If you're looking for a smart restaurant in which to impress your fellow concert goers, look no further than this swish eatery on Level 2 in the Barbican Centre. Look out for the 'Performance' menu.
Located on Level 1 in the Barbican Centre, the Lounge has small plates suitable for quick pre-concert, yet smart, nosh. You can also eat outside on the balcony looking over the lakeside.
Smashing informal cafe on Level G in the Barbican Centre. Pick from one of three hot dishes, salad bar, and daily soup choices. The cakes are incredibly tempting!
Newly opened just around the corner from the Barbican Centre, this is great for pre- and post-concert dining. Dine at a table or drop in for a drink at the bar.
A little walk to the Barbican Centre from here, but well worth it. Try the burgers: the meat is all from the market opposite. Level 2 Dining Room is a good choice, Level 3 for something a bit special!
A lively cocktail bar a short walk from the Barbican Centre. Also does good food. Happy hour is Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5pm-7pm (but don't drink too much before a concert... zzz!)
Exceedingly popular, but fantastic for a quick pre-concert meal. Not open afterwards though.
The post-work suit crowd mingles with the pre-concert crowd here. Wine in coolers is the order of the day, but they do have some great nibbles!
Reliable spot for good bar food, and just a few minutes walk from the Barbican Centre.
Properly good sushi, recommended by our resident Japanese staff member! It's a small place though, so worth booking ahead.
If you're just looking for a pint and perhaps some chips, the The Trader is a great choice. Sports on the TV, pool table in the back. A favourite staff hangout!
Great local pub. No food, but you can bring in your own to enjoy with a pint - perhaps a good choice for those on a budget!
Very popular restaurant owned by the friendliest guy in town! The tables outside are always full in the summer.
Great choice for vegetarians. The salads are truly epic! Does takeaway during the day, and there's a lovely little deli attached.
Mojitos and tapas. No need to try anything else! A great place for post-concert, there's often DJs and bands until 1am. You might even get a salsa lesson!
We have our own Café downstairs in LSO St Luke's too! There's a full lunch service before Lunchtime Concerts, and for evening concerts there's snacks and drinks before and during.
Right next door to LSO St Luke's, this is good for sandwiches and hearty café food at lunchtime, or a quick caffeine fix. If the weather's nice you can sit in the gardens at LSO St Luke's.
Trendy cyclist-friendly café and bike workshop! Have a coffee whilst getting your puncture fixed! Great cakes, and good fresh seasonal ingredients. Open to 10pm.
Good Thai food, decently priced and served by friendly staff. Love the decoration! AND literally just over the road from LSO St Luke's!
A proper old local pub, part way between the Barbican and LSO St Luke's. Popular with the post-work crowd.
On a weekday 11am-3pm Whitecross Street is taken over by dozens of food stalls. Everything from cakes and sweets to burgers, pasta, wraps, burritos and curries. Support a local trader!
This isn't the only Pizza Express around either! Try London Wall or Finsbury Square.
Newly opened, and tucked away up on the Barbican Highwalk round by the Museum of London. Trendy decor and food, great cocktail list!
THE location to have a proper pint of Kentish Shepherd Neame ale. Traditional pub decor and very well served beer.
A fair walk away from the Barbican and LSO St Luke's, but well worth a detour if you have time. Gorgeous old pub with original decor - have a look up at the ceiling!
The more adventurous diner should love this old ham and bacon smokehouse - sweetbreads, bone marrow, tongue, cheek and trotters all make an appearance on the menu, as well as whole roast suckling pig!
Another lively traditional pub just along the road from LSO St Luke's. Excellent nibbles. A large outdoor area for when it's nice.
If all you want is to pick up a quick sandwich, snack or bottle of water then this Waitrose is tucked back just off Whitecross Street.
Virtually next door to Moorgate station, so very handy for those travelling in via the tube! A solid old traditional pub, serving decent ale and bar food.
