The Understudy

Our friendly riverside craft beer bar. Serving sizzling street food from KERB.

A bustling restaurant counter with people standing and ordering food. The overhead menu displays various dishes and ordering instructions. Staff members are preparing food in the open kitchen behind the counter, while colorful food images are displayed on digital screens.

A lively bar scene with several people sitting at wooden tables, enjoying drinks and conversation. The walls are decorated with colorful posters and warm lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere. Patrons appear to be in good spirits, engaged in various conversations.

A selection of eastern mediteranean inspired dishes from Sireli.

A juicy cheeseburger with melty cheese, lettuce, pickles, and mayonnaise is served on a shiny brioche bun on a parchment-lined tray. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the well-lit, appetizing burger in the forefront.

Three bowls of ramen with various toppings, including sliced meat, boiled egg, and vegetables, are displayed on a red background. A can of KERB lager and a can of East London Liquor Co. Vodka & Rhubarb are placed beside the bowls. Chopsticks are also visible.

From our riverside location on London’s vibrant South Bank, The Understudy serves up an unbeatable line-up of drinks from independent makers like Black Lines, Gipsy Hill Brewing, Nirvana Brewing and East London Liquor Co., plus a curated selection of three KERB street food traders.

Bring your mates and settle into our cosy indoor bar, or soak up the views on our outdoor terrace.

Follow on Instagram @KERBnationaltheatre

Opening times

Monday – Wednesday: 12 noon – 12 midnight (food service until 10pm)
Thursday – Saturday: 12 noon – 1am (food service until 10pm)
Sunday: 12 noon – 10pm (food service until 9pm)

Book a table

Special opening hours:
Sunday 4 May: Closed
Sunday 11 May: Closed
Sunday 18 May: Closed
Sunday 1 June: Closed
Sunday 15 June: Closed
Sunday 22 June: Closed
Sunday: 24 August: Closed

Email: kerb.understudy@ntfoodanddrink.org.uk.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7452 3551

Directions

The Understudy, National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
View a map and get directions

KERB traders at The Understudy

Meltdown Cheeseburgers

Slinging out a range of juicy, oozy burgers, (choose from double smashed beef patty, spiced chicken thigh or vegan patty) – plus rotating monthly specials and loaded beef brisket fries.

A wooden table filled with various Asian dishes, including bowls of ramen, grilled vegetables, and salads, accompanied by a can of beverage. The dishes are colorful, featuring ingredients like corn, scallions, and leafy greens, with chopsticks and spoons placed nearby.

Sen Noods

Serving up tasty East-Asian ramen bowls and dumplings, plus Japanese fried chicken and Hong Kong noodles.

Sireli

Translating to ‘my love’ in Armenian, Sireli focuses on delicious, modern Middle-Eastern food, with a selection of flatbread wraps and small plates, including halloumi fries.

Trader menus

View the trader menus

Drinks

We’re proud to work with some of the UK’s best independent drinks suppliers, including Gipsy Hill Brewing Co, Nirvana Brewery, Black Lines Drinks and East London Liquor Company.

Explore our drinks menu

What’s on

Join us in our South Bank home for live music, brewery takeovers and much more.

A pint glass filled with beer sits on a bar. The glass features colorful graphics, including a boombox, snake, and umbrella, with the words

April Brewery of the Month: Laine Brew Co.

From Brighton’s seaside to Southbank’s riverside comes Laine Brew Co and their range of ultra-refreshing beers. Pop in all month to try their Sonar Hazy Session IPA, Mangolicious Pale Ale and Project Zest Citrus Lager.

Lots of people sitting at long wooden tables enjoying the sunshine outside on the terrace of the Understudy Bar at the National Theatre.

Marathon Day at The Understudy

Running the London Landmarks Half Marathon or London Marathon this year? Join us at The Understudy for your post-race celebrations, soaking up the sunshine on our riverside terrace, located just a short walk from the race finish line.

We’re even giving away 50 free pints of Laine Sonar Hazy IPA to the first 50 finishers who flash their medals. If that isn’t a reason for a PB, what is?

Book your spot

Special offers

A tray of chips covered in parmesan and with a beef in gravy topping being piled on top.

Student deals: 15% discount

On all food & drinks at The Understudy

Available all day, every day.

To redeem this offer, show your student card to The Understudy bar team.

Not available when ordering via QR codes.

A cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato on a bun sits on a tray lined with paper. A side of French fries is placed next to it.

£15 meal deals

Enjoy the best of KERB at the Understudy with our £15 meal deals, available Monday-Friday (excluding Wednesdays) from 12pm-4pm, plus all day Sunday

Meltdown Cheeseburgers: Any burger (excluding the special), plus chips and a drink

Sireli: Any wrap with a side of halloumi fries, plus a drink

Sen Noods: Any noodle dish with cucumber salad or kimchi, plus a drink

Drink options include: a can of KERB lager, can of Nirvana Pils (non-alcoholic) or a soft drink.