The Understudy
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
The Understudy is the National Theatre's vibrant riverside craft bar on London's South Bank, offering indoor and outdoor seating, a curated selection of local craft beers, and rotating street food from KERB traders. With stunning Thames views, it's an ideal spot for casual meals, pre- or post-theatre drinks, open late into the night. Enjoy smash burgers, Middle Eastern flatbreads, Mexican tacos, and indie cocktails in this lively hub supporting local makers.
A brief summary to The Understudy
- Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX, GB
- Click to display
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- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- 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-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Understudy.
- Reserve tables for groups of 4+ indoors or outdoors to secure prime riverside spots, especially before evening shows.
- Arrive early for summer pop-ups on the square, where extra food trucks and bars create a mini street festival vibe.
- Opt for the rotating craft beer taps to sample new local brews; staff can guide pairings with street food.
- Food stops at 10pm (9pm Sundays), but drinks flow late – ideal for post-theatre unwinding until 1am weekends.
- Bring dogs or check wheelchair access; the terrace offers stunning Thames sunsets year-round.
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Getting There
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Tube
Tube from central London stations like Embankment or Waterloo takes 5-10 minutes; exit South Bank side, 600m riverside walk on flat Thames Path terrain, frequent services every 2-4 minutes, single fare £2.50-£3.
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Bus
Bus RV1 from Trafalgar Square or Tower Bridge stops directly at National Theatre, 10-20 minutes depending on traffic, every 10-15 minutes daytime, fare £1.75, wheelchair accessible with low-floor vehicles.
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Walking
From Southwark Tube or nearby Waterloo, 10-15 minute flat paved walk along Queen's Walk riverside path, fully accessible with no steps, suitable for all weather.
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Taxi
Black cab from West End or City areas 10-15 minutes in light traffic, meter fare £10-20 peak times, drop-off at Upper Ground entrance, limited parking nearby.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
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Restrooms
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Seating Areas
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Sheltered Areas
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Trash Bins
Discover more about The Understudy
Riverside Craft Beer Haven
Nestled on the ground floor of the iconic National Theatre along Upper Ground, The Understudy serves as a welcoming riverside craft bar. Its expansive indoor space and generous outdoor terrace overlook the Thames, providing a prime vantage for watching London's river traffic glide by. The bar emphasizes local and independent producers, featuring a rotating tap list of small-batch craft beers from emerging London breweries alongside creative cocktails and mocktails crafted by indie makers.Street Food Spotlight
KERB, London's leading street food incubator, curates a lineup of independent traders at The Understudy. Diners can savor smash burgers from Meltdown Cheeseburgers, fluffy flatbreads topped with falafel, lamb shoulder, or crispy chicken from Sireli's Middle Eastern and Caucasian menu, or dive into tacos, nachos, and churros courtesy of MexClub. These flavor-packed options rotate regularly, ensuring fresh discoveries with every visit. Food service runs until 10pm daily, extending to 9pm on Sundays.Seasonal Outdoor Expansion
In summer, the venue transforms further as KERB extends operations onto the square fronting the National Theatre. Half a dozen pop-up food trucks join two additional riverside bars, amplifying the festive atmosphere. This setup turns the area into a bustling outdoor market, perfect for soaking up the South Bank vibe amid the theatre's brutalist architecture.Late-Night Theatre Hangout
Open from noon until midnight most days, with extended hours to 1am Thursday through Saturday and 10pm Sundays, The Understudy caters to theatregoers and evening strollers alike. Its cavernous interior, accented by concrete elements echoing the National Theatre's design, accommodates large crowds comfortably. Reservations are available for groups of 4-9 indoors or up to 20 outdoors, while walk-ins fill the remaining space.South Bank Integration
Positioned on the Queen's Walk, The Understudy integrates seamlessly into the South Bank's cultural promenade. Patrons enjoy easy access to the Thames Path, bridging the bar's casual energy with nearby landmarks like the London Eye and Tate Modern. The venue's dog-friendly policy, wheelchair accessibility, and free WiFi enhance its appeal as a versatile social spot.Atmospheric Details
The bar's lively hum peaks around showtimes, blending chatter, clinking glasses, and the sizzle of street food grills. Sunset views from the terrace cast golden hues over the water, while evening lights reflect dramatically. This combination of craft beverages, diverse eats, and prime location makes The Understudy a cornerstone of South Bank nightlife.Explore the best of what The Understudy has to offer
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