosy cafes.

Colourful Neal’s Yard, just fifteen minutes away, is always worth a visit, whether you’re shopping for the best in beauty and wellness or just snapping photos. If you’re up for a further walk, you’ll find Carnaby Street twenty minutes from the Duchess Theatre, carrying major global brands and independent businesses. And of course, Oxford Street is the final word in West End shopping. A thirty-minute walk away or one stop on the Bakerloo line, over 300 brands await you on this famous shopping street.

Bars and pubs near Cabaret the musical

All of our recommended restaurants are great places to grab a drink, but here are a few of our favourite bars and pubs near the Playhouse Theatre.

Gordons Wine Bar – This 135-year-old hidden gem transports you back in time, serving wine, cheese and charcuterie as well as oak barrels of sherry and port in a vaulted candlelit cellar.

The Ship & Shovell – This pub is full of historic charm, split across two buildings opposite each other in a picturesque alley. Try their signature Badger and Outland beers and their classic pub dishes.

Sherlock Holmes – One of London’s original themes pubs, Sherlock Holmes is full of Victorian curios, rich woods and even a faithful recreation of the detective’s Baker Street flat. Here you’ll find great wines, craft ales and excellent pub food.

Clipper Lounge EMB – This floating boat bar and riverfront lounge offers stunning views of the Thames from their floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy a signature cocktail in their sleek lounge or out on the cosy terrace.

Champagne Charlies – Alongside champagne you’ll find a range of wines, craft beers and spirits in this bar hidden beneath the arches of Charing Cross. The candlelight and exposed brick make for an intimate, romantic space to enjoy a drink.

The 40 Elephants – Inspired by the notorious all-female crime syndicate of the same name, this sophisticated cocktail bar within the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is an art deco delight. Each drink on their menu tells a different story relating to the infamous gang.

Tube stations and bus stops near Cabaret the musical

The closest tube station to the Playhouse Theatre is Charing Cross, which is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. It’s also your closest National Rail station. Embankment is also nearby, on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines. Both are less than a five-minute walk away.

Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Cabaret the musical

Moulin Rouge! – If you’re looking for a second show to see whilst you’re in London, Moulin Rouge! is also a famous nightclub musical. This decadent show will transport you to Paris, where you’ll embrace the ideals of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Catch it at the Piccadilly Theatre.

London Cabaret Club – To see the art of cabaret in its modern form, the London Cabaret Club is one of the best places to go in the city, offering immersive dining and a luxury experience.

German Gymnasium – Home of the first London Olympic Games gymnasium and constructed by the German Gymnastics Society, this historic space in Kings Cross is now a restaurant, whose menu is a loving ode to German cuisine. You’ll enjoy schnitzels, sausages, tortes and seasonal delicacies, surrounded by many original features of the gymnasium.

Imperial War Museum – Cabaret is set during the dawn of Nazi Germany, one of the darkest periods of human history. If you’re looking to learn more about the impact of the Nazi regime on the rest of Europe, the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum are the best place in London to go. Be warned that some of what you’ll see is upsetting, but deeply important to learn about.

Cabaret is currently playing at the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre – find your tickets here