The Forge
14 Garrick Street, WC2 (020 7379 1432, www.theforgerestaurant.co.uk)
The Forge is a large, relaxed restaurant with a grounded and comprehensive menu, with plenty of familiar British and French dishes. The pre-theatre offer is available from 5pm-7pm (out by 8pm), two courses and coffee £13.50; three courses and coffee £16.50.

Browns Bar & Brasserie
82-84 St Martins Lane, WC2 (020 7497 5050, www.browns-restaurants.co.uk)
A genuine brasserie with a popular bar and a Modern British menu running throughout the day. The pre-theatre offer is from 4.30pm-6.30pm — two courses for £12.95. The deal is also available 9.30-10.30pm if the show you are watching finishes early enough.

Carluccio's
Garrick Street, WC2 (020 7836 0990, www.carluccios.com)
There's no pre-theatre offer but there's usually some deal that's worth having. Until early February, you can choose a pasta dish plus a salad plus coffee for £8.50 (for £11, add a glass of wine). Open 8am-11.30pm.

J Sheekey
The Oyster Bar, 28-31 Saint Martin's Court, WC2 (020 7240 2565, www.j-sheekey.co.uk)
Everyone should note the J Sheekey website as it has a helpful section that lists the London theatres and what time each production finishes. The oyster bar is perfect for a pre-theatre pit-stop, plenty of oysters and hot dishes such as Tiger prawn and monkfish curry; fish pie; and smoked haddock rarebit. Open noon-midnight.

Terroirs Wine Bar
5 William IV Street, WC2 (020 7036 0660, www.terroirswinebar.com)
This busy wine bar may not have a set menu but the style of the place — small plates, brilliant charcuterie, classic bourgeois French food — makes it worth a pre-show look. Also open in the evenings from 5.30pm-11pm.