Cabaret with Dinner in London: Menus, Showtimes, and Late Desserts

What to Expect at a Cabaret Dinner Show in London

Walking into a cabaret dinner show in London isn’t just about eating and watching a performance-it’s stepping into a world where glitter meets gravy, and the stage is as much a part of the meal as the main course. These aren’t your average restaurant nights. You’re seated at a table with strangers who’ll become your fellow fans by the end of the evening, clapping along to a drag queen belting out a Whitney Houston ballad while a waiter slides a chocolate soufflé your way. The atmosphere is loud, intimate, and unapologetically fun.

Most venues start serving dinner around 7:00 PM, with the show kicking off between 8:30 and 9:00 PM. By 10:30 PM, you’re still there, sipping espresso and nibbling on late-night desserts while the final number builds to a glittery climax. Some shows even bring dessert to your table during the finale-hot chocolate fondue drizzled over warm brownies as the performer drops to their knees in a sequined bodysuit. It’s theatrical, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly what London does best when it comes to nightlife.

Where to Find the Best Cabaret Dinner Shows

London has a handful of venues that have perfected the cabaret dinner formula. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in Vauxhall is a historic gem-open since 1864, it’s one of the last remaining Victorian-era music halls turned drag hotspot. Their ‘Sunday Brunch Cabaret’ runs every week and includes a three-course meal with bottomless prosecco. The show starts at 2 PM, so you’re done by 5 PM, perfect for a midweek treat or pre-Christmas party.

For something more upscale, The Pheasant in Mayfair offers a £95-per-person experience with a four-course menu and a 90-minute show featuring West End-caliber performers. The decor is Art Deco meets drag queen fantasy-think velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and a stage that spins mid-number. Their ‘Midnight Meringue’ dessert course arrives after the final curtain, complete with edible gold leaf and a shot of spiced rum.

Down in Soho, The Gilded Balloon has been hosting cabaret dinners since 2018. Their signature show, ‘Drag & Dine’, runs Tuesday to Saturday. The menu changes monthly, but last month’s standout was the duck confit with blackberry gastrique, served under a dome of smoke that lifts as the performer sings ‘I Will Survive.’

What’s on the Menu? Real Food, Not Just Theatrics

Don’t assume the food is an afterthought. These shows invest in their menus. Most venues work with local chefs who design dishes that match the theme of the night. At The Pheasant, the starter might be smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and pickled radish, while the main could be slow-braised beef short rib with parsnip purée and red wine jus. Vegetarian options are always available-think wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil or roasted cauliflower steak with harissa tahini.

At The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the menu leans British pub with a twist: fish and chips made with haddock from Cornwall, served with mushy peas and a side of pickled onions. The dessert? Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream, brought out with a sparkler and a chorus of “You’re the Best Around.”

For the ‘Midnight Meringue’ show at The Pheasant, dessert is a three-part experience: first, a chilled lemon tart with meringue peaks; second, a warm chocolate fondant with molten center; and third, a mini macaron tower with flavors like rose and cardamom. Each bite is timed to match a moment in the performance-like when the lead performer drops to the floor in a slow-motion spin, the dessert arrives like a gift.

Showtimes: When to Book and What to Wear

Most cabaret dinner shows run Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday brunch shows are popular for groups and holiday gatherings. Shows typically last 2.5 to 3 hours, including dinner. Booking ahead is non-negotiable-popular venues like The Pheasant fill up six weeks in advance, especially during December.

For Christmas 2025, several venues are offering special themed nights. Dragmas at The Gilded Balloon runs every night from December 1 to 24. Expect carols reimagined as disco bangers, Santa in fishnets, and a finale where the entire cast rides a giant gingerbread sleigh across the stage.

As for dress code: it’s smart casual with room for sparkle. You don’t need to wear a full sequin gown, but a little glitter, a bold lip, or a velvet blazer goes a long way. Many guests dress up, and the performers feed off that energy. Skip the jeans and sneakers-this isn’t a pub crawl. You’re here to be part of the spectacle.

Late Desserts: The Secret Weapon of London Cabaret

The real magic happens after the main show ends. While most dinner theaters wrap up by 11 PM, London’s top cabaret spots keep the energy alive with late desserts. This isn’t just a sweet treat-it’s a ritual.

At The Pheasant, the kitchen stays open until 1 AM on weekends. After the final bow, guests are invited to the bar for a complimentary espresso martini and a selection of mini desserts: chocolate truffles, lemon posset, and tiny éclairs. The staff often linger to chat, and performers sometimes join tables for selfies.

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers a ‘Midnight Munch’ menu from 11:30 PM to 1 AM: bacon-wrapped dates, loaded nachos, and mini sausage rolls. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect way to end the night with friends you just met.

At The Gilded Balloon, dessert isn’t served-it’s performed. On select nights, the lead drag queen brings out a giant cake shaped like a high heel, then slices it with a golden knife while lip-syncing to ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.’ The audience claps along as the cake is passed around. It’s not just dessert-it’s theater.

Why This Isn’t Just a Night Out-It’s a Memory

People don’t come to these shows just to eat or to see a drag performance. They come for the feeling-the sense of being part of something alive, something unscripted, something that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even dance in your seat. A friend of mine came alone to The Pheasant last December. She didn’t know anyone. By the end of the night, she was singing backup on ‘All That Jazz’ with the whole room, holding a slice of chocolate cake, and texting her sister: ‘I just had the best night of my life.’

That’s the power of cabaret dinner in London. It doesn’t just entertain. It connects. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a promotion, or just the end of a long year, this isn’t a meal with a show. It’s a show with a meal-and the two are inseparable.

What to Know Before You Go

• Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend or holiday shows.
• Check if the show includes drinks-most do not. You’ll pay extra for wine, cocktails, or prosecco.
• Tip your server and performers. Many venues have tip jars at the bar, but cash is best.
• Arrive 15 minutes early. Seating is assigned, and you don’t want to miss the pre-show entertainment.
• Bring a small bag. Some venues have coat checks, but space is limited.
• Don’t bring large groups without confirming seating arrangements-some tables seat only 4-6.