Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at Death Note: The Musical
Make the most out of your day seeing Death Note: The Musical in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
Death Note: The Musical opens in London this month, making its world premiere at the Barbican Theatre. The manga phenomenon of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and spawned a hugely beloved anime TV show, and now the musical is here to build on that legacy taking the story of unexpected vigilante Light and ruthless detective L to the stage.
If you’re planning your visit to the Barbican Theatre, then we have you covered. Here’s all the information you need to have a big day out seeing Death Note: The Musical, including restaurants, bars and the best activities to add to your schedule.
Things to do near Death Note: The Musical
Restaurants near Death Note: The Musical
Shopping near Death Note: The Musical
Bars and pubs near Death Note: The Musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Death Note: The Musical
On-theme activities for Death Note: The Musical
Things to do near Death Note: The Musical
The Barbican Theatre sits in the Barbican Centre, a cultural complex in the centre of the city that is also home to a library, cinema, café and many other attractions. The Barbican art gallery is often open with a free installation, and you can find ticketed exhibits elsewhere in the building also – check their website to see what’s on. The Barbican Conservatory, housed at the top of the building, is a must-visit. This hidden tropical oasis is home to a wide variety of plant species and a koi pond, and admission is free – just make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. And if you’re interested in learning more about the complex, the Barbican architecture tour introduces you to all the fascinating details and stories hidden around the place.
Just over the bridge, you’ll find one of London’s few remaining medieval churches. St Giles Cripplegate stands on a spot which is thought to have housed a church since 1090. Reconstructed in the 1390s, the historic church survived the Blitz and is still in operation today. For another piece of architectural history, St Paul’s Cathedral is just fifteen minutes from the theatre. Sightseers can explore the building’s crypt or scale its great dome – or, if you want to visit for free, drop by one of their regular services.
For unparalleled views of London, Horizon 22 is a twenty-minute walk from the theatre. This viewing platform stands on floor 58 of the building, offering 300-degree views of the city, allowing you to spot all London’s landmarks at once.
Restaurants near Death Note: The Musical
There are plenty of great restaurants a short walk away from the Barbican theatre, particularly in the directions of Farringdon or Broadgate Circle. Here are a few of our nearby recommendations.
Barbican Bar & Grill by Searcys – Situated inside the Barbican Centre with sunny terrace seating, this spot combines seasonal British produce with bold flavours, offering both comforting classics and contemporary dishes.
Barbie Green – Overlooking a historic stretch of gardens, this glass-fronted restaurant and café is the perfect spot for Aussie-style dining, with a focus on fresh, healthy dishes.
Jiak Malaysian Street Food – You’ll find authentic Malaysian street food, warm hospitality and affordable prices at this cosy spot, which is a favourite with locals.
Restaurant St. Barts – This Michelin star restaurant looks out onto Bartholomew the Great Church, offering a fantastic tasting menu that celebrates British produce.
APULIA – This Italian spot specialises in authentic Puglian cooking, also offering a great vegan menu. With warm, inviting interiors and a great wine list, APULIA suits both casual diners and those looking to celebrate.
CERU Farringdon – Nearby in Farringdon, Greek restaurant CERU offers an all-day seasonal menu using nearly 100 different ingredients and over 20 different spices to create their unique dishes. Expect excellent small plates and sociable communal dining.
Shopping near Death Note: The Musical
Just ten minutes from the Barbican Theatre you’ll find Broadgate, where high street meets luxury shopping. It’s the perfect place to pick up a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone else. Also perfect for gifting is Spitalfields, just twenty minutes from the theatre and home to independent boutiques, iconic London brands and small business market stalls.
Over the road from St Paul’s, just a fifteen-minute walk from the theatre, is One New Change, offering the best of British high street alongside major global brands. Or, walk towards Shoreditch to shop on the iconic Brick Lane, a stretch of effortlessly cool cafes, boutiques and vintage stores.
For a shopping treat and sightseeing excursion combined, you’ll find Leadenhall Market twenty-five minutes away. Famously featured in Harry Potter, this magical spot houses a curated selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, along with a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, all tucked away in one of central London’s most uniquely beautiful locations.
Bars and pubs near Death Note: The Musical
You can grab a pre-show beverage at any of our recommended restaurants, but here are a few of our other favourite spots for a drink nearby.
Martini Bar – This sophisticated space inside the Barbican Centre was originally created to coincide with the 2012 Designing 007 exhibit hosted in the space. Still in operation nearly 15 years later, the bar features an imaginative cocktail menu designed by mixologist Harvey Macaraig.
The Hand And Shears – Smithfield’s only Grade I listed pub is famous for its real ales and craft beers, but you’ll also find an extensive wine list at this historic spot.
Piano Smithfield – Preserving the late-night piano bar tradition, this lively spot hosts some of the finest piano players and singers in the city, performing for a crowd of music lovers every night.
Rising Sun – This historic pub is full of old London charm, serving elevated pub food alongside its selection of Samuel Smith’s beers, ales and lagers.
Fox & Anchor – Another historic pub in the area that will pour you up a great pint. The Fox & Anchor is also the perfect spot to catch live sport, enjoy a hearty breakfast or tuck into a steak, and they’re also in operation as a boutique hotel.
Tube stations and bus stops near Death Note: The Musical
The closest tube station to the Barbican Theatre is Barbican, which is a six-minute walk away and sits on the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Moorgate is also very nearby, and sits on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Northern lines.
Liverpool Street is a ten-minute walk away and is your closest National Rail station. It also sits on the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth lines and caters to the Overground.Multiple buses also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for Death Note: The Musical
My Neighbour Totoro – If you fancy catching another show whilst you’re in London, why not make it another adaptation of a beloved piece of Japanese media? My Neighbour Totoro is the critically acclaimed stage play based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film, following sisters Satsuki and Mei as they discover a hidden world at the bottom of their garden. Catch at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Japan House – This cultural hub in Kensington is a multi-purpose space celebrating Japanese literature, Japanese artefacts and Japanese food. Across its three floors, you’ll find a library, a free exhibition space, a café, a gift shop, and a bar and Michelin-listed restaurant on its top floor.
Bandai Namco Cross Store – In Camden you’ll find the UK’s biggest gachapon store, specialising in the Japanese capsule toys, with plenty of tributes to popular anime and manga. You’ll also find lots of other anime and manga merch to explore – and you’ll undoubtedly see a lot of Death Note.
Japan Craft Anime and Manga Store – One of the best places to find Death Note in London is at this store in Camden, which imports most of its merchandise directly from Japan. Here you’ll find a huge range of manga comics and figures, anime cards, t shirts, Kawaii plushies and Japanese sweets. For those that want to engage in Japanese fan culture, this is a great place to start.
Death Note The Musical is currently playing at the Barbican Theatre until – find your tickets here
