A Big Day Out at Back To The Future: The Musical

Make the most out of your day seeing Back To The Future: The Musical in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Planning a trip to Back To The Future at the Adelphi Theatre? If you’re looking to make the most of your limited time in London, we can help – without the use of any time-travelling DeLoreans. From pre-show dinners to post-show drinks and everything else that you might need to know, here’s how to make a big day out of seeing Back To The Future: The Musical in London.

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

Things to do near Back To The Future: The Musical

The Adelphi Theatre is situated in the heart of London’s theatre district, with plenty to see and do nearby. The National Gallery is just a six minute walk from the theatre, featuring over 2000 European paintings from the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries. Also very nearby is the National Portrait Gallery, where you can spot lots of famous faces throughout history, from Shakespeare to Queen Elizabeth II. If you’re looking for some more local history, you might want to take a trip to Strand Lane Roman Bath, a quirky National Trust site a ten-minute walk from the theatre. Once thought to be the remains of a roman bath, this site was actually revealed to be a Somerset House cistern from the 1600s. It was rebranded in the 1700s as a public cold plunge and has had an interesting history since then.

The Adelphi Theatre is just six minutes from Covent Garden, which has lots to see and do, including the London Transport Museum – an appropriate pre-show day trip for a musical about a time-travelling car. You might also want to seek out their Infinity Chamber to take some pictures.

If you’re after something a little more active, we suggest a trip to Bat & Ball Covent Garden. Just a ten minute walk from the Adelphi Theatre, this ‘social playground’ offers a wide array of activities, from pub classics like darts, ping-pong, shuffleboard and pool to a minigolf course and karaoke rooms.

Restaurants near Back To The Future: The Musical

There’s a wealth of places to eat near the Adelphi Theatre, including tons of popular chains. Those looking to immerse themselves in the world of Back To The Future with an American-style dinner might want to check out Smith & Wollensky, just four minutes from the theatre. This high-end American steak joint is ideal for a special occasion, boasting premium steak dishes served in a stunning mahogany dining room. A more affordable but still delicious option for steak is Flat Iron Covent Garden, known for their amazing sides and the free ice cream they hand out to customers.

Another great option for a special occasion is Sushisamba, a unique eatery just six minutes from the theatre offering Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion. Even if you don’t dine there, it’s worth enjoying one of their signature cocktails on their rooftop terrace. For authentic French food in a venue dripping with Parisian chic, try Balthazar, also six minutes from the theatre. If you fancy tapas, just a minute away you’ll find The Port House, serving small plates and Spanish wines in a cosy, lively setting.

You’ll find a great Italian right next to the Adelphi Theatre at L’ulivo Strand, known for their gorgeous pastas and stunning interior. If you’d prefer a quick pizza in a more relaxed setting, try Vasiniko, just four minutes away – and don’t miss out on their excellent desserts. For seafood, try The Oysterman Seafood Bar and Kitchen. Four minutes from the theatre, they’ll serve you excellent shellfish and seafood dishes in a rustic, intimate setting.

Shopping near Back To The Future: The Musical

With Covent Garden nearby, there’s plenty of great shopping right next to the theatre – this West End hub boasts lots of unique stores, all surrounding a beautiful piazza. Seven minutes’ walk away, you’ll find St Martin’s Courtyard, home to great fashion and beauty brands as well as urban eateries. Ten minutes from the theatre is Neal’s Yard, a historical landmark, shopping hub and perfect photo backdrop all rolled into one.

If you’re willing to walk a little further, you’ll find Carnaby Street twenty minutes away, one of London’s trendiest shopping streets with a history dating back to the 1600s. And twenty-five minutes away is London’s most famous shopping location, Oxford Street, home to around 300 retailers.

Bars and pubs near Back To The Future: The Musical

There are a huge number of great places to grab a drink before or after the show, all within walking distance of the theatre. Many of the restaurants we’ve already mentioned are also wonderful spots to enjoy a glass of something, and it’s always worth remembering that you can’t beat the theatre bar for convenience.

Just round the corner from the Adelphi Theatre is The Nell Gwynne, a traditional dark-wood pub that’s been standing since 1677. Named after the infamous mistress of Charles II, it’s now most famous for its draught beer. The Marquis is another nearby traditional pub, four minutes from the theatre. Once a favourite spot of Charles Dickens, it boasts an extensive vinyl collection, a fireplace and a cosy outdoor space. Irish pub The Porterhouse is another great spot for a drink, and has a late-night music basement for post-show celebrations.

There are lots of unique cocktail spots nearby as well. Upstairs at Rules is a lux cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant. Its glamour isn’t imitation – this hidden gem once used to be the private dining room of King Edward VII. Two minutes away is Eve Bar, an stylish, upscale lounge serving creative cocktails. Another great choice is the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel. It’ll take you a little further back in time than the DeLorean, with its art-deco design, live jazz piano and classic cocktails.

Tube stations and bus stops near Back To The Future: The Musical

The Adelphi Theatre is well-connected via tube. The closest tube stop is Charing Cross, which is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines and is also the closest station via National Rail. Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly line, is six minutes away, as is Embankment, served by the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines. Multiple buses also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Back To The Future: The Musical

The best way to immerse yourself in the world of Back To The Future has to be a trip to the Science Museum in South Kensington, where you can learn a whole host of new things and explore various experiments without paying a thing. For time travel enthusiasts, the Science Museum is also the home of the world’s largest clock collection, taking you back through roughly 1500 years of telling – and running out of – time.

If, like Marty McFly, you’re passionate about rock and roll, we recommend a trip to the Vault at the Hard Rock Café on Hyde Park Corner. 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.

If you have time to journey out of the centre to Crofton Park, you’ll find London’s only intact 1950s ballroom, a perfect place to brush up on choreography ahead of the Enchantment Under The Sea dance. There’s always something going at Rivoli Ballroom, from dance events to film screenings, and it’s also been the set of music videos for many major recording artists – see if you can guess who.

Of course, the perfect way to celebrate before seeing Back To The Future is with the Back To The Future Afternoon Tea at SOUND Café in Marble Arch. You’ll get to enjoy on-theme treats like McFly’s slider burger, Mayor Goldie Wilson’s hot dog, Marty’s crispy shrimp tortilla and lots more, all washed down with Lorraine’s mini shake milkshakes and Marvin’s berry iced tea. If you can work out the secret code ahead of your visit, you’ll also have a chance to roll the dice for bottomless drinks. They do say time travel makes you hungry…

Back To The Future: The Musical is now playing at the Adelphi Theatre – find tickets here