A Theatre-Goers Guide to London

Theatre is woven into London’s cultural fabric, with a scene defined by its range—pairing landmark stages and global hits with an ever-changing roster of innovative new productions, from Shakespeare and classic revivals to contemporary premieres. 

Step outside, and you’re in the thick of a London art hub…

As one of the world’s most vibrant cities, London has endless culture, history, and entertainment to be discovered. Characterized as a place beyond boundary or convention (Peter Ackroyd), where there is room for persons of romantic character to exist (Ralph Waldo Emerson), and filled with brilliant lunatics (Oscar Wilde), London has no shortage of opportunity for those seeking inspiration. Find all of it effortlessly with L’oscar, which itself is home to its own magnificent history in a city bursting with it.

Primely positioned in London’s iconic West End, L’oscar London is surrounded by some of the city’s most sought-after attractions. Theatreland, Covent Garden, and landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are moments away. Step outside, and you’re in the thick of a London art hub—whether you want a show or an evening walk past Big Ben. 

But it’s not only about the big-ticket sights. Around the corner, you’ll find tucked-away bookshops, galleries that reward a slow wander, and cafés perfect for lingering over tea. The British Museum is an easy walk away, and the Royal Opera House and Somerset House keep the vibrant neighborhood energy year-round. 

L’oscar’s central location means unparalleled access to shows. After a seventeen-year theatre ban ended in 1660, London’s West End became home to prolific playwrights and award-winning theatre. For over 350 years, world-changing stories have graced its stages. In 1663, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane was the first to open after the ban. It has operated ever since, making it the world’s oldest theatre. This landmark is just a ten-minute stroll from L’oscar.  

Where to Stay 

When staying at L’oscar, the pace shifts. It’s quiet, calm, and feels like it’s a world away from the city’s buzz.  A stay here means you’ll be just steps away from the London Cabaret Club and Holborn Station. Every space in L’oscar blends sophistication and playfulness. The hotel’s central tenet is discreet, attentive service. Expect precise, detailed care from the L’oscar team from the moment you book until you depart; the staff addresses you by name, and room service is twenty-four hours. Before you head out—or after your day’s adventures—you can make a stop in one of the drawing rooms, appointed for royalty and steeped in history with large windows looking out to fellow visitors and Londoners alike wandering past.  

Set in a Grade II*-listed former Baptist church, L’oscar showcases soaring Edwardian Baroque architecture and dramatic interiors. (Grade II* buildings have been officially recognized by the UK government as having special or historic significance.) The building dates back to 1856, but in its current iteration, renowned designer Jacques Garcia has added his signature opulence to every corner. Garcia’s style shines in jewel-toned fabrics, feather motifs, and art that nods to the building’s past. 

Old and new mix effortlessly, and every detail adds to a sophisticated sense of place heavily inspired by Oscar Wilde. 

The Art Deco details, like hand-carved fireplaces and intricate ceilings, define the shared spaces and accommodations. Old and new mix effortlessly, and every detail adds to a sophisticated sense of place heavily inspired by Oscar Wilde. Explore The Library (once the Baptist Union’s own), or The Baptist, with its octagonal dome. Here, it’s easy to lose track of time as you soak up the building’s 200-year history. 

With just thirty-nine rooms, including eighteen distinct suites, L’oscar delivers an intimate retreat. Each room and suite features Jacques Garcia’s signature style, with bespoke furnishings and indulgent details. Picture crushed velvet curtains, gilded crown molding, and tasseled footstools. Like La Réserve Paris, one of L’oscar London’s sister properties within the Michel Reybier collection, you won’t find any neutral color palettes. 

The signature L’oscar Suite is a true standout with a striking view of Southampton Row. This signature suite offers a marble bathtub, a hand-carved, century-old Royal Doulton fireplace, and delicate hummingbird lamps. A ten-foot-tall yellow headboard displays scrolling floral and bird designs, and to match the whimsical headboard, the suite includes a super-King-sized bed. Waking up here means you’re sure to embrace London with a boundless sense of whimsy.

Where to Explore in London’s West End 

It would be difficult to find a neighborhood more adorned with art than London’s West End. Take in a ballet, opera, play, or musical any night of the week—and pair it with some of the world’s most famous paintings, sculptures, and landmarks. Like the perfect tasting menu, theatre lovers will feel perfectly sated after taking advantage of the rich offerings of the neighborhood.  

• Theatre Royal Drury Lane: Packed with history and offering private tours of the famed space, you could just catch a show here. But the best way to enjoy the theatre is to stack your experiences: take a private tour to learn the history before grabbing a cocktail at the theatre’s bar, Cecil’s, a nod to the iconic British photographer Cecil Beaton.  
• Royal Ballet and Opera: Explore whatever aspect of the Royal Ballet and Opera interests you most with a private, tailored tour of the Royal Opera House. Whether you want details on the architecture, stagecraft, or how many hours each costume took to assemble, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can arrange a privatized tour. For exclusive access, your visit will be arranged outside the hours open to the public. Follow your tour with tickets to an opera or ballet in box seats, just like the British Royal Family.  
• Royal Academy of Arts: Round out your shows with an artist talk at the Royal Academy of Arts. These discussions cover everything from what it takes to make an Opera to the finer details of finding creative inspiration. 
• London Cabaret Club: If you’ve seen Moulin Rouge, you understand the appeal of sequins, feathers, champagne, and showing off a little skin. The London Cabaret Club is a glittering, immersive show that ensures a cinematic night. Shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays, and your VIP ticket will include a three-course dinner and the best seats in the house.  

• The National Gallery: Just a twenty-minute drive from L’oscar, pair the drama of the West End with works by Cezanne, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and more at the National Gallery. With the option of a private daytime tour, a sketching tour, or an off-hours tour, there are plenty of ways to secure special access to some of the most famous paintings in the world. We recommend the pre-opening private breakfast tour—nothing pairs better than an up-close encounter with Monet.  
• Shaftesbury Avenue Tour: Home to some of London’s most famous theatres, a tour of this street offers entertainment beyond the plays and musicals performed every night. Without entering the famed showhouses, you can immerse yourself in the real history that shaped the West End into what it is today. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can pair you with a theatre history expert for an entirely bespoke rundown of the avenue’s highlights. End the experience with a show at The Shaftsbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End. Enjoy the theatre’s exclusive Taffner Suite before the show and during the intermission.  
• Dominion Theatre: A Grade II-listed Art Deco theatre, the Dominion Theatre is younger than some of its 18th-century neighbors, having opened in 1929. Built on the site of the historic Horse Shoe Brewery, the venue has hosted the greats, including Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and David Bowie. Take in a show from the Royal Lounge, which includes a bevy of VIP perks and high-touch service. Located right above Tottenham Station, it is less than a ten-minute walk from L’oscar.  

• Somerset House: Known as the home to cultural innovators, this is where you can find exhibits on pop art, religion, and Turner Prize-winning installations. Guided by the motto to “step inside to think outside,” the building was first constructed on the River Thames in 1547 by the Duke of Somerset. You’ll find yourself walking among rich London history while taking in art that is future-thinking.  
• River Thames Landmark tour: For a night outside, consider a private boat tour along the River Thames. This experience offers a uniquely elegant perspective on London’s skyline and historic landmarks. Gliding past Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye, you’ll take in some of London’s most iconic landmarks without tiring out your walking shoes. 
• The British Museum: Just a seven-minute stroll from L’oscar London in Bloomsbury, The British Museum houses one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of art and antiquities. A private guided tour offers deeper insight into treasures such as the Rosetta Stone and ancient Greek sculptures. 

Where to dine in London 

London is one of those cities where you can wander from one neighborhood to the next and taste just about every corner of the world along the way. With so many options, we’ve pulled together a handful of favorites that lean toward the same playful energy and sense of occasion you’ll find at L’oscar. 

• Colonel Saab: Delivering a richly immersive dining experience inspired by the founders’ travels and family heritage, Colonel Saab’s interiors feature vibrant artwork and antiques. The menu showcases regional Indian dishes elevated with modern presentation. This spot is an homage to culture, storytelling, and exceptional flavors. 
• Permit Room: From the same restaurant group as Dishoom, Permit Room is the cool younger sister, offering a come-as-you-are vibe, special collaborations, and an excellent rotation of events, music, and art. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast (we recommend doing just that), a quick snack during the day, or for the Tuesday night game of Carrom—the signature tabletop game of Bombay—a stop here will add a delicious shot of energy into your day.  
• San Carlo Cicchetti: Think long lunches that stretch into the afternoon, plates passed around the table, and that easygoing Italian energy. Cicchetti is where you go for Venetian-style small plates, a glass of something cold, and a room that always feels just the right amount of lively. 
• Balthazar: Inspired by the grand brasseries of Paris, Balthazar is a  Covent Garden institution famed for glamorous interiors and classic French cuisine. Like the New York location, you can order fresh seafood platters and expertly prepared steak frites. Every detail evokes European sophistication. The atmosphere, defined by the delicate tinkling of glasses, suits breakfast meetings and celebratory dinners alike. 

• Roka: Roka is where you go for smoky robata dishes and a room that always feels alive. The open charcoal grill is the heart of it all, turning out plates that are as much about the energy as the flavor. It’s the kind of spot that draws a crowd yet never feels crowded, always filled with a perfect mix of locals and interesting visitors.

The Wolseley Piccadilly: This London staple exemplifies Art Deco décor with vaulted ceilings, gold filigree, and an excellent, bustling café culture. While you can go any time of day—breakfast is very popular—we recommend going against the grain and visiting for an after-theatre snack and ordering the schnitzel right before closing. It captures the magic of the city perfectly.  

SUSHISAMBA: Blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences, SUSHISAMBA delivers a bold and dynamic dining experience. Famous for its panoramic city views and energetic atmosphere, the restaurant pairs inventive dishes with exceptional cocktails and live music. This is one of London’s most iconic spots where dining and nightlife converge. 

Mount St.: More than 200 pieces of art are featured across Mount St., including coveted works from Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud, and Philip Guston. We’re particularly fond of their approach with fresh produce sourced from British farms and a menu of elevated and modern British fare. 

Hawksmoor: Hawksmoor has earned a reputation as one of the finest steakhouses in the city, distinguished for its exceptional British beef and masterfully mixed cocktails. Its interiors combine understated refinement with a warm atmosphere. Alongside perfectly cooked steaks, the restaurant’s sustainable approach to sourcing and classic British sides make it a standout London dining destination. 

Dishoom: Upon returning from London, you’ll inevitably be asked if you ate at Dishoom. The reason is simple: it’s become a city staple for easygoing Indian. The restaurant pays homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay, combining nostalgic interiors with deeply comforting Indian cuisine. Signature dishes such as the black daal, the bacon naan roll, and their chai have become iconic favorites across London. Warm hospitality and rich storytelling are at the heart of the experience, making every visit special. 

• L’oscar Restaurant: L’oscar Restaurant brings together Nikkei and European cuisines in a refined setting. Japanese-Peruvian influences add vibrant flavors and precision, while European classics are uplifted with modern technique and local ingredients. Gilded mirrored ceilings and a glowing onyx bar set the scene for an experience that feels both intimate and spectacular. On the first Friday of the month, the Cabaret & Cabernet Show welcomes just twenty-five guests; your SmartFlyer advisor can secure a front row seat.  
• Rules:  An authentic London fixture since 1798, Rules has long been known for its game dishes, classic pies, and a dining room that channels old-fashioned charm. This is your destination for a taste of history done right. 
• Tattu: This restaurant is a love letter to the dramatic, from the interiors to the dishes themselves, which arrive looking almost too good to eat. Tattu pairs modern Chinese cuisine with dramatic, immersive interiors inspired by contemporary Asian-inspired design. The menu unites traditional Chinese flavors with innovative presentation, and its theatrical setting and carefully crafted cocktails make it one of London’s most memorable restaurants. 

Getting to London 

There are nearly 150 direct flights departing from the United States to London each day. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will find the optimal route and lounge access so you can arrive in Londontown well-rested and ready to embark on your West End adventure, starting with a check-in at L’oscar.  

READY TO BOOK YOUR WEST END ADVENTURE? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor.