Restaurants

The French House

Various theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue

Pre-theatre
The Lorelei, 21 Bateman St, W1
For years, The Lorelei (6-11pm) has been churning out its £5 thin-crust pizzas to a BYO-booze crowd. Sit yourself at one of the ancient laminated tables and admire the chipped mural of the mermaid on the rocks. (020 7734 0954)

Interval drinks
The French House, 49 Dean St, W1
An institution if ever there was one, but popping here for just one drink is like meeting Sir Ian McKellen and discussing Sandi Thom (a missed opportunity). Feature continues

Post-theatre
Little Italy, 21 Frith St, W1
Okay, the food may never quite dazzle but the pasta’s generally pretty reliable, the recent refurb is more conducive to dining and, most importantly, it has a 4am licence – perfect if you want to carry on drinking into the wee small hours. (020 7734 4737)

In-house eats
West End theatre bars rarely stretch to more than sweets and crisps, though many offer hospitality packages and will arrange sandwiches and champagne for you in the interval by prior arrangement.

Can I bring my own sarnies?
‘The snacks and sweets can be taken in quite freely, but hot foods are not allowed because of the smell. If someone wants to have a smoked salmon sandwich and champagne, they could finish it inside,’ says catering manager Idil Kazancel.

Where do the cast/crew go?
‘The White Hart pub across the road,’ says the Shaftesbury Theatre.