A Big Day Out at The Mousetrap

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

Now booking into its 75^th year, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has played over 30,000 performances in London, giving it not just the longest run on the West End, but the longest run of any play in the world. Why does a 50s murder-mystery have such a hold on us? It’s likely thanks in part to the show’s infamous twist ending, a secret that every theatregoer is asked to keep – there aren’t many 75-year-old productions that can still surprise an audience.

Whilst we can’t reveal just what it is that will make you gasp in St Martin’s Theatre, we can help you take the mystery out of the rest of the day. Here’s all the information you need to make a big day out of seeing The Mousetrap in London, including where to eat, where to shop, and what to do near the theatre.

Things to do near The Mousetrap
Restaurants near The Mousetrap
Shopping near The Mousetrap
Bars and pubs near The Mousetrap
Tube stations and bus stops near The Mousetrap
On-theme activities for The Mousetrap

Things to do near The Mousetrap

St Martin’s Theatre is in the centre of London’s theatre district, perfectly placed for plenty of sunny and rainy-day activities. Just five minutes away you’ll find Covent Garden, where there’s always lots to explore – check out the London Transport Museum while you’re here, or take some photos in the glowing Infinity Chamber.

Seven minutes away is Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most popular sightseeing spots. Here you can admire Nelson’s Column and the lions at the fountain, before you head up the steps to the National Gallery and lose a few hours to their enormous collection. Just around the corner you’ll also find the National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll encounter plenty of familiar faces.

If your ideal big day out isn’t all museums and sightseeing, though, then the Hippodrome Casino is just four minutes up the road. This London hub houses four floors of gaming in three uniquely themed casinos, London’s largest dedicated poker floor, nine bars and many quality restaurants.

Restaurants near The Mousetrap

There’s a huge variety of great chain and independent restaurants within walking distance of St Martin’s Theatre. Here are a few of our favourite spots.

The Original Ivy – Offering refined West End dining since 1917, this is the restaurant where it all began. Enjoy the British classics that have made the brand famous whilst you admire the stained-glass windows and art-filled interiors.

Olea Social – This social spot offers a unique Mediterranean menu riffing on recipes from Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy and Morocco, with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

Dishoom Covent Garden – The perfect place for a great Indian. In lavish surroundings inspired by the arrival of the Talkies in Indian cinema, you’ll tuck into a menu of elevated Bombay comfort food.

Brother Marcus Covent Garden – Offering 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.

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.

Seven Dials Market – If a restaurant meal doesn’t appeal to you – or you’ve got a party full of fussy eaters – Seven Dials Market offers 20 independent food and drink stalls to choose from. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time and be prepared for a crowd, as this popular market gets busy at mealtimes.

Shopping near The Mousetrap

St Martin’s Theatre is right next door to lots of London’s best shopping. St Martin’s Courtyard is just two minutes away, housing a selection of international brands and contemporary boutiques in a beautiful open-air courtyard. Also a very short walk away is Covent Garden, which offers everything from lively market shopping to designer outlets.

Carnaby Street is fifteen minutes away, housing a mix of British and global brands, whilst Oxford Street is just a little further – London’s flagship shopping street hosts every high-street brand you could need, and then some.

If you’re looking to keep little ones entertained – or entertain your own inner child – you’ll find two exciting flagship stores nearby in Leicester Square. The LEGO Store is home to lots of elaborate sculptures and an enormous range of sets, whilst the M&M Store sits just over the road and boasts the world’s biggest candy wall, along with plenty of other sweet surprises.

Bars and pubs near The Mousetrap

Le Beaujolais – London’s oldest French wine bar houses a member’s club in its basement, but the ground floor is open to all. The spot has been in French hands for many decades, and the proprietors work with small French suppliers to bring a real taste of France to London.

The Two Brewers – This 19^th-century pub has a long history of serving London’s theatrical crowd, focusing on excellent cask ales and comforting pub food.

Baaria – A café, cocktail and wine bar, Baaria’s aim is to bring people together Italian-style from sunup to sundown. You’ll find a drink for any occasion here, along with shareable Italian plates.

Oriole – In Oriole’s Bamboo Bar you’ll find cocktail recipes from all over the globe, a focus on seasonal ingredients, and occasionally live music, all housed in their intimate, classy space beneath Covent Garden.

The Long Acre – This fresh, modern bar and pub is the perfect place for a casual pint or cocktail. You can catch live sport here, soak up the sun in their garden, or head down to their basement club to keep the night going.

The Escapologist – Hide away from reality in this underground bar, based in the old headquarters of a prominent Victorian secret society and serving classic cocktails with a twist.

Tube stations and bus stops near The Mousetrap

The closest tube stations to St Martin’s Theatre are Leicester Square, served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines, and Covent Garden, served by the Northern line. Both are within a five-minute walk of the theatre. Charing Cross is your closest National Rail station, eight minutes from the theatre on foot, and is also on the Bakerloo 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 The Mousetrap

Witness For The Prosecution – Over at London’s County Hall you can catch another one of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnits. This dynamic production and its immersive setting place you in the heart of a murder trial. Accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth, will Leonard be able to convince the jury – and the audience – of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?

The Play That Goes Wrong – The team at St Martin’s Theatre are pros, but for a slightly less polished murder mystery you can head over to the Duchess Theatre to catch the West End’s longest-running comedy. The Cornley Drama Society are attempting to stage their own whodunnit, but nothing is going exactly to plan, and it’s doubtful as to whether they’ll be able to stagger their way to final curtain… Catch the chaos for yourself.

The Agatha Christie Memorial – Near St Martin’s Theatre in Covent Garden you can find a statue honouring Christie’s contributions to West End theatre. Unveiled in November 2012, this artwork marks 60 years of The Mousetrap – and celebrates the many more still to come.

The Mousetrap is currently playing at St Martin’s Theatre – find tickets here