Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at High Society
Make the most out of your day seeing High Society in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
Cole Porter’s glamorous musical is swilling and sauntering its way back onto the London stage, playing a limited run at the Barbican over the next couple of months. The wedding of the season is underway, but all the most memorable events bring with them a little chaos. As Tracy Lord, played by Call The Midwife’s Helen George, prepares to walk down the aisle, she’s got more to worry about than putting one foot in front of the other. Packed with classic Cole Porter songs, this glittering satire is the summer show you won’t want to miss.
If you’re planning a trip to the Barbican Theatre, we’ve got all the information you need to turn a trip to the theatre into a big London day out. Here are all our top recommendations for restaurants, bars and things to do in the area.
Things to do near High Society
Restaurants near High Society
Shopping near High Society
Bars and pubs near High Society
Tube stations and bus stops near High Society
On-theme activities for High Society
Things to do near High Society
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 High Society
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 High Society
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 High Society
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 High Society
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 High Society
Westminster Abbey – The most lavish ‘high society’ weddings in London take place at a set few venues, and Westminster Abbey is one of the most prominent, having hosted multiple royal weddings over the years including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and Prince William and Princess Catherine. This historic piece of 13th to 16th century architecture is always worth a visit.
Kettner’s Townhouse Champagne Bar – There’s no better way to get in the right mood for High Society than with a little champagne tasting. Once a favourite haunt of Oscar Wilde and now a Soho hotspot, Kettner’s is the perfect spot to enjoy some bubbles.
Buckingham Palace – Surely no building represents ‘high society’ than the official residence of the King. You can admire the historic palace from the lawns outside or take a guided tour at certain points in the year to visit the State Rooms – make sure to double check what’s on before you plan your visit.
High Society is now playing at the Barbican Theatre until 11 July – find your tickets here
