Book Your Festive Drinks At The Cecil Beaton Bar

The Cecil Beaton Bar at the Drury Lane Theatre is a perfect spot if you want to sit back and have a cocktail post shopping at nearby Oxford Street. They also offer an afternoon tea which is perfect for a mid afternoon treat or for a more special occasion. The bar itself is just by the lobby of the theatre and was extra special this time of year with beautiful Christmas decorations. Added to that, the theatre is currently showing Frozen and some of the beautiful show costumes are on display!

There’s a real cosy ambience to the bar, and the bar staff were very attentive! Of the cocktails we tried, the Pink Prince Charming was my favourite. It felt luxurious. Consisting of sparkling wine, with the hint of peach, it was very delicate on the palate. In fact it paired perfectly with the bar snacks and we were even treated to a classic scone which literally melted in the mouth it was that good! Another favourite of mine was the Eliza Doolittle which was something different to what I would normally go for, although did not disappoint. The perfect pairing of gin and lemon. If you want to try somewhere a little luxurious but for an affordable price, then the Cecil Beaton bar is a perfect spot.

Cecil’s Happy Hour offers classic cocktails for only £8.  There are also other special festive offers on wine and beer, making Cecil’s a great way to spend an evening, whether enjoying festive drinks with friends, a stop post dinner and show drink, or settling in for the night at the best secret bar in the heart of Covent Garden’s Theatreland.

Running form 9-11pm, Monday to Saturday and 7-10pm on Sunday – the Festive Happy Hour Cocktails cost £8, Wine £7 and Beer £6! A total bargain for Central London if we don’t say so ourselves. 

More information here. 

Or if you’re looking for something even more festive… Get into the spirit with a special edition Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the Lane’s Grand Saloon, the Christmas themed Afternoon Tea menu includes a generous array of savoury bites by The Lane’s chefs and delicious cakes and sweet treats by London based baker, Lily Vanilli, guaranteeing festive spirit for all visitors this season. 

For a savoury start, enjoy a warm turkey and cranberry pie topped with caramelised onion chutney; followed by a bitesize English crumpet with Earl Grey infused cream cheese and John Ross Jnr smoked salmon; finished with a savoury madeleine with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrot.

The standout highlight of the Christmas Afternoon Tea is Lily Vanilli’s fluffy vanilla cake filled with passionfruit and buttercream decorated with festive green piping around the edges and topped by a handmade gold chocolate Christmas decoration. Other sweet treats include a festive spiced chocolate pudding with salted caramel sauce and caramelised popcorn; and a seasonal golden syrup ice cream sandwich with treacle tart, brown sugar shortbread and lemon dulce de leche. And finally, everyone’s favourite, warm fruit scones, paired with jam and cream – the perfect finish for the most decadent Christmas Afternoon Tea experience in London. 

The Christmas Afternoon Tea is priced at £59 per person and available until 7th January 2024. Book online: www.thelane.co.uk

Steph Towell