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 – 8pm (food service until 6pm)

Please note, our main bar will open at 4pm on Mondays and Tuesdays until Monday 31st March 2025.

Book a table

Special opening hours:
30 March: Closed
Good Friday (18 April): 12 noon – 1am (food service until 10pm)
Easter Sunday (20 April): 12 noon – 8pm (food service until 6pm)
Easter Monday: (21 April): 12pm – 10pm

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.

View Meltdown’s 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 chicken and Hong Kong noodles.

View Sen Noods’ menu

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.

View Sireli’s menu

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.

Three people sit at a wooden table, with a pint each in front of them

March Brewery of the Month: Small Beer

We’re welcoming the Bermondsey-based Small Beer to The Understudy for Mid-Strength March. Try their Hazy Ale (2.6%), Lager (2.1%) or IPA (2.3%) all month long.

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