The Circle Lounge at Birmingham Hippodrome
ENTRY
from £9
WHERE
Birmingham
What it’s like
A pre-show restaurant at the Hippodrome where you can feed the kids before the panto without missing the curtain.
The idea is simple: you eat here before the show, then walk straight into the auditorium. No dashing across town, no interval sandwich eaten standing up. Small plates start at £9 and mains at £16.50, which isn't pocket change for a pre-show bite, but there's a children's menu at £12 that comes with ice cream, so you're not paying adult prices for a fussy eater who wants chicken and chips.
It opens two hours before the performance, and they reckon you should allow at least an hour to actually enjoy it rather than bolt your food. That's worth building into your evening if you've got young kids who eat slowly or need a loo break before curtain up. Booking's required, and it's worth doing when you book your tickets rather than as an afterthought.
Some of the seating is on higher poseur tables or fixed banquettes, which is fine for older kids but a bit of a faff with a toddler who needs a proper chair or a wheelchair user who needs something lower and movable. The good news is you can ask for what you need at the time of booking, whether that's a table nearer the entrance, one without armrests, or a lower-level seat. Dietary requirements get catered for too if you flag them when you book.
It suits families heading to a matinee or evening performance who'd rather sit down properly than grab something on the run. Ice cream on the children's menu is the bit they'll remember, if the show itself doesn't upstage it.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Families with kids up to around 10 wanting a sit-down meal before the show
- How long to allow
- Allow at least an hour to enjoy the experience
- Food
- Pre-theatre restaurant with local ingredients, seasonal menus
- Gift vouchers can't be used here, so don't rely on one for the meal
- Ask for a table near the entrance or without armrests when you book, not on the night
- The children's menu suits kids up to around 10
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Small plates from £9, mains from £16.50, and a children's menu at £12 that includes ice cream.
Do we need to book?
Yes, and it's best to sort it when you book your theatre tickets rather than leave it to the day.
When does it open?
Two hours before the performance starts.
How long should we allow?
At least an hour, so you're not rushing your food to make curtain up.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Some tables are higher poseur style or fixed banquette seating, but you can ask for a lower-level table or movable seat when you book.
Can you cater for allergies or dietary needs?
They say they aim to cater for all dietary requirements if you add a note to your booking.
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