Backstage Cafe & Bar at The Old Vic

Restaurant in a Theatre
·
Private space
103 The Cut, 131 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8NB –
Southwark Station (0.2 mi)

About this space

Arranged over two levels, Backstage Cafe & Bar is a vibrant and versatile space. Backstage is a fully accessible, multi-use extension that broadens The Old Vic’s reach far beyond the main stage. At its centre is a triple height Cafe/ Bar. Easily accessed and clearly visible from Waterloo Road, the space is composed of a series of interconnected volumes for users to occupy, a “public living room” for the local community, creatives and visitors to gather, work and spend time throughout the day. Offering affordable food, free WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere.

The mezzanine Script Library floor provides a creative setting, with a projecting balcony overlooking Waterloo Millennium Green and is available for events as a stand-alone space or as part of a hire of the whole Backstage Cafe & Bar.

Features: The space contains cafe and bar facilities. The space has a PA system and speakers, allows own music and external DJs, and provides venue Wi‑Fi. The space includes flexible tables and chairs that can be rearranged, a step‑free guest entrance, lift access, wheelchair access and accessible toilets.


Offers and packages

Menu


Event offer

Christmas Party Offers

Celebrate Christmas in Backstage Cafe & Bar with a three-course meal, drinks package, DJ and festive styling in a triple-height setting.

Seated Dinner Package – Backstage Cafe & Bar
£150 per person

Pricing: from £150 per head + VAT.

VENUE / EVENT OFFER
• Guest arrival at 6:30 PM and departure at 11:00 PM
• Sparkling Pique & Mixe on arrival
• Three-course meal with tea, coffee and mince pies from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
• House wine, bottled beers and soft drinks package
• Live DJ
• Festive themed spaces
• Uplighters
• Silk floral arrangements for the dining table
• Cloakroom facility
• Security
• Dedicated event manager


Prices

Monday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Tuesday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Wednesday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Thursday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Friday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Saturday
8:00 – 23:00
from £350 hire fee + min. spend
Per morning
8:00 – 12:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per afternoon
12:00 – 17:00
from £350 + £500 hire fee + min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £1000 + £2000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Sunday
10:00 – 22:00
from £8500 hire fee + min. spend
Per day
10:00 – 22:00
from £8500 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Alcohol licence until 2:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Best price guarantee
Pricing updated by venue 1 month ago

Capacity

  • Standing
    up to 180
  • Dining
    up to 80

Catering and drinks

In-house catering available
Venue can organise food and drink
Extensive vegan menu
Extensive vegetarian menu
Extensive gluten-free menu
Mediterranean cuisine
No external catering allowed
Approved caterers only
Venue provides alcohol
Venue can supply alcoholic beverages
No BYO alcohol allowed

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi available
  • Projector
  • Flatscreen TV
  • PA system / speakers Venue provides a sound system for music and announcements
  • Conference call facilities Equipment for video or phone conferencing during your event
  • Natural light Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
  • Paid parking facilities available nearby
  • Unavailable: Whiteboard
  • Unavailable: Flipchart
  • Unavailable: Air conditioner
  • Unavailable: Photo equipment
  • Unavailable: Video equipment
  • Unavailable: Lighting equipment
  • Unavailable: Greenscreen
  • Unavailable: Backdrops
  • Unavailable: Storage space
  • Unavailable: Quiet space
  • Unavailable: Dance floor
  • Unavailable: Soundproof
  • Unavailable: Mirrors
  • Unavailable: Accommodation is available on-site

Music & sound equipment

  • Play your own music Venue allows playing your own music
  • Bring your own DJ Venue allows bringing your own DJ instead
  • No noise restrictions

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible Step-free access throughout the venue for wheelchair users
  • Accessible toilets Toilet(s) adapted for guests with disabilities
  • Ground level Guests can enter without using stairs
  • Accessible parking spot available
  • Lift to all floors
  • Cargo lift

Rules of the space

Allowed events

  • Promoted and ticketed events Events that you’re promoting or selling tickets for
  • Wedding licence available Venue is licensed to host wedding ceremonies and receptions
  • Temporary Event Notices (TENs) available

Age policy

Guests under 18 are not allowed after 21:00

Host rules

• No smoking in the building;
• Damage to the space will result in an additional charge;


FAQ

No, a disco ball cannot be hung from the ceiling, but one with a stand can be accommodated.

Yes, tables can be cleared by the bar to create space for dancing.


About The Old Vic

The Old Vic is a Tagvenue Partner. This business has registered with Tagvenue and agreed to our venue partner standards.


Other spaces and event packages at this venue


Location

Location map

Meet your host

Belle Busby
Member of Tagvenue since January 2026
5h Response time
91% Response rate

Contact venue managers directly on Tagvenue. Keep all event communication on the platform for a secure, seamless booking.