What to do in the afternoon near Old vic theatre?

[Pickupapen]

On DH’s birthday, we’re hopefully seeing a play at the old vic. Starts 7.30pm

We get into Waterloo station at 4pm, so we have 3.5 hours to mooch/see a gallery/ get dinner…

I don’t know that area very well, can anyone recommend stuff to do and places to eat? We’ll be dressed up for the evening so happy to go somewhere smart and I have a good budget :)

any ideas gratefully received!

Realistically if your train is bang on time you have 3 hours.

I'd suggest skylon which gives your q river view, not far away and gives you maximum flexibility for mooching along the river at your leisure before you head back to the old victims. Hayward gallery is also an option

I'd walk along the South Bank (it's a nice walk!) to Tate Modern - will take you about 15 mins each way.

Agree .. walk along to the Tate and you'll pass lots of eating places on the way

I'd see if there was anything on at the Hayward I wanted to see -
Hayward Gallery | Southbank Centre

The Tate is 15-20 mins walk so doable - you could wander there, spend an hour then wander back and stop for dinner at Skylon as mentioned above, or one of the other places just along from the Old Vic - flat iron is good for steak, mason don felipe for tapas - or go to one of the river side places - La Gamba is also good for tapas.

Yes, from Waterloo it is a very short walk to the South Bank centre on the river rather than along the river to Tate Modern. The National Theatre and Film Theatre and Hayward Gallery are interesting to visit in themselves (and there will be bars for a coffee or drink) and then dinner at Skylon restaurant which is much nicer than any of the numerous chain restaurants en route to Tate Modern. Ask for a window table.

You clever people! I’m so glad I asked. This is great stuff