A Big Day Out at Million Dollar Quartet

Make the most out of your day seeing Million Dollar Quartet in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley walk into a recording studio… No, that’s not the set-up to a joke – it’s the premise of the brand-new musical coming to the Arts at Marble Arch. Million Dollar Quartet chronicles the day that these four legends of early rock ‘n’ roll were brought together by chance for a jam session, and how that collision would go on to shape the genre globally. Packed with hits (of course), this is set to be one of the West End’s very best nights out when it opens on 4 September.

If you’re figuring out what to do with the rest of your day in London, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make a whole day out of seeing Million Dollar Quartet in the West End, including where to eat, where to shop and what to do in the area near the theatre.

Things to do near Million Dollar Quartet
Restaurants near Million Dollar Quartet
Shopping near Million Dollar Quartet
Bars and pubs near Million Dollar Quartet
Tube stations and bus stops near Million Dollar Quartet
On-theme activities for Million Dollar Quartet

Things to do near Million Dollar Quartet

Situated in a vibrant part of the city right by the iconic Hyde Park, there’s plenty to see and do in the area around the Arts at Marble Arch. Hyde Park is a fantastic place to spend a summer afternoon, whether you’re exploring the history of the five hundred year old Royal Park, visiting the sports pitches, wandering through the beautifully kept gardens, or strolling around the Serpentine or Long Water lakes.

Right by the theatre you’ll also find the Marble Arch monument that gives the area its name, originally designed in the nineteenth century as the ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace.

Just two minutes down the road you’ll find Frameless, the UK’s largest permanent immersive art experience, with four multi-award galleries bringing forty masterpieces to life.

Or, to see some great art in its original state, try The Wallace Collection. This free gallery contains 5,000 works of art from the fourteenth to nineteenth centuries, and is known in particular for being home to one of the finest collections of eighteenth century French paintings and decorative arts.

A classic London day out activity is Madame Tussauds. You’ll find the waxwork museum twenty-five minutes’ walk away, with eight zones to explore and 150 famous figures to greet, from A-listers to royals to your favourite on-screen heroes.

Restaurants near Million Dollar Quartet

There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance of the theatre, including popular chains. Here are a few of our favourites in the area:

Lírica– Inspired by the flavours of Spain, this spot offers vibrant sharing plates and tapas, with dishes built around heritage tomatoes, Iberica ham, wild mushroom croquettes, grilled tiger prawns and plenty of other Mediterranean favourites.

Steak & Lobster Marble Arch– Simplicity is key at this speciality restaurant, which celebrates the best of land and sea. Enjoy their signature charcoal-grilled steaks, great lobster and a thoughtful cocktail menu.

Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland– Inspired by the TV phenomenon, you’ll find Gordon Ramsay’s signature menus here, with a focus on iconic dishes done right, from Beef Wellington to seasonal seafood. For a special occasion, we recommend the Chef’s Table Experience, where you’ll enjoy a six course tasting menu with a front row view of the kitchen.

TOKii– This refined Japanese restaurant blends traditional Japanese flavours with international influences, offering the best sushi, sashimi and Robata-grilled meats.

The Italian Greyhound– This neighbourhood bar and dining room centres its menu around classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, taking inspiration from other cuisines and cooking traditions.

Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair – If you’ve got fussy eaters in tow, this food hall is one spot everyone can agree on. Housed in the Grade I listed St Mark’s Church, you can admire the beautiful stained glass whilst you choose from three floors of kitchens, bars and cafes.

Shopping near Million Dollar Quartet

The Arts at Marble Arch is within walking distance of some of London’s most prestigious shopping destinations. A fifteen-minute walk will put you in the heart of Mayfair, where you’ll find iconic shopping streets like New Bond Street and Saville Row. There’s a wealth of designer boutiques, world-renowned flagship stores and luxury department stores around here.

Twenty minutes’ walk away you’ll find the famous Oxford Street, home to over 300 stores, the perfect place to search for your high street favourites. Also twenty minutes away is Liberty, the luxury department store famous for its iconic fabrics. Known for championing designers at the start of their careers, this mock-Tudor has long been the definitive destination for the artistic shopper.

Or, if you fancy the twenty-five minute stroll, you can pay a visit to Harrods, the world famous department store, home of designer fashion and accessories, luxury beauty, and everything else from homeware to fine food.

Bars and pubs near Million Dollar Quartet

There are plenty of great places to grab a drink in the area, and all of our recommended restaurants offer great drinks menus as well. Here are some of our other favourite spots:

City of Quebec– This art deco pub has been a cornerstone of London’s gay community since 1946. You’ll find a large drink selection and a menu of homemade pizzas here, as well as cabaret performances, karaoke nights and live DJ sets.

The Churchill Bar & Terrace– This stylish space has an award winning team of mixologists on hand, serving up craft cocktails with homemade tonics, premium spirits and fine wines.

The Parlour at Marylebone– At this cosy, eclectic living room-style bar, you’ll find everything from morning coffees to afternoon spritzes to classic cocktails.

The Malt Lounge and Bar– An intimate and sophisticated Japanese-inspired space, The Malt Lounge and Bar specialises in premium Japanese and international whiskies, alongside signature cocktails and a wide range of sake.

The Duchess– A classic London gastropub, The Duchess serves signature gin infused on site, craft beers, local cask ales, and great wines and cocktails. They’re also a great choice for a Sunday roast.

Tube stations and bus stops near Million Dollar Quartet

The closest tube station to the theatre is Marble Arch, right next door, which is on the Central line. Bond Street, a twelve-minute walk away, is on the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines. Your closest National Rail station is Paddington, which is a twenty-five-minute walk away and also sits on the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth lines. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Million Dollar Quartet

Sinatra The Musical – What better show to see alongside Million Dollar Quartet than this new musical celebrating another recording legend? If you’re looking to make the most of your time in London and experience another West End production, this one is packed with Sinatra hits, following the singer from the 1940s through his dizzying ascent to stardom.

The Vault at the Hardrock Café – When you’re celebrating the founding fathers of rock ‘n’ roll, the Hardrock Café is a natural stop. But if you venture deeper into this eatery on Hyde Park Corner, you’ll discover its best-kept secret. With free entry and guided tours, the Vault is London’s only rock and roll museum, introducing you to the wealth of memorabilia not on display at the café above.

Abbey Road – A recording studio-based musical warrants a trip to London’s most iconic recording studio. You can visit the iconic zebra crossing and snap pictures, write on their wall, and explore the Abbey Road shop.

Lucky Voice Soho – Karaoke is the perfect pre or post-show activity for Million Dollar Quartet. At Lucky Voice Soho you’ll find an extensive song library and a great cocktail menu, making it the perfect place to see how your vocals match up to those of the legends onstage. Bonus points if there’s four of you.

Million Dollar Quartet will play at Arts at Marble Arch from 4 September to 6 December – find tickets here