A Big Day Out at Oliver! the musical

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

Is there any better show to see in London than a show about London? Dickens’ 1838 novel was a groundbreaking exploration of the capital’s criminal underbelly, and the way that both rich and poor could take advantage of displaced children. Lionel Bart’s celebrated musical brings the streets of early nineteenth-century London to life, from the chorus of hungry boys in the workhouse to the pickpocket gangs running around Saffron Hill.

If you’re planning to see Oliver! in London, we’ve got all the information you might need on restaurants, bars and on-theme activities. Here’s how to turn your trip to the Gielgud Theatre into a big day out.

Things to do near Oliver! the musical
Restaurants near Oliver! the musical
Shopping near Oliver! the musical
Bars and pubs near Oliver! the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Oliver! the musical
On-theme activities for Oliver! the musical

Things to do near Oliver! the musical

The Gielgud Theatre, Oliver!’s current home, is in a vibrant part of London’s West End, with lots to see and do in the area. Just three minutes away, you’ll find Chinatown, with over 70 East and Southeast Asian restaurants, shops and bars to explore, along with interesting architectural details and a rich history to discover. Ten minutes away, Neal’s Yard is the perfect spot to visit in sunny weather, its colourful courtyard home to independent businesses with a focus on wellness and food.

Seven minutes away you’ll find Trafalgar Square, where you can admire the lions around the fountain and stare up at Nelson’s Column. The Square was only recently created in the time of Oliver Twist, with iconic monument not to be completed until 1854. Four minutes from the theatre is buzzy Leicester Square, where you might enjoy hunting for the likes of Shakespeare, Mary Poppins and Paddington.

Both roughly five minutes from the Gielgud Theatre are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, both home to incredible collections of art, and both perfect places to wind away a rainy afternoon.

Restaurants near Oliver! the musical

There are a ton of popular chain restaurants within walking distance of the Gielgud Theatre, and Chinatown is right next door as well, with lots of local restaurants and street food options to explore. Here are a few of our top recommendations in the area.

Evelyn’s Table – For a special occasion, Evelyn’s Tableis just around the corner, offering Michelin star fine-dining brought to you by Head Chef Seamus Sam. It doesn’t get more exclusive than this, with just twelve guests seated per dinner for a collective dining experience.

Bantof – Eight minutes away, Bantof also offers a particularly special experience, combing Mediterranean tradition with culinary artistry and seasonal ingredients. You might also want to visit their wine and champagne tasting room, or their cocktail longue and speakeasy.

Macellaio RC Soho – You’ll find this authentic Italian steakhouse just a minute away, where Fassona beef is expertly prepared and paired with artisan breads and a range of delicious sides.

Bocca di Lupo – Also right by the theatre, this award-winning family business gives guests a taste of the twenty main dialects of Italian cuisine. They update their menu twice a day, so you’re always guaranteed a unique experience.

Randall & Aubin – Once the butcher supplying the Ritz and the Savoy, now a restaurant with a menu inspired by classic French cuisine. They’re particularly known for their excellent seafood. You’ll find Randall & Aubin two minutes from the Gielgud Theatre.

Dirty Bones Soho – Three minutes from the theatre, this trendy Brooklyn-inspired eatery serves up gourmet on-the-bone meats, elevated comfort food and great cocktails, with old school tunes to enjoy while you eat.

Brother Marcus Soho – Six minutes from the theatre, Brother Marcus offers all-day dining in warm, welcoming space, serving seasonal dishes and mezze sharing plates inspired by the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean. They also offer pre-theatre dining, so you won’t have to worry about timing your meal right.

Shopping near Oliver! the musical

There’s no shortage of great shopping destinations within walking distance of the Gielgud Theatre. In just five minutes, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Soho, where you can explore independent boutiques, bookshops, high-end stores, and plenty of surprising finds. Less than fifteen minutes’ walk away, Oxford Street is your stop for all your favourite high street stores, whilst the stunning Covent Garden, just ten minutes from the theatre, offers designer destinations, wellness and lifestyle stores. Carnaby Street, eight minutes away,is another great spot, catering to sightseers and serious shoppers in a curated stretch of retail.

Young people – or anyone who enjoys indulging their inner child – will enjoy Leicester Square, where two flagship stores stand opposite each other. The LEGO Store is full of amazing sculptures and inventive sets to browse, whilst opposite stands M&M’S London, a sweet interactive experience with treats you won’t find anywhere else.

Bars and pubs near Oliver! the musical

The White Horse – For that classic British pub experience, check out this 1930s spot with original wood-panelled walls, on a cobbled street just eight minutes from the Gielgud Theatre.

The Duke of Wellington – Just around the corner, this lively corner pub offers a friendly, cheerful atmosphere with slightly quieter seating upstairs.

Friendly Society – This basement cocktail bar boasts vibrant décor, a unique list of signature cocktails, a diverse crowd and great tunes, perfect if you’re looking for a lively night post-show.

Waxy O’Connor’s – Gunning for the title of London’s best Irish bar, Waxy’s boasts four unique bars over six levels, with the famous Waxy’s tree at the heart. Enjoy great pints along with live sport and music, just a minute from the theatre.

Waxy’s Little Sister – The more relaxed Waxy’s is only a minute further, boasting comfy sofas, open fires and a Dumb Waiter upstairs to make the whole experience even more laidback. They serve a great cup of Irish coffee – and Irish whiskey, of course.

The Black Book – Four minutes the theatre,this is your perfect spot for a glass of wine. Named after a hospitality industry members’ club and their ‘black book’ of rare wines, this boutique basement bar was founded by two Master Sommeliers and boasts London’s largest ‘by-the-glass’ list.

Tube stations and bus stops near Oliver! the musical

The closest tube stations to the Gielgud Theatre are Piccadilly Circus tube station, which is served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines, and Leicester Square, served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Both are about six minutes away.

The nearest train station is Charing Cross, which is thirteen minutes on foot, and is also served by the Bakerloo and Northern 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 Oliver! the musical

The Charles Dickens museum – At 48 Doughty Street in the King’s Cross area, you’ll find the London home of Charles Dickens, now preserved as if the author himself just left. This house has a special tie to Oliver Twist – it’s here that Dickens finished writing the book.

Oliver Twist Walk – On this walking tour through the capital, you’ll discover 1837 London through the eyes of the city’s poorest residents, and learn more about the world of Oliver Twist as you explore new areas.

Saffron Hill – Once one of London’s most scandalous areas, Saffron Hill is the home of Nancy, Sikes, Fagin and Dodger, as well as the rest of the gang. Whilst you’re in the area, soak in some history with a visit to Ye Olde Mitre, a pub dating back to 1546.

Plume Wine Bar – This wine bar and speakeasy in Covent Garden isn’t far from the Gielgud Theatre, and a drink there is a great way to immerse yourself in Dickens’ world – it’s hosted in the author’s former 1860 publishing house.

The Old Curiosity Shop – One of the oldest surviving shops in London, this eclectic establishment was built in 1567, and rumour says that Dickens was a frequent visitor. The shop’s name eventually found its way to the cover of one of his novels.

Oliver! is now booking at the Gielgud Theatre until 4 October – find tickets here