5 reasons why Poppies is the best place for pre-theatre dining in Soho

There isn’t usually much time for a pre-theatre dining between arriving in Leicester Square and the punctual 1.30pm or 7:30pm start times of most West End shows. You want something fast, but also delicious, to keep your bellies full all the way through to curtain call. Good thing there’s Poppies in Soho. If you’re undecided about what dining route to go down before the show, here are five solid reasons why Poppies is your golden Soho pre-theatre answer. 

We have the best fish and chips in London 

We’re delighted to have scooped a slew of awards over the years, from ‘diners choice’ to ‘best independent fish and chips restaurant’, but accolades aside, it’s our loyal customer base that have really sung our praises. Established since 1952, Poppies has been serving the London community for almost three quarters of a century. You know the fish and chips here are amazing… Londoners know best. 

Poppies Soho is located in the heart of Theatreland 

You’ll find us on Old Compton Street, walking distance to major theatres and shows including MJ The Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Mousetrap, and Les Miserables. Slap bang in the middle of Soho, our restaurant is also amidst London’s best bars and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s. On most days we close at 11pm, so there’s a chance to pick up fish and chips post-show for the journey home too. 

Fast, fresh, food 

Freshness is our trademark. We’re proud to serve meals using only fresh, quality ingredients. Our fish is never frozen. It’s sustainably caught and sourced from British fisheries, delivered daily to our kitchens for filleting and frying. Our chips are made from premium Agria potatoes harvested in the fertile Fens of Cambridgeshire. Real ingredients, prepared using time-honoured traditions, cooked to order for you. 

You can dine in less than an hour 

You don’t have to eat your meal at an abnormally early time just to make it to the show on time. You can easily have a starter, main and dessert within an hour at our speedy Soho location. Remember, we’re walking distance to many West End theatres.

The restaurant is super photogenic 

You know you can’t take photos during the show right? Get your group snaps pre-theatre at our super kitsch Soho restaurant. Here, it’s all East End charm coupled with a bit of 70s retro chic, and there are portraits of British screen stars everywhere. Poppies is the perfect backdrop for YOUR portraits. Far better than a selfie in front of a curtain.