Harden's survey result
Summary
“The set menu is good value” at the National Theatre’s most salubrious in-house dining option, so it’s “always reliable” as a pre-show pit-stop. But critics would welcome a bit more ambition, saying the current effort is “a wasted opportunity” given the site and its captive audience. Top Tip: “the waiters are always a good source of play reviews”.
Summary
The smartest of the National Theatre’s in-house dining rooms has had its high in past years, but is currently “only worth it if you’re going to the theatre”. The standard of cooking can vary sharply between visits: at best “really excellent and imaginative” but sometimes merely “fine” or “a bit of a production line process”.
Summary
The smartest of the National Theatre’s in-house dining rooms has had its high in past years, but is currently “only worth it if you’re going to the theatre”. The standard of cooking can vary sharply between visits: at best “really excellent and imaginative” but sometimes merely “fine” or “a bit of a production line process”.
Summary
An “ideal pre-theatre venue”, the National’s “pleasant” dining room focuses wisely on a “small, tight menu” that satisfies most reporters – and “surprises” some. “The standard of cooking varies, but the service is always excellent”: “they’ll get you to your seat at the theatre in time!”.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at House Restaurant, National Theatre?
Restaurant details
House Restaurant, National Theatre Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Just reopened - we loved the food and everyone was enjoying themselves. A great pre-theatre offer. "
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
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Bread | £3.95 |
Service | 10.00% |
National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
Wednesday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
Thursday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
Friday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
Saturday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
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