Raise a glass to the curtain being raised

How long is it since you filled your cup of culture to the brim with an evening of live theatre – and a few drinks before or afterwards to complete the experience?

Actually, let’s not dwell on our coronavirus-enforced stay-at-home regime, which has gone on for ever and seems to have lasted even longer than that. Instead, it’s time to look ahead to the reopening of licensed premises and theatres – and start thinking about somewhere which combines elements of both.

Photo: @aeronjamesuk

So, when live performance is a thing again later this Spring, culture vultures have somewhere steeped in theatre tradition where they can meet to share a glass of wine or a beer ahead of the show

Look no further than The Theatre Café, on St Martin’s Lane in the heart of London’s West End. The café has become a firm favourite with theatre-goers anxious to feed themselves before the first act, but even better, Complete Licensing has just secured a drinks licence for this favourite Theatreland venue.

So, when live performance is a thing again later this Spring, culture vultures have somewhere steeped in theatre tradition where they can meet to share a glass of wine or a beer ahead of the show. And as the Theatre Café is also a popular ‘post-match’ meeting place for theatre staff, there’s bound to be plenty of lively cultural chat until last orders.

The owners’ aim in making the application was partly to offer more choice to customers and increase the range of food they offer. The case prepared by Complete Licensing not only fulfilled all Westminster Council’s requirements, it received backing from the local ward councillors and even former Conservative Government Secretary of State Dr Liam Fox.

Initiatives like this will go a long way towards the Government’s attempts to encourage the recovery of both the culture and hospitality sectors, and we’re happy we’ve been able to lend our support as the world seeks a way back to ‘normal’.