Some of London's best quality theatre shows and cutting-edge comedy nights can be found upstairs (and occasionally downstairs) in the capital's pubs.
Plus, if you're looking for cheap entertainment in London, pub theatres are a great source of a good value night out. Enjoy a pint and a play or some stand-up here, and in many cases you'll find you still have plenty of change left over.
Etcetera Theatre *
The Etcetera Theatre is an award-winning London pub theatre situated above the Oxford Arms in Camden. You'll find an innovative selection of shows at this venue, which offers a variety of theatre, cabaret, comedy and music.
Read More *: Etcetera Theatre *Gate Theatre
The acclaimed Gate Theatre in Notting Hill is a fantastic place to see the most exciting emerging writers and directors. The flexible space has been a springboard for artists such as Katie Mitchell, Jude Law, Stephen Daldry, Kathy Burke and Sophie Okonedo.
Read More: Gate TheatreHen & Chickens Theatre Bar *
Hen & Chickens Theatre, opposite Highbury and Islington Tube station, is an intimate 54-seat theatre, upstairs at the Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar. The crowd is regularly treated to excellent new writing by the resident production company, Unrestricted View.
Read More *: Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar *The Hope Theatre *
Old Red Lion Theatre *
Islington’s Old Red Lion Theatre was the original home of globally successful comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong. Take a seat in the 60-person theatre and you'll be treated to comedy, one-person shows or drama in one of London's long-standing pub theatres.
Read More *: Old Red Lion Theatre *Rosemary Branch Theatre *
The Rosemary Branch Theatre is widely known for its opera, contemporary drama classics, and new comedy writing. You'll find the former Victorian music hall across the road from the Grand Union Canal on the borders of Hackney, Islington and Shoreditch.
Read More *: Rosemary Branch Theatre *Tabard Theatre *
The Tabard Theatre opened in 1985 and has built a strong reputation for new writing. The studio theatre, which also has a history of hosting stand-up comedy, can be found above the Tabard Pub in Turnham Green.
Read More *: Tabard Theatre *Finborough Theatre *
The award-winning Finborough Theatre in Earl's Court presents both plays and musical theatre, specialising in original work and neglected pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is considered one of the most influential of London’s fringe venues.
Read More *: Finborough Theatre *Theatre503 *
Find Theatre503, with its flexible auditorium, above The Latchmere pub in Battersea. It's run by a team who focus on new writing and directors, so is one of the best places to discover emerging talent both on and off stage.
Read More *: Theatre503 *Upstairs at The Gatehouse *
Take a trip to Highgate to find Upstairs at The Gatehouse, which opened in 1895 and has been used as a music hall, a Masonic lodge and is now a theatre. The historic venue stages a mixture of drama and musicals.
Read More *: Upstairs at The Gatehouse *