Pre-Theatre Restaurant in Soho: Tapas Before a West End Show

A good pre-theatre restaurant in Soho needs to do two things at once: make dinner feel like part of the night out while still respecting the fact that you have a fixed curtain time.

Jamon Jamon Soho is at 3 Caxton Walk, London WC2H 8PW, just off Charing Cross Road in the heart of the West End. The location is close to major theatres and well suited to eating before a performance.

Why tapas work before the theatre

Tapas give you control over the size of the meal. If time is tight, order three or four contrasting plates and keep the evening moving. If you arrive earlier than expected, add another dish or stay for a drink.

For two people, our How Many Tapas for Two guide gives you a simple starting point.

What to order before a West End show

Choose dishes with different textures so the table feels varied without becoming too heavy. Padrón Peppers, Croquetas de Jamón, Gambas al Ajillo and Patatas Bravas make a useful mix.

Should you order paella before the theatre?

If you have plenty of time, yes. If the show starts soon, tapas are usually easier to pace. Paella works better when dinner itself is meant to be slower and more substantial.

Our Tapas or Paella guide explains when each approach makes sense.

Near Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross Road

The restaurant is around five minutes from Piccadilly Circus and just off Charing Cross Road, putting it inside the wider theatre district.

You can also use our local guides for Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross Road and the West End.

What if you are not rushing?

Then make more of the evening. Start with tapas, add a shared paella and stay for another drink. On selected nights, the basement also hosts events, so check the What’s On page if you are planning something after dinner.