Theatre and food have long gone hand-in-hand. Far from the pre-theatre menus in London today, some of the first audiences in the capital at Shakespeare’s Globe are known to have bought snacks during the performance, such as apples, nuts, and slithers of gingerbread – washed down with tankards of earthy ale.
Thankfully, the process is much more refined for 21st-century audiences.
Permission guaranteed
One of the most recent additions to the gastro scene is the Permission Lounge at the Hippodrome Casino, the UK’s largest and most popular gambling and entertainment space. Purpose-built for the sizzling-hot West End dance extravaganza Magic Mike Live, Permission carries on the empowerment theme of the show and sets the right tone ahead of the performance.
The inside of the lounge, which was recently voted one of Open Table’s ‘Top 10 Best Restaurants in London,’ is dotted with blue velvet couches, turquoise walls, bouquets of flowers, and fireplaces, all carefully designed and curated by Magic Mike Live designer Rachel O’Toole. We also loved how much natural light streams in through the big windows facing Leicester Square.
Tantalising tastebuds
The menu features expertly crafted themed cocktails with intriguing names, like the “Magic,” a Tanqueray gin-based beverage with Singani 63, St Germain Elderflower, lemon, honey, and electric dust. The dust is sprinkled on the side of the glass and meant to be sipped with the drink. It leaves a tingling sensation on the tongue and enhances the sweet and tangy flavour of the drink.
“Charismatic” is another interesting choice, consisting of Ketel One Citroen, Singani 63, Mandarin Napoleon, raspberry, lime, and ginger. This bubbly drink has a spiced fruity taste. The garnish includes a skewered raspberry and candied ginger, and I enjoyed the candy after soaking it in the drink for a bit.
For those who prefer to watch the show sober, the passionfruit-based “Faithful” or strawberry-based “Encore” are available and both refreshing and fruity. Food-wise, there is an array of elegant sharing plates as well as a weekend brunch with 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, bellinis, or other drinks of your choice.
Seductive brunch
There is no wrong order – but what would be wrong is not ordering the signature Permission Burger or hot stack pancakes with vanilla mascarpone, seasonal fruits, and berry sauce. The lettuce and watercress salad served with smoked almonds and maple vinegar dressing and rosemary salted fries are highlights too – be sure to order the red velvet cake for dessert, because no brunch is complete without dessert and this one is irresistible. You won’t regret it.
When the show is about to begin, you will be escorted to your seats and introduced to a personal waiter who can bring you additional drinks during the show.
Thrilling performance
Magic Mike Live, conceived and directed by Channing Tatum, is the stage spin-off of his the wildly successful Magic Mike film franchise about male strippers – based loosely on eight months the real-life the actor spent stripping in his teens.
The venue is designed to resemble a night club with a stage in the middle. It feels like a fancy cocktail bar with little nooks and dark corners where anything could happen and no one is neglected no matter where they sit – expect the unexpected in front of, behind, above and all around you.
Heat, hype, and heartthrobs
Unlike most adult entertainment, which is made by men, for men, the Magic Mike Live was created to cater to women’s fantasies and find an answer to the question ‘what do girls want?’ The show has pulled off an experience that takes crowd-pleaser to a new level.
The team of experienced dancers, acrobats and singers allure the female audience with as many romantic, sexy, and funny moments as possible. The ladies love it and because of this the show is extremely popular for hen dos and birthdays.
After the highly interactive show, you can return to Permission to cool down or try your luck at the casino downstairs. Either way, a fun and memorable time is guaranteed.
Magic Mike Live brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 2pm to 4pm. More information about the show and Permission lounge can be found here.
Image credits: © Magic Mike, Matt Crockett, Alexandru Coman, William Shaw, Travel with Style
