Best Restaurants Near the Paddington Musical: Where to Eat Before the Show in Covent Garden

With Paddington: The Musical now open in the West End - just moments from Maxwell’s Bar & Grill - Covent Garden is buzzing with families, theatre fans, and visitors searching for the perfect place to eat before the show. For those looking for casual dining restaurants near me, family restaurants near the Savoy Theatre, or the best restaurants near the Paddington musical, Maxwell’s remains one of Covent Garden’s most popular choices.

Located in the heart of the West End at WC2E 8BH, Maxwell’s is a vibrant American-style restaurant in Covent Garden, known for its stacked burgers, sizzling fajitas, famous Freakshakes, and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere—ideal for an evening at the theatre.

Festive Christmas table spread at Maxwell’s Bar & Grill in Covent Garden, perfect for pre-theatre dining during Paddington: The Musical.

Celebrate the season with a festive meal at Maxwell’s before heading to see Paddington: The Musical.


Why Maxwell’s Is Perfect Before Paddington: The Musical

Just a short walk from the Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and the Savoy Theatre, Maxwell’s has long been a go-to for guests searching for:

  • Where to eat before the Paddington musical

  • Restaurants near Lyceum Theatre London

  • Covent Garden American restaurants

  • Pre-theatre Covent Garden dining

With generous portions, quick service, and a fun, upbeat vibe, Maxwell’s offers everything you need for a delicious pre-theatre meal before heading to see Paddington’s latest adventure on stage.


Classic American Dining in the Heart of Covent Garden

Maxwell’s brings the flavour of an American diner in London to the West End with a menu full of bold, crowd-pleasing favourites. Regular diners love our:

  • Signature American burgers

  • BBQ ribs & steaks

  • Fully loaded nachos

  • Fajitas from our grill bar menu

  • Crispy chicken tenders

  • Vegan & gluten-free options (gluten free Covent Garden)

Whether you're craving big flavours or fuss-free family dining, Maxwell’s is one of the best casual restaurants in London for a pre-show feast.


Try Our Famous Freakshakes — A Covent Garden Favourite

A visit to Maxwell’s isn’t complete without one of our legendary Freakshakes. As one of the first restaurants to bring them to London, we’re still known as the home of:

  • Freakshakes London

  • Freakshake near me

  • London Freakshakes

Kids (and adults) heading to the Paddington musical go absolutely wild for these over-the-top milkshakes, piled high with brownies, doughnuts, whipped cream, and more.


Perfect for Families Visiting the West End

With Paddington attracting so many family audiences including school holiday crowds, Maxwell’s offers the perfect setting for relaxed, family-friendly dining.

Parents love our:

  • Children’s menu options

  • Quick service

  • Comfortable booths

  • Friendly staff

  • Easy walking distance to all major Covent Garden theatres

It’s why so many guests search for casual dining restaurants near me and end up choosing Maxwell’s as their pre-theatre favourite.


Happy Hour & Bar Menu: Ideal for Early Diners

While many guests visit for lunch or dinner, the bar at Maxwell’s is also a hotspot for:

  • Covent Garden bars happy hour

  • Covent Garden bar

  • Restaurant bar and grill London

  • Taco Social Club

Whether you're grabbing a drink before the show or meeting friends for cocktails, Maxwell’s offers excellent value and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.


Seasonal Menus & Special Events

Maxwell’s is also a popular choice during busy West End seasons including:

  • Covent Garden at Christmas

  • Christmas lunch Covent Garden

  • Christmas menu London

  • July 4th in London / London 4th July

  • Summer school holidays

  • Bank holiday weekends

Look out for special menus, themed drinks, Freakshake specials and more throughout the year.


Near All Major Theatres in Covent Garden

If you're visiting the West End for Paddington: The Musical or any of its neighbouring shows, Maxwell’s is ideally located near:

That makes us a top pick for those searching for:

  • Restaurants near the Lyceum Theatre

  • Places to eat in Covent Garden

  • Covent Garden American diners

  • The bar and grill

  • Best food Covent Garden

  • Book Your Table Before Paddington: The Musical

Whether you're joining us for burgers, fajitas, steaks, tacos, or a towering Freakshake, Maxwell’s offers the ultimate pre-theatre dining experience in Covent Garden.

With generous American-style portions, friendly service, and unbeatable location, we’re ready to welcome families and theatre-goers all season long.

Book a table today and make your Paddington musical visit unforgettable.

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Family Fun in Covent Garden: Paddington & Elf Musicals + Maxwell’s Dining