From local drama productions to touring musicals, a trip to the theatre is a great afternoon/night out and can be made even more special with a pre or post-theatre bite to eat or drink. Here’s our pick of the eateries close to Kent’s theatres.
Abode, Canterbury.
Along with its unique and stylish accommodation, pre-theatre dinner is, of course, as good as the setting.
Example dishes include salt baked beetroot, horseradish, pink grapefruit and crispy quinoa to start, while main course options… breast of chicken, turnip, confit cabbage with a bacon and tarragon mousse or pea and mint ravioli, broad beans and peas and feta cheese, are certainly tempting. The pre-theatre dinner menu is available Thursday to Saturday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm, with two courses for £27.50 and three courses priced £32.50.
What we love: Fine dining and accommodation will tempt a longer stay!
Where: 30-33 High Street, Canterbury. CT1 2RX.
abodecanterbury.co.uk
The Ivy, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Just a short walk from the Assembly Hall Theatre, as well as the independent shops, it’s the ideal setting for pre-theatre dining.
There’s a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere at the restaurant which offers all day-dining. From modern British classics to Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as a fantastic range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone to love. Set menus are often available with a selection of choices to suit all diners, as well as budgets.
What we love: Not just the food but the 1920s décor.
Location: 50 High Street. Tunbridge Wells. TN1 1XF.
ivycollection.com
Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable.
After a stunning £1.8m transformation, Shepherd Neame reopened this historic pub in August. Ideally suited for the Playhouse Theatre, there’s an extensive menu with options giving a special nod to local Kentish ingredients. From Whitstable Bay beer battered haddock and chips (also available to takeaway) there’s also a range of sharing platters, including Hop Picker’s Board which celebrates the pub’s Garden of England location. Wide-ranging drinks, including Kentish spirits and cocktails, are also available.
What we love: The coastal location means freshly caught seafood is a speciality.
Where: High Street, Whitstable. CT5 1AP.
dukeofcumberlandhotel.co.uk
Frédéric Bistro, Maidstone.
With its excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, this French and European delight is ideally located for the Hazlitt Theatre. Booking is a must, particularly on Friday and Saturdays, and the menu is plentiful to suit all palates. Choose from the Toulouse sausage with tomato and capers or perhaps Moroccan lamb or salade Landais or those classic desserts including millefeuille and tarte au citron. Frederic Bistro is open until 11pm from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
What we love: The homemade patisseries are a must so do allow time.
Where: 14-16 Market Buildings, Maidstone. ME14 1HP.
fredericbistro.com
Posillipo, Faversham.
An authentic Neapolitan menu, extensive wine list and selection of Italian artisan beers all make this a good go-to for pre and post-theatre dining at the Arden Theatre. Fresh seafood, rustic pasta dishes and gourmet pizzas from the pizza oven are prepared by the loyal and longstanding team of chefs. Add in the daily specials and vegan menu and it’s easy to see why one of its three sites ticks many boxes.
What we love: Tucking into traditional Neapolitan cuisine while taking in the views of Faversham creek.
Where: Provender Mill, Belvedere Road, Faversham. ME13 7LD.
posillipo.co.uk
The Rose, Deal
A former pub with a spirited past, the bar, restaurant and hotel has been lovingly restored in a chic seaside destination with seriously good food…and has received rave reviews from all the renowned food critics since it reopened. Close to the Astor Theatre, the lunch and dinner menus have included samples such as turbot crudo, pan-roasted monkfish and dry-aged pork chop with dark chocolate mousse for dessert or speciality Nuno’s olive oil cake for dessert.
What we love: There’s nothing but positive praise…go along and see for yourself.
Where: 91 High Street, Deal. CT14 6ED.
therosedeal.com
Ship and Trades, Chatham
If you’re making a day or night of it, the beautiful marina setting is perfect for dining, and staying, too. Another perk is it’s within close proximity to the 965-seat Central Theatre…about an eight-minute drive. Food wise, the chef’s speciality chargrill offers gourmet burgers and prime cuts cooked to order but there’s a whole host of veggie options available, too. As well as pub classics, it’s also renowned for handmade stone-baked pizzas.
What we love: A unique location overlooking the former Royal Naval Dockyard.
Where: Chatham Maritime, Chatham. ME4 3ER.
shipandtradeschatham.co.uk
TN1 Bar and Kitchen, Tunbridge Wells.
With its central location…just a few steps away from both Trinity Theatre and Assembly Hall Theatre, family-run TN1 offers everything from breakfast to lunch as well as pre/post-theatre dinner or drinks. It’s fully accessible with wide aisles and is also dog-friendly, too! From a range of tapas/starters to mussel bar along with a wide range of cocktails and drinks, this modern restaurant is perfect for all occasions and is also known for its live music events.
What we love: There’s many offers available throughout the week.
Where: 33 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells. TN1 1LS
tn1barkitchen.co.uk
