Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo
Make the most out of your day seeing Dracula in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
The real supernatural force at the Noël Coward Theatre is Cynthia Erivo, currently playing all 23 characters in Bram Stoker’s vampiric classic. This new adaptation of Dracula sees Erivo take on the thrilling tale entirely alone, under the hand of director Kip Williams. It’s an astonishing feat that has to be seen to be believed – but if you’re struggling to find the perfect place to discuss over a drink afterwards, that’s where we come in. Here’s all the information you need to have a big day out seeing Dracula, including where to eat, where to shop, and how to organise some on-theme activities.
Things to do near Dracula
Restaurants near Dracula
Shopping near Dracula
Bars and pubs near Dracula
Tube stations and bus stops near Dracula
On-theme activities for Dracula
Things to do near Dracula
There’s tons to see and do in the bustling area around the Noël Coward Theatre, no matter rain or shine. Five minutes away, Covent Garden has lots to discover, from the markets and the brightly-lit Infinity Chamber to the The London Transport Museum and the Royal Opera House. Whether you’re looking to shop, learn, or just relax for a beat, you’ll find what you need here.
If you’re feeling lucky, the Hippodrome Casino is two minutes from the Noël Coward Theatre. Here you’ll find four floors of gaming in three uniquely themed casinos, London’s largest dedicated poker floor, nine bars and many quality restaurants.
Just four minutes away is historic Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column, along with the famous bronze lions and fountain. In this area you’ll also 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 houses famous faces from throughout history.
If the weather’s good, the Victoria Embankment Gardens are just six minutes from the Noël Coward Theatre, where you can stroll along the north side of the Thames, stop for a picnic lunch, and spot all the statues hidden throughout the series of gardens.
For some friendly competition, you’ll find Spygames & Spyscapeless than ten minutes from the theatre. Created with former MI6 members and top psychologists, this experience will test you and your group in immersive zones, building your personalised spy profile. You and your team also have the chance to put your skills into action a series of challenges that put your teamwork, agility and communication to the test.
Restaurants near Dracula
There’s a huge variety of great chain and independent restaurants within walking distance of the Noël Coward Theatre, and Chinatown is also just a short walk away. Here are a few of our other favourite spots.
Mildred’s Covent Garden– Named London’s favourite vegan restaurant in 2023, Mildred’s has long specialised in making vegan food rich in flavour and variety. Their adventurous plant-based menu is built of globally-inspired dishes, offering something for everyone.
Browns Covent Garden – This stunning brasserie is housed in the Grade II listed Westminster County Court building and serves up brasserie favourites alongside imaginative seasonal creations. They pride themselves on catering to all dietary requirements, so they’re a safe bet for larger groups.
Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square – You’ll enjoy an excellent Indian fine dining experience here, with a menu inspired by the travel stories of the founder’s parents. It’s a true love letter to India.
Bone Daddies – This rock ‘n’ roll ramen bar is the perfect spot in which to enjoy a high-quality meal in a fast-paced. They pride themselves on serving the perfect noodle, along with Korean wings, bao buns, ribs, yuzu margaritas, and plenty more.
J Sheekey – This renowned seafood restaurant opened in 1896 a boasts a rich history of service in theatreland. You’ll find photos of their famous guests lining the walls here, as you enjoy the finest seafood and shellfish around.
Lao Café – Thai-Lao chef Saiphin Moore brings the food of her roots to London, with a focus on tradition, family recipes and a communion dining-style.
Shopping near Dracula
There’s lots of great shopping near the Noël Coward Theatre. Just five minutes away, Covent Garden is home to luxury fashion and beauty stores along with world-renowned restaurants and bars. The vibrant neighbourhood of Soho is just fifteen minutes’ walk from the theatre, offering an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and vintage markets.
Seventeen minutes away is Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised shopping street hosting top fashion and lifestyle brands and independent boutiques. You’ll find Oxford Street a twenty minute walk away, packed with 300 top high street brands.
If you want to stick closer to the theatre, however, you’re in luck – just around the corner, you can explore one of London’s most historic and unusual shopping streets. Cecil Court is a famous 17th-century shopping street housing quality independent stores – it’s particularly known for its curious old bookshops and antiquities.
Bars and pubs near Dracula
All of our recommended restaurants will serve you a great drink, and the area around the Noël Coward Theatre is rich in warm pubs, lively bars and hidden speakeasies. Here are a few of our top recommendations for a drink before or after Dracula.
Tequila Mockingbird– Offering brunch, karaoke, creative cocktails and a great happy hour, you can’t go wrong with Tequila Mockingbird if you’re looking to add a lively bar to your big night out. Featuring a sunken booth and a large cinema lightbox, their Covent Garden location has a stylish salon feel.
Archive & Myth– This speakeasy cocktail bar is a hidden oasis, with lots of vintage cocktails and unusual creations on their menu. You’ll find them on many best-of London lists.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern & Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour – These twin venues offer different vibes, but both are lovingly and eclectically decorated. At Mr Fogg’s Tavern you’ll find a great list of beers and juicy punches in a Victorian-style drinking house, whilst at the Gin Parlour you’ll explore a diverse menu of over 200 gins, in a venue that serves as an ode to art and the theatre.
Round Table – This 1877 houses two cosy floors behind its distinctive green façade. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly spot, with a sunny beer garden to enjoy in good weather.
The White Swan – This traditional pub boasts an eclectic collection of real ales and a menu of quality pub food. Once owned by the bankers of Fleet Street, it’s now a favourite local spot.
Tube stations and bus stops near Dracula
The closest tube stops to the Noël Coward Theatre is Leicester Square, two minutes away and on the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
Also very nearby is Charing Cross, on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly line. Both are five minutes’ walk away. Charing Cross is also your closest National Rail station.
Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the Noël Coward Theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for Dracula
The Phantom Of The Opera – If you want to make the most of your time in London by seeing another show alongside Dracula, The Phantom Of The Opera is always a good choice. London’s longest-running musical explores another supernatural story, with this one transporting you to the underbelly of the Paris Opera House.
Let The Right One In – If you happen to be seeing Dracula in May, why not make it double vampires? Another perfect show to pair with Cynthia Erivo’s starring turn is this adaptation of the bestselling Swedish vampire novel, live onstage at Underbelly Boulevard from 5 to 23 May.
18 St Leonard’s Terrace – If you’re interested in the man behind the original novel, there’s lots of Bram Stoker’s personal history to be discovered in London. In Chelsea, a blue plaque marks the site where he lived with his wife, Florence Balcombe, following their move to the capital.
Highgate Cemetery – Is there a better way to celebrate a spooky classic than a trip to a graveyard? Highgate Cemetery is a fascinating day out, with lots of famous figures from throughout history buried in this picturesque spot. It’s also thought to have inspired the site of Lucy Westenra’s tomb in Dracula, making it extra appropriate.
Dracula is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre until 30 May – find tickets here
