The Alchemist St Martin's Lane: Theatrical Cocktails and Vibrant Dining in Covent Garden
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, The Alchemist St Martin's Lane offers a unique blend of creative, theatrical cocktails and contemporary dining in a lively, theatrical setting. Known for its imaginative drinks that smoke, fizz, and pop, this cocktail bar and restaurant provides an energetic atmosphere near iconic theatres, perfect for those seeking a fun night out with inventive beverages and a menu of modern twists on classic dishes.
A brief summary to The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
- 63-66 St Martin's Ln, London, WC2N 4JS, GB
- +442072402002
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-12 am
- Saturday 10 am-12 am
- Sunday 11 am-12 am
Local tips
- Try the signature 'Lightbulb Moment' cocktail for a unique sensory experience with aromatic smoke.
- Visit on weekends to enjoy the cocktail brunch package featuring three cocktails and a brunch dish.
- Pre-order drinks packages for late-night visits Thursday to Saturday to avoid waiting.
- Be prepared for a lively and sometimes loud atmosphere, perfect for socializing but less suited for quiet conversations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
A Hub of Theatrical Mixology in Covent Garden
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane stands out as a vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant nestled in the bustling theatre district of London’s Covent Garden. This venue embraces the theatrical heritage of its surroundings, offering a cocktail experience that is as much about spectacle as it is about flavor. Drinks here are crafted with flair—smoking, flaming, and bubbling concoctions create a sensory show that delights guests and elevates the classic cocktail to an art form.Innovative Drinks and Culinary Offerings
The cocktail menu is renowned for its creativity, featuring signature drinks like the 'Lightbulb Moment,' which combines gin and Pimm’s with aromatic smoke of fruit and mint, designed to heighten the senses. Alongside these inventive beverages, The Alchemist serves a dining menu that reimagines classic dishes with theatrical twists, offering guests a chance to enjoy both food and drink in a cohesive, immersive experience. Weekend brunch packages combine bottomless cocktails with brunch dishes, enhancing the venue’s appeal for daytime socializing.Ambience and Atmosphere
The interior design complements the theatrical theme with a lively, energetic vibe. Music and lighting contribute to an immersive environment that can be quite vibrant and loud, reflecting the bar’s focus on entertainment and social energy. The venue is popular for after-work drinks, birthday parties, and lively gatherings, where the atmosphere is casual yet dynamic.Location and Cultural Context
Situated at 63-66 St Martin's Lane, The Alchemist is perfectly positioned near the Duke of York’s Theatre and the National Opera House, embedding it deeply within London’s rich cultural and theatrical scene. This location has historical significance, having risen from the ashes of the Great Fire of London to become part of one of the city’s most exciting and vibrant areas.Service and Visitor Experience
Service experiences at The Alchemist have been reported as mixed, with many guests praising the friendly and accommodating staff and others noting occasional delays and inconsistencies. The venue’s focus on theatrical cocktails means that drinks are often strong and carefully crafted, which some guests find delightful while others may find intense. Despite some critiques, the overall experience is designed to entertain and impress, making it a memorable stop in central London.Practical Information and Offerings
Open daily with extended hours until midnight, The Alchemist caters to a broad clientele, including theatre-goers, cocktail enthusiasts, and social groups. The venue also offers pre-order drink packages for late-night visits, ensuring a seamless experience for guests planning to enjoy the bar after 10 pm. With a large photo collection and a lively social media presence, The Alchemist is a hotspot for those seeking an Instagrammable night out with a touch of London’s theatrical charm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agatha Christie memorial
0.1 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Historic Seven Dials
0.3 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.3 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Mary Poppins Statue
0.3 km
Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.3 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Swiss Glockenspiel
0.3 km
A 10-metre Swiss timepiece performing mechanical magic in London's West End, where Alpine tradition meets modern precision.
Chinatown Gate
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.3 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Eleanor Cross
0.3 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
Café de Paris
0.4 km
Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
5 Trafalgar Sq
0.4 km
London's grand civic heart: Nelson's victory immortalised in stone, surrounded by world-class art and democratic tradition.
Royal Opera House
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
The Fourth Plinth
0.4 km
A historic plinth turned world-renowned stage for bold contemporary art in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
0.4 km
Discover the rich culture and vibrant nightlife of London's Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown with a self-guided audio tour.
Trafalgar Square
0.4 km
Explore the iconic Trafalgar Square, a historical landmark in London filled with art, culture, and vibrant public life.
Unmissable attractions to see
West End
0.1 km
Experience London’s vibrant West End, the iconic hub of world-class theatres, premier shopping streets, and rich cultural heritage.
Goodwin’s Court
0.1 km
Step into Goodwin’s Court, a hidden Georgian alley in Covent Garden where history, mystery, and cinematic magic blend in timeless charm.
Arts Theatre
0.1 km
A historic, intimate West End theatre offering close-up performances in a cozy setting since 1927.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.1 km
Covent Garden's chic courtyard escape: stylish shops, global eats, and pop-up magic in a reborn urban haven.
Cecil Court
0.1 km
Discover Cecil Court, a historic London street famed for its Victorian charm, rare bookshops, early cinema heritage, and a brief Mozart residency.
The Hippodrome Casino London
0.1 km
Experience London’s iconic Hippodrome Casino: historic grandeur meets 24/7 gaming, fine dining, and world-class live entertainment in Leicester Square.
The Duke of York's Theatre
0.1 km
Historic West End theatre on St Martin's Lane, home to iconic productions and timeless British theatrical heritage.
Slingsby Place
0.1 km
Discover the serene charm of Slingsby Place, a historic pedestrian courtyard in Covent Garden with lush greenery, dining, and cultural flair.
Floral Street
0.1 km
Discover Floral Street’s vibrant, sustainable floral fragrances in London’s stylish Covent Garden flagship store.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.2 km
Dive into London’s nightlife at Zoo Bar & Club, a cocktail haven offering themed parties, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the city center.
Garrick Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless West End theatre in the intimate, historic Garrick Theatre, where classic charm meets captivating performances.
London Coliseum
0.2 km
Experience grand Edwardian theatre and world-class opera and ballet at the iconic London Coliseum in the heart of London’s West End.
St. Martin's Theatre
0.2 km
Historic West End theatre famed for hosting The Mousetrap, offering intimate performances in a charming Georgian setting near Seven Dials.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.2 km
Discover rare literary treasures and timeless classics at Henry Pordes Books, a cherished second-hand bookshop on historic Charing Cross Road.
Vue Cinema London - West End (Leicester Square)
0.2 km
Experience cutting-edge cinema luxury and immersive screenings in the vibrant heart of London’s Leicester Square.
Essential places to dine
J Sheekey
0.1 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Clos Maggiore
0.2 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.2 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.2 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.2 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.2 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Rules
0.3 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Chez Antoinette
0.3 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.3 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Meet Fresh
0.3 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.3 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Gauthier Soho
0.4 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.1 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Unique Britain
0.1 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.2 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Cool Britania
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
The Moomin Shop London
0.3 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.3 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.3 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
M&M'S London
0.3 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Good
0.3 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.3 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Pop Boutique
0.4 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.0 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.0 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Covent Garden Social Club
0.1 km
Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
Blind Spot London
0.1 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Oriole
0.1 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.2 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.2 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
Ku Bar
0.2 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.2 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Mrs Riot
0.2 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Upstairs At Rules
0.3 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
The Escapologist Bar
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.3 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.1 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.2 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Penthouse London
0.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
The Roxy
0.3 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
0.4 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Luxe Club
0.4 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Heaven
0.4 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Tiger Tiger London
0.4 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
La Capannina Club
0.4 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Sophisticats Soho
0.5 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
TSQ Club
0.5 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.5 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.5 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Box Soho
0.5 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly