Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at Kinky Boots the musical
Make the most out of your day seeing Kinky Boots in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
If you’re searching for a great day out this spring, Kinky Boots is re-entering the West End in style – just as we’re most in need of some sunshine. The multi-award-winning musical is just as uplifting as it was when it first debuted ten years ago, only now it returns bigger and brighter than ever, with Johannes Radebe and Matt Cardle heading the cast. When Charlie Price inherits his father’s failing shoe factory, he’s forced to take unusual measures to keep it afloat – and an unexpected friendship with drag queen Lola introduces him to a niche market that might just do the trick.
For all the best restaurants, activities, shopping and bars near the London Coliseum, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all the information you need to have a big day out seeing Kinky Boots the musical.
Things to do near Kinky Boots
Restaurants near Kinky Boots
Shopping near Kinky Boots
Bars and pubs near Kinky Boots
Tube stations and bus stops near Kinky Boots
On-theme activities for Kinky Boots
Things to do near Kinky Boots
There’s tons to see and do in the vibrant area around the London Coliseum, no matter what the weather. Five minutes away, Covent Garden is one of the area’s most famous spots. If you get tired of exploring the markets, you can take photos in the Infinity Chamber, visit The London Transport Museum for an unorthodox history lesson, or admire the historic costumes on display at the Royal Opera House.
The Hippodrome Casino is four minutes from the London Coliseum, offering four floors of gaming in three uniquely themed casinos, London’s largest dedicated poker floor, nine bars and many quality restaurants.
Just two minutes away is historic Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find 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.
And right next to 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 houses lots of famous faces from throughout history.
If the weather’s good and you’d prefer to be outside, the Victoria Embankment Gardens are just six minutes from the London Coliseum. 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.
Or, if you’re feeling competitive, you and your group will find Spygames & Spyscape less than ten minutes from the theatre. Created with former MI6 members and top psychologists, you’ll test yourself in immersive zones and receive your personalised spy profile. You and your team also have the change to put your skills into action, with challenges that require agility, communication and collaboration.
Restaurants near Kinky Boots
There’s a huge variety of great chain and independent restaurants within walking distance of the London Coliseum, and Chinatown is also just a short walk away. Here are a few of our other favourite spots.
Fumo by San Carlo – This independent, family-owned Italian restaurant serves freshly prepared regional food made with quality ingredients purchased weekly from markets in Milan.
Fatta a Mano Covent Garden – Making fresh pizza dough daily, this St Martin’s pizzeria specialises in authentic and affordable Neopolitan pizza. Their dough is made with only the finest ingredients and proved slowly over 24 hours for the perfect base.
Blacklock – This basement chop house aims to serve the best meat at the best prices. They work with a family farm to raise their Cornish cattle ethically and sustainably, and they’re passionate about minimal waste cooking and regenerative farming.
Bancone – Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Bancone has been voted one of London’s best Italian pasta restaurants. Their pasta is made fresh and by hand every day, and their menu is inspired by both Italian and London flavours.
Citarasa – ‘Citarasa’ means ‘flavour’ in Malay, and that’s exactly what this Pan-Asian restaurant prioritises, showcasing Southeast Asia’s rich and diverse culinary traditions in a modern, cosy space.
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.
Shopping near Kinky Boots
There’s lots of great shopping near the London Coliseum. Covent Garden is just five minutes away, home to luxury fashion and beauty stores, and world-renowned restaurants and bars. The vibrant neighbourhood of Soho is just fifteen minutes’ walk from the theatre, offering an eclectic mix of shops, from high street brands to cutting edge boutiques to one of a kind vintage stores.
Fifteen minutes away is Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised shopping street hosting top fashion and lifestyle brands and independent boutiques. Or, just a twenty minute walk from the theatre, Oxford Street is home to over 300 of your favourite brands, more or less guaranteeing that you’ll always find what you’re looking for.
Just two minutes from the London Coliseum, 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 famous for its curious old bookshops and antiquities.
Bars and pubs near Kinky Boots
All of our recommended restaurants will serve you a great drink, and the American Bar at the ENO inside the London Coliseum is also a great place to stop by before the show. Here are a few of our other recommendations for a drink before or after Kinky Boots.
The Chandos – Just a minute from the theatre, this historic spot brews all its beers at the Old Brewery in Yorkshire, which has been in operation since 1758. They also serve light dishes and pub classics if you’re peckish.
The Harp Covent Garden – Known for serving traditional ciders and perries from across the country, this is an Evening Standard Top 5 London pub, and always a great stop for a pre- or post-show drink.
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.
The Den – This cocktail and wine bar describes itself as a ‘modern gathering place’, serving signatures and seasonal creations in a cosy, elegant setting.
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.
Tube stations and bus stops near Kinky Boots
The closest tube stops to the London Coliseum are Leicester Square, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, and Charing Cross, on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Both are three minutes’ walk away.
Other nearby tube stops are Covent Garden, seven minutes’ walk away and on the Piccadilly line, or Embankment, eight minutes’ walk away and on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines.
Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the Garrick Theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for Kinky Boots
Glitter High Tea – If you’re looking to elevate your Kinky Boots experience, you can book their Glitter High Tea at the theatre bar before evening performances, with your own reserved table for up to 90 minutes before the show. You’ll enjoy a refined celebration with delicious treats and either loose leaf tea, prosecco or champagne.
The Devil Wears Prada – If you’re looking to make the most of your time in London and see another show, The Devil Wears Prada is the perfect one to pair with Kinky Boots. Another show that knows the importance of the right shoe, The Devil Wears Prada follows Andie as she enters the overwhelming, high-fashion world of Runway Magazine and contends with her demanding boss, Miranda Priestly.
Queen of Hoxton Drag Brunch – If you can’t get enough of Lola, Queen of Hoxton’s famous brunch will introduce you to another dazzling drag queen, your host through a couple of hours of bingo, party anthems and fun surprises – along with a two-course waffle feast and free-flowing fizz, of course.
The Star of Kings Drag Bingo – At this King’s Cross pub, a rotating cast of London’s top drag queens host dazzling performances, hand out fun prizes and officiate lots of lively bingo.
Harrods – If Kinky Boots’ ode to the humble shoe has you eager to find your next life-changing purchase, Harrods’ extensive designer shoe range is perfect for adding to your own boot collection – or just enjoying some wistful window shopping.
Kinky Boots is now playing at the London Coliseum until 11 July – find tickets here
