The Deck at the National Theatre

I couldn’t agree more with emiana and MissRachelle!
Pre-​show picnicking at The Deck is a wonderful way to spend an evening. The views of the Thames are gorgeous and the food is delicious. And, of course, being able to stroll down to the theatre for a performance … well, it’s a dream come true for culture vultures with a foodie streak.
The Deck’s Picnic & Play costs £55 (which includes price for the ticket) and comes with a Pimms and lemonade, and picnic box stuffed with yummies such as potted ham and home made piccalilli; a Scotch egg; smoked salmon and fennel salad with dill and chardonnay dressing; a salad of asparagus, broad bean, summer squash and goat’s cheese; Westcombe cheddar with pecan and raisin bread and homemade chutney; and a summer berry trifle.
I can heartily recommend this food and theatre feature. Perfect for dates and special occasions!
Read about The Deck’s Picnic & Play in this piece I wrote for Londonist:

The Deck is a wonderful and stylish space. It’s located on the third floor of the National Theatre in Southbank and it overlooks the Thames. I was there for a pic nic and theatre combination event that the National is running (£55 for food and ticket, book in advance). The Deck had set up benches and blankets in the covered area (the floor is astroturf), and there were tables outside. The scene was striking with its contrast between an English pic nic sans park and the stunning London views — a bit surreal and completely enjoyable. The Pimms and home made lemonade being served was a nice touch and I saw they had beers as well. The food in our pic nic baskets was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The basket included a scrummy Scotch egg (and I usually find them inedible, but this one was another story altogether), potted ham with a spicy piccalilli, a smoked salmon and fennel salad with a wine dressing, goat cheese salad with asparagus, broad beans and squash, cheese and bread and a summer berry trifle. Wonderful evening.