A Big Day Out at RENT

Make the most of your day seeing RENT in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Jonathon Larsen’s rock opera is back in London after twenty-five years away, playing at the newly renamed Tom Stoppard Theatre – a meeting of two enormous legacies. If that wasn’t monumental enough, Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo makes his West End debut as Mark, the aspiring documentary filmmaker who has just been dumped by his girlfriend. He and a group of struggling young artists contend with poverty and the looming shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis in this hugely influential show, set in the bohemian underground of Manhattan.

If you’ve never experienced RENT before, there’s never been a better time to catch the show than in the form of this energising new revival, helmed by Olivier-winning director Luke Sheppard. And we’ve got all the information you need on restaurants, transport and things to do to help you get the most out of your day out in the West End.

Things to do near RENT
Restaurants near RENT
Shopping near RENT
Bars and pubs near RENT
Tube stations and bus stops near RENT

Things to do near RENT

No matter the weather, there’s tons to see and do near the Tom Stoppard Theatre. Five minutes away, Covent Garden has lots to discover, from the markets and the brightly-lit Infinity Chamber to theglamorous Royal Opera House. Whether you’re looking to shop, learn, or just relax for a beat, you’ll find what you need here. You can also explore the nearby London Transport Museum and learn more about the city’s history.

If you’re feeling lucky, the Hippodrome Casino is just a couple of minutes from the Tom Stoppard Theatre. Here you’ll find four floors of gaming in three uniquely themed casinos, London’s largest dedicated poker floor, nine bars and lots of great restaurants, making it the perfect place to get lost for the day or night.

Just three minutes away is historic Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column, along with the famous bronze lions and fountain. Two of London’s best-loved museums stand nearby: the National Gallery displays artwork from the middle ages to the twentieth century, whilst the National Portrait Gallery houses famous faces from throughout history.

If the weather’s good, the Victoria Embankment Gardens are just a couple of minutes from the Tom Stoppard Theatre. Here you can stroll along the north side of the Thames, stop for a picnic lunch, and spot all the statues hidden throughout the gardens.

For some friendly competition, you’ll find Spygames & Spyscape less than ten minutes from the theatre. Created with former MI6 members and top psychologists, this experience will test you and your group in immersive zones, building your personalised spy profile. You and your team also have the chance to put your skills into action a series of challenges that put your teamwork, agility and communication to the test.

Restaurants near RENT

There’s a huge variety of great chain and independent restaurants within walking distance of the Tom Stoppard Theatre, and Chinatown is also just a short walk away. Here are a few of our other favourite spots.

Mildred’s Covent Garden– Named London’s favourite vegan restaurant in 2023, Mildred’s has long specialised in making vegan food rich in flavour and variety. Their adventurous plant-based menu is built of globally-inspired dishes, offering something for everyone.

J Sheekey – This renowned seafood restaurant opened in 1896 a boasts a rich history of service in theatreland. You’ll find photos of their famous guests lining the walls here, as you enjoy the finest seafood and shellfish around.

Fumo by San Carlo – This independent, family-owned Italian restaurant serves freshly prepared regional food made with quality ingredients purchased weekly from markets in Milan.

Restaurant 45 St Martins Lane – The essence of French summer is captured in this colourful menu, which boasts quality seafood, fresh vegetable dishes and rich sauces.

Bancone Covent Garden – A Michelin Bib Gourmand holder – so quality is guaranteed – this gorgeous Italian restaurant serves handmade fresh pasta daily. Their signature ‘silk handkerchiefs’ with walnut butter are definitely worth trying.

Mother Mash – 19 years on, this West End institution is still one of the most popular spots around, with plenty of famous faces walking through their doors. You’ll find a menu of hearty British classics in this traditional pie and mash shop done right.

Shopping near RENT

There’s lots of great shopping near the Tom Stoppard Theatre. Just five minutes away, Covent Garden is home to luxury fashion and beauty stores, world-renowned restaurants and vibrant bars. The exciting neighbourhood of Soho is just fifteen minutes’ walk from the theatre, offering an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and vintage markets.

Also about fifteen minutes away is Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised shopping street hosting top fashion and lifestyle brands and independent boutiques. You’ll find Oxford Street a twenty-minute walk away, packed with 300 top high street brands.

If you want to stick closer to the theatre, however, you’re in luck – just around the corner, you can explore one of London’s most historic and unusual shopping streets. Cecil Court is a famous 17^th-century shopping street housing quality independent stores – it’s particularly known for its curious old bookshops and antiquities.

Bars and pubs near RENT

All of our recommended restaurants will serve you a great drink, and the area around the Tom Stoppard Theatre is rich in warm pubs, lively bars and hidden speakeasies. Here are a few of our top recommendations for a drink before or after RENT.

Archive & Myth – This speakeasy cocktail bar is a hidden oasis, with lots of vintage cocktails and unusual creations on their menu. You’ll find them on many best-of London lists.

Mr Fogg’s Tavern & Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour – These twin venues offer different vibes, but both are lovingly and eclectically decorated. At Mr Fogg’s Tavern you’ll find a great list of beers and juicy punches in a Victorian-style drinking house, whilst at the Gin Parlour you’ll explore a diverse menu of over 200 gins, in a venue that serves as an ode to art and the theatre.

Blind Spot – This secret bar features flavours from across the glove, with each destination cocktail designed to immerse the drink in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Their cosy longue is the perfect place to unwind after the show.

The Harp Covent Garden – This traditional British ale house is one of the Top 5 Evening Standard pubs to visit in London. Alongside their excellent ales, you’ll find a great list of ciders and perries from around the country.

The Round House – This quintessential British pub was opened in 1860, and has been serving the theatregoers, performers, tourists and tradespeople of Covent Garden ever since. Beyond their distinctive round façade you’ll find a wide array of modern craft beers, cask classics, wines and spirits.

Tube stations and bus stops near RENT

The closest tube stops to the Tom Stoppard is Leicester Square, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, and Charing Cross, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines. Both are less than five minutes’ walk away. Charing Cross is also your closest National Rail station.

Embankment is also under a ten minute walk from the theatre, and sits on the Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines.

Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the Tom Stoppard Theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

RENT is currently booking at the Tom Stoppard Theatre until 29 May 2027 – find tickets here