London: Matilda the Musical & 2-Course Pre-Show Meal

Experience Review: London: Matilda the Musical & 2-Course Pre-Show Meal

If you’re planning a night in London’s West End and want to combine a tasty meal with top-tier entertainment, this package might be just what you’re looking for. It offers a delicious 2-course meal at Gaucho Covent Garden paired with excellent seats to the acclaimed Matilda the Musical—a show that’s been captivating audiences for over a decade. The whole experience takes about four and a half hours, making it a great way to enjoy an evening out without feeling rushed.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly everything is arranged—there’s no need to fuss over booking dinner and tickets separately, and the seats are in the Stalls or Royal Circle, so you get an unobstructed view of the stage. Plus, the meal menu is flexible and tempting, with options that cater to different tastes. The only thing to consider is the price, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but for the convenience and quality provided, many travelers find it well worth it.

This experience is particularly well suited for those who enjoy combining good food with theatre, especially if you’re visiting London for a short trip and want to maximize your evening. It’s also family-friendly—though kids under six aren’t recommended—but older children and theatre lovers will find it a memorable outing.

Key Points

• Convenient combination of dinner and theatre saves planning time.
• Excellent seats in the Stalls or Royal Circle ensure great views.
• The meal at Gaucho is flexible and delicious, with a variety of options.
• The experience is family-friendly, though not suitable for very young children or wheelchair users.
• Cost includes premium seating and a quality meal, reflecting good value for a special night out.
• The show, Matilda, is multi-award-winning and a favorite for many visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

Starting your evening at Gaucho Covent Garden, you’ll find yourself in London’s lively West End. The restaurant is known for its Argentine cuisine, and the menu doesn’t disappoint. You’ll be served a 2-course meal—with options ranging from sea bass ceviche and mini Argentine sausage plates to rigatoni bake and spatchcocked paprika-rubbed chicken. The dishes are well-presented, and the portions are generous enough to enjoy without feeling overly full before the show.

The menu is seasonal, meaning some items could change, but the focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients remains. The starters and mains offer a good balance of seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices. Desserts include crowd favorites like Tarte Tatin and white chocolate panna cotta, which provide a sweet finish to your meal.

After eating, a short walk (about five minutes) takes you to the Cambridge Theatre. The lively atmosphere of Covent Garden makes this stroll enjoyable, especially as you anticipate the magic about to unfold on stage. The staff at Gaucho are attentive and efficient, making sure your meal transitions smoothly into your theatre experience.

What to Expect at the Theatre

Once you arrive at the Cambridge Theatre, you’ll be taken to your seats in the Stalls or Royal Circle, which offer unrestricted views—a real plus for such a visually engaging musical. The musical itself is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, with book by Dennis Kelly and catchy songs by Tim Minchin.

According to reviews, the show has been winning over 100 awards globally, including 24 for Best Musical, and has been delighting audiences in the West End for more than 12 years. Its reputation for clever storytelling, lively performances, and eye-catching staging makes it a standout choice for a theatre night.

The experience lasts roughly two and a half hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the story of the extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination. While the show is family friendly, it’s worth noting that the experience not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users—so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with very young kids or those with mobility concerns.

The Value and Overall Experience

This package offers a good deal if you value seamless planning—no need to book dinner and tickets separately—and priority seating. The price of around $131.33 per person might seem high, but when you consider the cost of tickets to a West End show alone, plus a quality meal, it’s a reasonable package. The convenience of secured seats and a delicious dinner in one go makes it attractive, especially for visitors who want to make the most of their evening without worrying about logistics.

From the reviews, we know that the experience is quite popular—one traveler called it simply “Musical,” hinting at its straightforward appeal. Many appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the smooth organization, which help create a memorable night out.

However, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so factor in your travel arrangements to get to and from Gaucho and the theatre. Also, since this is a pre-set experience, it’s not designed for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Who This Experience Is Best For

If you’re visiting London and want a well-organized, enjoyable evening that combines dining with top-notch entertainment, this experience is a strong choice. It’s particularly appealing if you’re a fan of musicals or Roald Dahl stories, or if you want to indulge in a luxurious dinner before enjoying theatrical magic.

While it’s family-friendly, it’s really best suited for older children and adults who appreciate quality theatre and good food. For those with mobility issues or very young children, you might want to explore other options, as this experience isn’t tailored for wheelchair access or very young kids.

This tour offers a balanced blend of culinary delight and theatrical excitement, making it a good pick for a special night in London’s vibrant West End.

FAQ

Is the meal included in the price?
Yes, the ticket price covers a 2-course meal at Gaucho Covent Garden, with a choice of menu and no pre-selection needed.

Are the seats in the best location?
Yes, you’ll be seated in either the Stalls or Royal Circle, both of which provide unrestricted views of the stage.

How long does the whole experience last?
It takes about 4.5 hours—starting around 5 pm for dinner and ending after the show, which begins at 7 pm.

Can I choose my dinner options?
The menu is not pre-selected, so you can choose from the available options at Gaucho when you arrive.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s family-friendly, but not suitable for children under 6 years old, and it’s not ideal for wheelchair users.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get from Gaucho to the theatre and back.

Are video recording and selfie sticks allowed?
No, these are not permitted during the show.

What if I want to cancel?
This activity is non-refundable, so make sure your plans are firm before booking.

In the end, if you’re looking for a night that combines good food with top-tier West End entertainment, this experience could be just the ticket. It’s practical, enjoyable, and offers that little extra touch of luxury with premium seats—perfect for making your London visit a memorable one.

You can check availability for your dates here: