The Understudy at National Theatre

Enjoy a taste of London’s diverse street food flavours and craft beer scene at KERB’s space 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 Sen Noods, slinging out hearty tonkotsu ramen, fiery bang bang noodles, dumplings and tangy cucumber salad.  You can never go wrong with a well-made smash burger, and Meltdown Cheeseburgers make some of the very best! Choose from the classic double smashed beef patty, spiced chicken thigh or vegan patty, as well as regular monthly collab specials and loaded beef brisket fries.

And for lively Middle Eastern flavours there's Sireli. Try one of their delicious fluffy flatbreads piled high with a choice of falafel, lamb shoulder or crispy chicken and topped with fresh herbs, mint slaw, house pickles and zingy spicy condiments like citrus tahini or za'atar yoghurt. Their small plates like smoked aubergines and hummus, halloumi fries and sold cod croquettes, are also great for sharing.

In the summer months, KERB spreads out onto the square in front of the iconic theatre building with a variety of food trucks and a riverside pop-up bar.