A Big Day Out at Oh, Mary!

Make the most out of your day seeing Oh, Mary! in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Cole Escola’s not-so-historical comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln has taken London by storm. Concerned less with real events and more with real laughs, the show has enjoyed a triumphant run at the Trafalgar Theatre, extended due to popular demand, and even scooped up the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment Or Comedy Play. If you haven’t yet caught it, Escola’s irreverent take on the Lincolns truly has to be seen to be believed. Possibly more than once.

If you’re planning a big day out to see Oh, Mary! at the Trafalgar Theatre, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all the information you need on local restaurants, bars and things to do near the theatre.

Things to do near Oh, Mary!
Restaurants near Oh, Mary!
Shopping near Oh, Mary!
Bars and pubs near Oh, Mary!
Tube stations and bus stops near Oh, Mary!
On-theme activities for Oh, Mary!

Things to do near Oh, Mary!

There’s tons to see and do near the Trafalgar Theatre, no matter what the weather. Just three minutes from the theatre is historic Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column, the famous bronze lions and the stunning fountain in the centre. This monument commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar and is a must-visit spot for London sightseers.

Right by Trafalgar Square you’ll find the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, the former displaying artwork from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, and the latter housing some of the world’s best portraits.

For another dose of history, you might want to visit St Martin in the Fields. This longstanding church, just five minutes from the Trafalgar Theatre, houses a lively café in its crypt and is also a frequent host of lunchtime concerts. Make sure to check the schedule to see what’s on when you visit.

A twelve-minute walk away, you’ll find Chinatown, home to over 70 East and Southeast Asian restaurants, shops and bars, and the perfect spot to explore on foot. Just a little further is Neal’s Yard, a cheerful curated shopping experience and perfect photo background. This courtyard is one of the area’s hidden gems and is a must-visit in sunny weather.

Speaking of sun, St James’ Park is the perfect place to soak it up. This historic royal park is one of the most beautiful spots in the capital, bordered by three royal palaces and home to the famous pelicans, which have been kept in the park since 1664.

Restaurants near Oh, Mary!

Kerridge’s Bar & Grill – Classic British dishes are reimagined by Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge and head chef Tom Childs in this stylish restaurant, all using seasonal flavours and locally-sourced ingredients.

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.

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.

Ochre Brassiere – This all-day dining brasserie in the National Gallery is an elegant choice for any occasion. Working with only the freshest British ingredients, they place an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality.

Paper Moon – This sophisticated spot celebrates Italian tradition, free from clichés. You’ll find fine ingredients and fresh produce on their seasonal menus, and an eatery that is truly passionate about the best in Italian cuisine.

Shopping near Oh, Mary!

There’s lots of great shopping near the Trafalgar Theatre. Covent Garden is just fifteen minutes away, home to luxury fashion and beauty stores, and world-renowned restaurants and bars. The vibrant neighbourhood of Soho is a twenty-minute 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.

Also twenty minutes away is Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised shopping street hosting top fashion and lifestyle brands and independent boutiques. Or, twenty-five minutes by foot, 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.

Bars and pubs near Oh, Mary!

The 40 Elephants – Inspired by the notorious all-female crime syndicate of the same name, this sophisticated cocktail bar within the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is an art deco delight. Each drink on their menu tells a different story relating to the infamous gang.

Sherlock Holmes – One of London’s original themes pubs, Sherlock Holmes is full of Victorian curios, rich woods and even a faithful recreation of the detective’s Baker Street flat. Here you’ll find great wines, craft ales and excellent pub food.

Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar – This true day-to-night hotel bar offers wins from fifteen countries, along with some of the finest English pours, alongside perfectly crafted cocktails. Join them for one of their live music nights for the best experience.

Horse and Guardsman – This wood-panelled traditional London pub was previously the premises of bankers Messrs Cocks Biddulph & Co. Now a gorgeous Victorian-style watering hole, it’s the perfect place to stop for a pint.

The Old Shades – This Grade II listed pub stocks some of the country’s best beers and ales, alongside fine wines, premium spirits, and the best of British pub food.

The Spy Bar – This subterranean bar is housed in rooms once used by MI5, in the building where Ian Fleming came up with the idea for the James Bond novels. If you can find your way into the mysterious speakeasy, a dark and cosy space awaits you – along with plenty of surprises.

Tube stations and bus stops near Oh, Mary!

The closest tube stops to the Trafalgar Theatre are Charing Cross, on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Embankment, on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines. Both are roughly a five-minute walk from the theatre.

Leicester Square is also nearby, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines. It’s just a ten-minute walk from the theatre. 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 Oh, Mary!

Hamilton – If you’re looking to catch another show when you’re in London, why not make it another big hit about US history? There’s a lot of real history in Hamilton, but this hip-hop spin on the founding fathers makes it a wholly original watch. Catch it at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

London Cabaret Club – Mary’s great artistic dream is to return to the cabaret stage and perform one of her favourite madcap medleys for a loving crowd. You’ll get something a little more sophisticated at the London Cabaret Club – this is one of the best places in the city to experience cabaret in its modern form, offering immersive dining and a luxury experience.

The American Bar at the Savoy – The perfect on-theme spot for a drink. The American Bar is one of the most renowned cocktail bars in the world, employing many legendary bartenders over the decades. You’ll find classics with a twist, vintage sips and bold new creations here.

Abraham Lincoln statue – Mary’s husband is actually immortalised in London’s Parliament Square, the first non-British statue to be erected in the city when it was unveiled in 1914. It’s just a short stroll from the theatre if you’re curious, but best to go before you see Oh, Mary! – afterwards,we doubt you’ll be able to look him in the eye…

Oh, Mary! is currently playing at the Trafalgar Theatre until 2 Jan 2027 – find tickets here