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Pub theatres in London

Historic, hip, and hugely entertaining - explore our top picks for London's best pub theatres.
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Some of London's finest theatre shows and cutting-edge comedy nights unfold upstairs (and occasionally downstairs) in the capital's pubs.

There are so many options available for theatre lovers in London, whether it is the glitz and glamourous of a West End show, or going to the intemporal Shakespeare Globe to relive one of the famous playright work, or even checking out some more cutting edge acts off west end. 

Pub theatres are another top place to see up and coming talents taking the stage at a fraction of the price often a fusion of the city's vibrant theatre culture with its rich pub tradition. Enjoy a pint and a play or stand-up here, often leaving with plenty of change to spare.

The Etcetera Theatre is an award-winning London pub theatre situated above the Oxford Arms in Camden showcasing artists since 1986. You'll find an innovative selection of shows at this venue, which offers a variety of theatre, cabaret, comedy and music. Over the years the pub has built a reputation for hosting some of the most thrilling fringe theatre  as well as comedy ands cabaret acts; and was awarded Runner Up for Pub Theatre of the Year 2023. The Etcetera also hosts a few theatre festival through the year including the Camden Fringe, the London Horror Festival as well as the Black Box Festival.

Where:

265 Camden High Street, Regent's Park, London, NW1 7BU

The exterior of the Gate Theatre. Photo: Olivia Spencer. Image courtesy of Gate Theatre.
The acclaimed Gate Theatre in Notting Hill is a fantastic place to see the most exciting emerging writers and directors in a space changing with each new production embracing each storytelling. Opened in 1979, the pub quickly became known for hosting radical artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre. The flexible space has been a springboard for artists such as Katie Mitchell, Jude Law, Stephen Daldry, Kathy Burke and Sophie Okonedo. Today, The Gate still showcase powerful new ways of telling a story with great numbers of international productions set to make noise.
Where:

26 Crowndale Road, Camden, London, NW1 1TT

Price:

From £18.00

Hen & Chickens Theatre, located just opposite Highbury and Islington Tube station, is an intimate 54-seat venue nestled above the Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar. This cozy Victorian pub is a hub for top-notch new writing, courtesy of the resident production company, Unrestricted View. Regularly showcasing innovative performances, the theatre also plays host to shows as part of the Camden Fringe festival, offering a vibrant mix of fresh talent and creative storytelling.

Where:

St Paul's Road, Islington, London, N1 2NA

Image supplied by Hope Theatre

Visit north London's Hope Theatre to experience award-winning productions in one of the capital’s newest pub venues. Since opening in 2013, this 50-seat black-box theatre, located above the Hope and Anchor pub, has quickly gained acclaim, with shows like Lovesong by the Electric Bear transferring to the West End. Expect a dynamic lineup of musical theatre, innovative new writing, and rediscovered classics.

Where:

Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 1RL

Islington’s Old Red Lion Theatre, one of London’s oldest pubs dating back to 1415, has been a cornerstone of the city’s theatre scene since it opened its stage in 1979. Rebuilt several times over the centuries, the venue now hosts a diverse array of productions, from revivals to cutting-edge new works. The Old Red Lion is renowned for launching hit shows like the globally successful The Play That Goes Wrong London. With its intimate 60-seat theatre, you can enjoy a variety of performances, including comedy, one-person shows, and drama, in one of London's historic pub theatres.
 

Where:

418 St John Street, Finsbury, London, EC1V 4NJ

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. Whether you're a fan of bold new writing or reimagined classics, the Rosemary Branch Theatre offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Where:

2 Shepperton Road, Canonbury, London, N1 3DT

The Tabard Theatre opened in 1985 and has built a strong reputation for new writing. This intimate studio theatre, with just 96 seats, is located above the Tabard Pub in Turnham Green. Known for its history of hosting stand-up comedy, the Tabard continues to be a vital platform for experimental theatre and alternative genres. Over the years, it has gained acclaim for staging successful productions and serving as a launchpad for prominent comedians like Russell Brand, Harry Hill, and Russell Howard, who have tested new material here before embarking on major tours.

Where:

2 Bath Road, Chiswick, London, W4 1LW

Founded in 1980 by artistic director Neil McPherson, the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre in Earl's Court has built a formidable reputation for pushing the boundaries of theatre, consistently introducing audiences to innovative work. This acclaimed venue specializes in both plays and musical theatre, with a particular focus on original pieces and neglected works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The intimate 55-sets theatre is considered one of the most influential of London’s fringe venues, with numerous productions first staged here making successful transfers to the West End and off-Broadway.

Where:

118 Finborough Road, London, SW10 9ED

Located above The Latchmere pub in BatterseaTheatre503 is a custom-built venue that has become a renowned hotspot for discovering emerging talent, both on and off stage. Run by a dedicated team with a passion for new writing and innovative direction, Theatre503 has earned its reputation as one of the best places in London to experience groundbreaking theatre. One of its first productions, a new adaptation of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” was met with critical acclaim before transferring to the London West End.

Where:

503 Battersea Park Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3BW

Take a trip to Highgate to find Upstairs at The Gatehouse, which opened in 1985. Originally opened as a music hall, it later served as a Masonic lodge before becoming the thriving theatre it is today.  The historic pub located in the heart of Highgate village offer an extensive selection of mouthwatering British dishes with a Spanish twist, a great start to the evening before heading upstairs to see award-winning Off West End theatre. The 122-seat Victorian auditorium hosts a diverse array of performances, ranging from new writing and innovative revivals to plays, musicals, and opera.

Where:

1 North Road, Highgate, London, N6 4BD