Situated next door to the world-famous Lyceum Theatre, with another seven theatres within a three-minute walk, Paro Covent Garden is the ideal place for theatregoers to enjoy a pre-theatre dining experience.
The venue’s three-course pre-theatre menu includes favourites like Bang Bang Chicken, a mildly spiced grilled chicken starter smothered in Paro’s cream and plum sauce. Mains courses include classic Indian dishes like Madras, Korma, Pathia, Bhuna, Balti and Jalfrezi, along with a selection from the restaurant’s à la carte menu cooked in the distinctive Handi style, including Lamb Shank and Paro Butter Chicken.
Deserts included in Paro Covent Garden’s pre-theatre menu include Mango Kulfi, a fragrant blend of mango frozen cream, mango puree yogurt and saffron spice. Alternatively, diners can enjoy Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dish that blends milk, sugar, cardamom and rose syrup in a delectable, soft masterpiece.
Around the world today, and particularly in areas surrounding Broadway and London’s West End, pre- and post-theatre dining options have become staple offerings for many restaurants. As theatregoers must be mindful of time, restaurants have condensed their menus, offering predetermined, abbreviated menu options available for a set price. Restaurants situated within walking distance of theatres are particularly keen to offer this kind of dining arrangement, recommending advance reservations for seating and setting a specific block of time for service.
Located just next door to Paro Covent Garden, the Lyceum Theatre is an iconic landmark that stands proudly in London’s Covent Garden, instantly recognisable by its ornate columns and grand façade. Since 1999 the Lyceum has been home to Disney’s The Lion King, a beloved musical that has established itself as a major part of the West End’s cultural scene.
The Lyceum Theatre is in Wellington Street, located just off the Strand in Central London, right in the centre of the world-renowned West End theatre strip. With a seating capacity of 2,100, the auditorium has hosted some of the West End’s biggest and most popular musicals.
The Lyceum Theatre’s history goes back to 1765 when it first opened. For more than 200 years there has been a theatre in Convent Garden called the Lyceum, albeit not quite as we know it today. Over the years, the building has taken several forms. Today, the Lyceum Theatre is one of the most important and prominent theatres in the whole of the UK, with the current iteration of the Lyceum being an amalgamation of different eras and styles.
In 1830, the ‘English Opera House’, as it was known at the time, was destroyed by a fire. Construction of the new ‘Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House’ started in 1834. Today, the only part of the original building that remains is the main portico pillar entrance.
Bram Stoker once worked as a business manager at the Lyceum Theatre. Best known for Dracula, which he wrote in the Lyceum in 1897, Stoker is said to have drawn direct inspiration for the Transylvanian Count from none other than Henry Irving, the theatre manager.
About Paro Covent Garden
Paro Covent Garden’s mouthwatering dishes are crafted from a closely-guarded secret blend of 48 spices sourced from India’s bustling bazaars. Each element carries a tale from the spice-laden streets of India’s vibrant cities, with each plate not just a meal but a unique story from India’s rich history. Paro Covent Garden’s modern Indian dining experiences are about more than just good food, evoking emotions and creating memories. Led by the award-winning Chef Niaz, the venue is driven by his commitment to culinary excellence and passion for Indian cuisine.
Having grown up in a family of restauranteurs, Chef Niaz learned his trade working in some of the finest kitchens in the UK under the watchful eyes of revered Indian chefs. His art of marrying flavours, aromas and textures is unparalleled, earning Chef Niaz regular coverage on natural television showcasing his flare and mastery of Indian cooking.