The Understudy
Our friendly riverside craft beer bar. Serving sizzling street food from KERB.
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.
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 Understudy Christmas opening hours:
Monday 23 December – Wednesday 25 December: Closed
Thursday 26 December – Monday 30 December: 12pm-10pm
Tuesday 31 December: 12pm-5pm
Wednesday 1 January 2025: 4pm-10pm
Thursday 2 January 2025: Open as normal
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. Beef comes courtesy of Farm Wilder, who prioritise ethical regenerative farming methods.
Sen Noods
Serving up tasty East-Asian ramen bowls and dumplings, plus Japanese fried kitchen 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.
Drinks at The Understudy
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.
Christmas on the South Bank
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 (10+), starting from £45pp.
Special offers & events
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.
£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), a soft drink or juice