A theatre pub with a wooden bar, bar stools, hanging pendant lights, and shelves of bottles at The National Theatre.
A pub with an industrial-style ceiling, wooden tables, bar seating, and theatre posters at The National Theatre.
A pub with a wooden bar, high stools, round tables, and theater posters at The National Theatre.
A theatre pub with long wooden tables, metal chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows at The National Theatre.
A theatre pub with high wooden tables, framed posters on wood-panelled walls, and a bar with digital menu screens at The National Theatre.
A theatre pub with hanging globe lights, colorful posters, and wooden tables at The National Theatre’s The Understudy.
A theatre pub with a wood-paneled bar, digital menu boards, and high tables at The National Theatre.
An event venue with concrete architecture and large exterior signage at The National Theatre.
A versatile event space with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace overlooking the city at The National Theatre.
Christmas Party offer

The Understudy at The National Theatre

Lounge in a Theatre
·
Private space
National Theatre, Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX –
Waterloo Station (0.3 mi)
Up to 40
seats
Up to 100
standing
Venue offers catering
External catering not allowed

About this space

The Understudy is a lounge in the National Theatre that functions as a bar-led, informal reception space with a flexible counter-and-seating layout.

Design: The space pairs exposed concrete walls and a low concrete ceiling with warm timber surfaces, leather seating and industrial track lighting, organised into mixed-height seating zones that keep the plan open yet varied.

Features: The Understudy includes a staffed bar area, in-room Wi‑Fi, a PA system with speaker inputs and permission for external DJs or own music subject to the venue's noise restrictions. The space receives abundant natural light and offers an open-plan layout that can be reconfigured for standing receptions or informal seated arrangements, and it is wheelchair accessible with a step-free guest entrance and accessible toilets.

Ideal for: Creative teams and social groups seeking a relaxed, informal setting for standing receptions or casual seated gatherings.

What sets it apart: A riverside terrace reached through large retractable glazed panels extends the space outdoors and preserves uninterrupted views across the Thames.

What guests say: The space is warm and characterful, with concrete walls that display subtle wood-grain textures. The space is well organised and provides plentiful seating and clear sightlines.

Offers and packages

Menus

 Main menu
Drinks menu
Christmas menu

Event offer

Christmas Party Offers

Book your Christmas party at the Buffini Chao Deck and wow your guests in a show-stopping venue with panoramic views over the twinkling London skyline.

Located on the South Bank - on top of the National Theatre and nestled amongst London’s most popular Christmas markets and festive pop-ups - you’ll be right in the heart of the action at the Buffini Chao Deck.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated sit down meal for your team, or a full-scale party with DJ and dancefloor, our Christmas venue offers a blank canvas for you to make your own.

Our Christmas party packages are fully tailored to you – from the size of your group to the grandeur of the menu - combining a breathtaking setting with a first-class service making it a festive season to remember.

We have flexible party packages perfect for every occasion and our experienced team can help execute every detail - from festive food and drinks packages to decor and entertainment.

STANDING RECEPTION PACKAGE
£210 per person

- Hire of the Buffini Chao Deck from 18.00-23.00 (guest arrival from 18.30)
- Glass of festive fizz on arrival
- Unlimited house red and white wine, house beer and soft drinks for three hours
- A selection of canapes, bowls or street food
- Festive event decoration
- Bespoke lighting and PA system
- DJ for the evening
- Full event management, event security and cloakroom facilities

DINNER PACKAGE
£252 per person

- Hire of the Buffini Chao Deck from 18.00-23.00 (guest arrival from 18.30)
- Glass of festive fizz on arrival
- Three course meal with tea, coffee and mini mince pies
- Unlimited house red and white wine, house beer and soft drinks for three hours
- Festive event decoration
- Bespoke lighting and PA system
- DJ for the evening
- Full event management, event security and cloakroom facilities

Prices

Monday
11:00 – 23:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
11:00 – 17:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
17:30 – 23:00
from £2400 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Tuesday
11:00 – 23:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
11:00 – 17:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
17:30 – 23:00
from £2400 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Wednesday
11:00 – 23:30
from £2400–£4200 min. spend
Per session
11:00 – 17:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
17:30 – 23:30
from £4200 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Thursday
11:00 – 23:30
from £2400–£4200 min. spend
Per session
11:00 – 17:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
17:30 – 23:30
from £4200 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Friday
11:00 – 23:30
from £2400–£4200 min. spend
Per session
11:00 – 17:00
from £2400 min. spend
Per session
17:30 – 23:30
from £4200 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Saturday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Sunday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 0:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Best price guarantee
Pricing updated by venue 5 months ago

Capacity

  • Standing
    up to 100
  • Dining
    up to 40

Catering and drinks

In-house catering available Venue can organise food and drink
Halal menu
Extensive vegan menu
Extensive vegetarian menu
Extensive gluten-free menu
No external catering allowed
Venue provides alcohol Venue can supply alcoholic beverages
BYO alcohol allowed A fee is charged if you bring your own alcohol
Corkage fee for BYO alcohol

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi available
  • Flatscreen TV
  • PA system / speakers Venue provides a sound system for music and announcements
  • Natural light Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
  • Storage space Place where clients can store items during their event
  • Paid parking is available on-site
  • Unavailable: Projector
  • Unavailable: Whiteboard
  • Unavailable: Flipchart
  • Unavailable: Conference call facilities
  • Unavailable: Air conditioner
  • Unavailable: Quiet space
  • 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
  • Space has noise restriction after 23:00

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

  • No promoted and ticketed events allowed
  • No wedding licence
  • No Temporary Event Notices (TENs) available

About The National Theatre

The National Theatre is a Trusted Tagvenue Partner, validated by the Tagvenue team with a record of successful bookings on the platform.

Other spaces and event packages at this venue

The Buffini Chao Deck at
from £6600
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The Buffini Chao Deck
The Foyle Room at
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The Foyle Room
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Lasdun Restaurant

Location

Location map

Meet your host

Events National Theatre
Member of Tagvenue since February 2022
46 Reviews
4.6 Rating
3h Response time
100% Response rate

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

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