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.
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.
Café Murano – Offering authentic Italian dishes with fresh, seasonal flavours and handmade pasta, this spot demonstrates excellent Italian cooking with a small, specialised menu.
Indigo at One – This a gorgeous hotel bar and restaurant offers a pre-theatre menu packed with elevated British classics, specifically catering to those that eat gluten-free and dairy-free.
Christopher’s – This traditional American steakhouse elevates Stateside classics to bring you the best in Americana dining.
Paro – This modern Indian restaurant boasts one of the best curry menus in London, curated to include diners of all tastes and encourage everyone to share in the tradition of Indian dining.
Fishworks – This seafood restaurant in Covent Garden can serve you up everything from scallops to gourmet cod and chips, all using the freshest catch of the day.
Vasiniko – If your ideal pre-theatre meal is on the casual side, Vasiniko offers the best of both worlds: a trendy Italian created by expert pizza makers that also offers great pastas and desserts.
Suvlaki Soho – Of course, a truly immersive MAMMA MIA! experience calls for a Greek dinner. Suvlaki Soho is a great option for relaxed Greek barbecue dining, celebrating the street food tradition.
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.
Champagne + Fromage –This cosy bar specialises in exactly what their name suggests. Working with carefully chosen independent producers, they source exclusively from France, bringing you the very best in champagne, cheese and charcuterie.
Plume Wine Bar – A hidden gem that prides itself on word-of-mouth marketing. This beautiful wine bar is set across two storeys in Charles Dickens’ former 1860s publishing house, specialising in sparkling and English wines, and also offering a menu of exotic sharing plates.
The Wellington – This traditional pub has long been serving excellent cask ales and premium gins to theatregoers, under original Edwardian ceilings.
Dovetail Bar – This late night balcony bar offers stunning views over Leicester Square, and a menu of beautifully crafted cocktails to enjoy as you take them in.
CellarDoor – A famous Covent Garden spot, this 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!
ABBA Voyage – This futuristic show housed in a purpose-built arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is one of London’s best ABBA-themed activities. 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?
Mamma Mia: The Party – Another perfect on-theme activity, 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.
Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch – If you’re heading to London without the kids, Tonight Josephine in Shoreditch offers their themed 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.
Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – A family-friendly option is by Golden Tours, this 90-minute tour of London’s landmarks comes with sweet and savoury treats and an ABBA-themed singalong.
Ruislip Lido Beach – If MAMMA MIA! has you craving an island getaway, this is the closest thing you’ll find in London. 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.
The Hellenic Centre – For a dose of Greek culture, 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
