Why The Cut is one of London’s most popular theatre bars and restaurants

A potted history of The Cut

The theatre itself was a plant from the original Old Vic, a theatre for a new generation, to (in the words of Laurence Olivier) ‘Develop plays for young audiences, an experimental workshop for authors, actors and producers.’ It was built on a former WWII bomb site, called The Cut — hence the restaurant’s name — and designed by Bill Howell. However, after a short time it began to crumble, so was rebuilt in the early noughties, creating the landmark building now standing in its place.

It’s all gravy

Sample both locally inspired and international dishes; the chefs take a playful approach to their menus, with frequent themed specials. If you’re in for more of a snack than a meal, you can share a vegan, cheese or charcuterie board, or some small plates (try the roast butternut arancini with sriracha mayonnaise, South East Asian spiced chicken skewers and raita, or burrata, blood orange and beetroot). Mains include hearty options like fish pie and 21-day aged gourmet cheeseburgers, as well as homemade pasta, and vegan large plates such as celeriac steak with roast vegetables, red cabbage, pecan, chestnut mushroom and plant-based gravy. For pud, you can cool off with some Hackney Gelato or a slice of the daily loaf cake (among other dessert options). If you work close by and fancy a healthy lunch, the poke bowls are a winner — add the extra indulgence of a super frothy and creamy iced coffee for a caffeine pick me up.

Drinkie poos

You’ll also find a huge selection of quality craft beers, excellent wines, Allpress coffee and appropriately theatrical cocktails. Order The Cut’s own Spritz Aperitivo Berto Quaglia with prosecco and soda, a bottle of pink bubbles, or a fine wine; and if you’re watching the pennies, the house vinos are a great way to save, without scrimping on taste. Outdoor seating makes The Cut ideal for a little people-watching, drink in hand, particularly on a warm evening. Cold nights are made cosy with the addition of hot apple ciders and mulled wine. So gather your friends and take some time to catch up over a few beverages, in this convenient central location.

An environmental champion

The venue has been verified for its recycling and environment achievements by First Mile. It sends zero to landfill and has a gold-level recycling score. The food menu follows suit, with a focus on fresh, free-range and organic ingredients from sustainable sources and dishes that revolve around the season’s produce. If you’re trying to cut down on energy usage at home, why not pack up your laptop and spend an afternoon working from The Cut, accompanied by good music, plenty of coffee and freshly baked cookies to keep you going till dinner time. 

Party time in SE1

If you’re planning an event, The Cut is a great place to host it. The team offers menus catering to groups, from bowl foods to buffets. And if you’d like something super simple, the cocktail and canapes list is just the ticket (plus you could pair it with tickets to a play at the Young Vic). The venue’s intrinsic links with the Young Vic means you’ll often find a press night happening here, spot Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah grabbing a bite to eat in the sunshine, or see actors hanging out. Spread across two floors and with an al fresco terrace, The Cut provides plenty of flexible space, so you can have privacy or mingle with other patrons. 

The Cut is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 11pm, on Fridays from 3pm to 11.30pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 11.30pm (Sundays and Mondays are the days of rest). If you’re pairing a night of dining and drinking with a show, you can beat the rush by pre-ordering drinks to enjoy before the curtain rises, and for during the interval. And of course, do remember to book a table so you can soak in the buzzy atmosphere.