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The Understudy

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

Lots of people sitting at long wooden tables enjoying the sunshine outside on the terrace of the Understudy Bar at the National Theatre.
Lots of people sitting at long wooden tables enjoying the sunshine at the terrace of the Understudy Bar
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 Gipsy Hill beers and guest ales, wine from the best independent makers, spirits by East London Liquor Co. and a curated selection of three KERB street food traders.

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

Look out for regular tap takeovers, special events and limited edition themed dishes.

The Understudy main bar is currently closed and re-opens at 12 noon on Saturday 14 September. The food counter, River Bar and Apothecary Bar will remain open for craft beer, cocktails on tap and tasty street food from our KERB traders

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)

The main bar is currently closed and re-opens at 12 noon on Saturday 14 September. The KERB counter, River Bar and Apothecary Bar will be open during this time.

The Understudy will be closed completely on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 September. We will be re-opening as normal on Tuesday 17 September.

Book a table

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

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.

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. Beef comes courtesy of Farm Wilder, who prioritise ethical regenerative farming methods.

View the Meltdown menu

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 kitchen and Hong Kong noodles.

View Sen Noods’ menu

A selection of eastern mediteranean inspired dishes from Sireli.

Sireli

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

View Sireli’s menu

Christmas at The Understudy

A festive display features four drinks: a hot beverage in a white enamel mug, a glass with a lemon garnish, a tall glass with a dark liquid and citrus slices, and a topped hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a chocolate piece. Holiday lights and greenery adorn the background.

Celebrate the festive season

Join us in our South Bank home for seasonal specials from our street food traders, plus mulled wine and other winter warmers.

Tasty packages are available for larger groups (20+), starting from £45pp.

Book a table

Enquire for larger groups

The Understudy gallery

View 18 images
Meltdown Cheesburger tray of burgers, fries, deep-fried food and sauce. A selection of eastern mediteranean inspired dishes from Sireli. Halloumi fries with dressing, pomegranate pieces and herb leaves. A Meltdown Cheesburger cross sectioned and stacked. A bottle labelled Botivo, three drinks glasses with ice and slice of lime or lemon, and four cans of Small Beer and a Small Beer branded glass, filled with a light coloured beer, all lined up on a bar. The Understudy bar interior, with a long wooden table with wooden chairs, several round tables - low ones with chairs and tall ones with high stools. Sofas by windows, and a bar with beer taps, and bottles on shelves. A selection of eastern mediteranean inspired dishes from Sireli. A barman mixing drinks with shelves of bottles behind him A smiling barperson pouring a stein of beer. A tray of chips covered in parmesan and with a beef in gravy topping being piled on top.

 

Special offers & events

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

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

Not available when ordering via QR codes.

A group of people sit around a long table in a warmly lit restaurant. One person wears a yellow party hat, suggesting a celebration. Posters adorn the dimly-lit walls, and some people are engaged in conversation while others focus on their meals.

The Understudy is turning 10

and we’d love to celebrate with you!

We’ll be serving 2 for £10 anniversary cocktails from 8pm-10pm, samples from your favourite drinks brands and rotating guest beers, plus a DJ playing tunes from the last 10 years.

Join us Friday 18 October, 5pm until late.