Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at MAMMA MIA! the musical
Make the most out of your day seeing MAMMA MIA! the musical in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
If you’re after a fun day out in London, MAMMA MIA! is a pretty great pick. Filled with sunshine, romance and, of course, the infectious pop of ABBA, it’s hard not to leave the Novello Theatre smiling. But if you’re stuck for how to fill the rest of your day, we’re here to help. From the best pre-theatre dining and post-show drinks to the wealth of shops and museums near the Novello theatre, we’ve put together a complete guide to the area – plus some on-theme activities that will take you further afield. Here’s how to make a big day out of seeing MAMMA MIA! the musical.
Things to do near MAMMA MIA!
Restaurants near MAMMA MIA!
Shopping near MAMMA MIA!
Bars and pubs near MAMMA MIA!
Tube stations and bus stops near MAMMA MIA!
On-theme activities for MAMMA MIA!
Things to do near MAMMA MIA!
London has a ton of brilliant museums, and there are lots within walking distance of the Novello Theatre. The Courtauld Gallery, located in beautiful Somerset House, contains works by Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne along with many others, and is just a three-minute walk from the theatre. 10 minutes away, you’ll also find the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, which both contain diverse, wide-ranging collections of art from throughout history, and are a great way to spend a few hours regardless of the weather.
The Novello Theatre is also seven minutes away from Covent Garden, which contains lots to see and do, including the Infinity Chamber, the perfect bright spot to snap a group photo. You might also want to check out St Martin in the Fields, a historic church just 10 minutes from the theatre, which houses a lively café in its crypt and frequently hosts lunchtime concerts – just check the schedule to see what’s on when you visit.
If you’re after some pre-show entertainment that looks a little livelier, Spygames is a great option for the whole family. You’ll see if you’re spy material by tackling a series of brainteasing and agility-testing high-tech challenges in interactive experiences crafted with the advice of real CIA and Special Ops experts.
Restaurants near MAMMA MIA!
The Novello Theatre is within walking distance of too many great restaurants and eateries to count, including many popular chains. We’ve rounded up a few nearby that you might want to check out, but if none of these take your fancy then rest assured it won’t be too hard to find somewhere within walking distance to suit your tastes.
Just over the road from the theatre is Luciano by Gino D’Acampo. This refined Italian restaurant from the celebrity chef is perfect for special occasions, serving high-calibre Italian food in a luxury setting. If you’re after a great Italian that’s a bit more budget-friendly, you might want to try Café Murano Covent Garden just two minutes away, a relaxed Italian restaurant serving tasty seasonal dishes.
Also just over the road is Indigo at One, a gorgeous hotel bar and restaurant that offers a pre-theatre menu packed with elevated British classics. They specifically cater to those that eat gluten- and dairy-free. Christopher’s, a minute round the corner, is a classic American steakhouse, grill and martini bar, housed in stylish rooms, another great way to elevate your night. If you fancy an Indian, Paro has a reputation as being one of the best in London – it’s also round the corner from the theatre.
For a fantastic fish and chips you’ll want to try Fishworks in Covent Garden. This modern seafood restaurant can serve you up everything from scallops to gourmet cod and chips, all using the freshest catch of the day. A relaxed dinner option is Vasiniko, a trendy pizza joint three minutes’ walk from the theatre that also offers great pastas and desserts.
Of course, a truly immersive MAMMA MIA! experience calls for a Greek dinner. Suvlaki Soho, a 15-minute walk away, is a great option for relaxed Greek barbecue dining – or check out one of the many The Real Greek locations commutable from the theatre.
Shopping near MAMMA MIA!
There’s lots of great shopping within walking distance of the Novello Theatre. Covent Garden, seven minutes away, offers a mix of your favourite global brands with independent stores and quirky eateries, and a beautiful Piazza to relax in with your shopping bags. St Martin’s Courtyard, nine minutes away, is a beautiful spot year-round, and houses an intimate collection of fashion and lifestyle shops and cafes. The colourful Neal’s Yard is always well worth a visit, focusing on beauty and wellness, and also makes a great backdrop for photos. If you’re willing to walk a bit further, iconic shopping destination Carnaby Street is 25 minutes away and carries lots of major brands along with independent businesses.
Bars near MAMMA MIA!
There are lots of bars within walking distance of the Novello Theatre, and many of the restaurants mentioned are a great place to grab a drink.
Two minutes away you’ll find Champagne + Fromage, a cosy bar specialising – as the name might suggest – in champagne, cheese and charcuterie. Plume Wine Bar is another classy pre or post-show drink spot, specialising in sparkling and English wines, and also offering a menu of exotic sharing plates.
There are plenty of great pubs in London’s theatre district, and the two closest to the theatre are both fantastic places for a drink. The Wellington is a traditional pub serving cask ales and premium gins under original Edwardian ceilings. The Lyceum Tavern is another historic spot, an oak-panelled pub also offering a cosy, traditional experience – get there early to snag one of their few courtyard tables.
If you’re keen for a cocktail, Dovetail Bar Covent Garden is just four minutes away. This intimate bar serves up a range of innovative cocktails. CellarDoor is a famous Covent Garden spot and always worth a look – the basement bar not only makes a great cocktail, but offers a full calendar of events, hosting everything from film screenings to burlesque nights.
Tube stations and bus stops near MAMMA MIA!
The closest tube station to the Novello Theatre is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line, which is a six-minute walk away. Also within a 10-minute walk are Charing Cross (served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines as well as National Rail) Holborn (served by the Central and Piccadilly lines) and Embankment (served by the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines). Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for MAMMA MIA!
If you have the time, there are lots of fantastic MAMMA MIA! themed activities to try in London. Top of the list has to be ABBA Voyage, the futuristic show housed in a purpose-built arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The virtual concert uses cutting edge technology to transport you back in time and let you witness ABBA onstage – what better way to prepare for MAMMA MIA! could there be? Another perfect on-theme activity is Mamma Mia: The Party. This immersive experience at the O2 lets you travel to the island of Skopelos to dine at Nikos’ Taverna whilst a story unfolds around you (complete with plenty of ABBA hits). Your ticket will include a four-course meal, a show and an invitation to the post-show disco.
If you’re heading to London without the kids, Tonight Josephine in Shoreditch offers a Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch on multiple Saturdays throughout the year. Check their schedule to avoid disappointment – lots of similar ABBA-themed brunches run sporadically in London, so you’re bound to find something. A family-friendly option is the Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour by Golden Tours. This 90-minute tour of London’s landmarks comes with sweet and savoury treats and an ABBA-themed singalong.
If MAMMA MIA! has you craving an island getaway, the closest thing you’ll find in London is Ruislip Lido Beach. This 60-acre lake in Hillingdon isn’t a swimming spot, but there is plenty of space on their sandy beaches to sunbathe and build sandcastles, weather allowing. Or, for a dose of Greek culture, check out The Hellenic Centre. This education centre in Marylebone showcases the best of art and culture from Greece and Cyprus with a calendar of events housed in a beautiful early 20th century building – check their schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
Find tickets for MAMMA MIA! here
