The Understudy at National Theatre

Enjoy a taste of London’s diverse street food flavours and craft beer scene at National Theatre's bustling ground floor bar The Understudy.

The Understudy is National Theatre’s riverside craft bar with tons of indoor and outdoor seating and a finely curated list of local craft beers available on tap. There's an emphasis on supporting local and independent makers and the bar regularly spotlights new small craft breweries and indie cocktail and mocktail makers.

The Understudy is also home to a variety of independent street food traders curated by London's leading street food incubators KERB. Open all day long, this is a great spot to grab a tasty lunch on the go while strolling the Queen’s Walk or to enjoy a quick and casual meal before heading into a show.

KERB's street food options at The Understudy include loaded hash browns from Hash Hut, and tacos, nachos and churros from MexClub. For lively Middle Eastern and Caucasian flavours there's Sireli, where you can try delicious fluffy flatbreads piled high with a choice of falafel, lamb shoulder or crispy chicken and topped with zingy spicy condiments, or opt for small plates like smoked aubergines, hummus, halloumi fries and salt cod croquettes.

In the summer months, KERB spreads out onto the square in front of the iconic theatre building with half a dozen pop-up food trucks plus two pop-up riverside bars, further adding to the lively atmosphere.

Opening later than most bars (until 1am on weekends!) and with one of central London's finest terraces, this is one of the best post-show hangouts in town.