Looking for somewhere to eat before or after your show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre? You’re spoilt for choice. The Exchange development — directly opposite the theatre — has several restaurants within a 2-minute walk, plus there are independent gems in the Old Town just around the corner.
This guide covers the best options for pre-theatre dining, quick bites before a 7:30pm curtain, and family-friendly spots for matinee days.
🍽️ Quick Pick for Pre-Theatre Dining
Nando’s at The Exchange — 2 minutes from theatre, fast service, open until 10pm
Perfect when you’re short on time. One reviewer noted staff got their food out in 5 minutes to make a Waterside Theatre show.
Restaurants at The Exchange (2 minutes from theatre)
The Exchange is the modern dining and entertainment complex directly opposite the theatre. All these restaurants are a 2-minute walk from the Waterside Theatre entrance — ideal for pre-show meals.
Nando’s
⏱️ Fast service
The Afro-Portuguese chicken chain is a reliable choice before evening shows. Fast, casual, and the menu suits both adults and kids. Staff here are used to theatre-goers and can get food out quickly if you mention you have a show.
Peri-Peri Chicken
£12–18 per person
11:30am–10pm daily
Unit 3, The Exchange, HP20 1UR
Good for: Families, quick meals, fussy eaters, gluten-free and vegan options available
Wagamama
🍜 Asian
Japanese-inspired noodles, ramen, and rice bowls. The Aylesbury branch is popular with theatre-goers — TripAdvisor reviews specifically mention it as a good pre-Waterside Theatre option. Generous portions, and the katsu curry is a crowd favourite.
Japanese / Asian Fusion
£15–22 per person
11:30am–10pm daily
Unit 3, The Exchange, HP20 1UR
Good for: Date nights, groups, extensive vegan menu, wheelchair accessible with step-free access
Zizzi
🍕 Italian
Italian chain serving pizza, pasta, and salads. The Aylesbury branch has outdoor seating on warmer evenings — great for summer shows. Kids’ menu (Bambini) available, and they’re good at accommodating dietary requirements.
Italian / Pizza / Pasta
£15–25 per person
11:30am–10pm daily
8 The Exchange, HP20 1UR
Good for: Families, celebrations, outdoor dining, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options
Rococo Lounge
🍹 Café Bar
A quirky café-bar with an all-day menu — one of the most character-filled spots in The Exchange. Look out for the Ziggy Stardust mural behind the bar, a nod to David Bowie’s first Aylesbury gig in 1972. Serves everything from brunch to tapas to cocktails.
British / Tapas / Brunch
£12–20 per person
9am–11pm (varies)
6 The Exchange, HP20 1UR
Good for: Brunch before matinees, cocktails after shows, dogs welcome, outdoor terrace
Traditional Pubs (5–8 minutes walk)
If you prefer a proper pub meal or a pre-show pint, Aylesbury’s Old Town is just a short walk from the theatre.
The Rockwood
🍺 Gastropub
A 16th-century building in the heart of Aylesbury’s Old Town, now a modern gastropub with character to spare. Homemade food, rotating cask ales, craft beers, and an impressive gin and rum selection. The courtyard garden is a sun trap in summer.
British Pub Food
£12–22 per person
12pm–9pm (4pm Sun)
32 Kingsbury, HP20 2JE
Walk from theatre: 5 minutes via Market Square
Good for: Real ale fans, pre-show drinks, outdoor seating, live music nights
The Works
🍨 Family Restaurant
Independent family-run restaurant on Market Square, famous locally for its homemade desserts and ice cream. American-style comfort food — burgers, steaks, and brunch dishes. A favourite for families on weekend matinee days.
American / Desserts
£10–18 per person
Brunch, Desserts
7-8 Market Square
Walk from theatre: 6 minutes via Kingsbury
Good for: Families with kids, Sunday brunch before matinees, ice cream lovers
Quick Bites (when you’re short on time)
Running late? These options are fast, affordable, and within 2 minutes of the theatre:
| Option | What to get | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Nando’s | Wrap or pitta — quick to eat | 15–20 mins |
| Waitrose (Waterside) | Sandwiches, sushi, salads | 5 mins |
| Theatre bar | Snacks, drinks, ice cream | At interval |
Best Restaurants by Occasion
| Occasion | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family show (kids) | Nando’s or Zizzi | Kids’ menus, fast, familiar |
| Date night | Wagamama or Zizzi | Nicer ambiance, sharing plates |
| Pre-show drinks | Rococo Lounge or The Rockwood | Good cocktails/beer selection |
| Sunday matinee | Rococo (brunch) or The Works | All-day brunch menus |
| Vegan/vegetarian | Wagamama | Extensive plant-based menu |
| Post-show drinks | Rococo Lounge | Open late, cocktails |
Tips for Pre-Theatre Dining
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are closest to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre?
Nando’s, Wagamama, Zizzi, and Rococo Lounge are all at The Exchange, directly opposite the theatre (2-minute walk).
Can I eat at the theatre?
The theatre has a bar serving drinks, snacks, and ice cream. You can pre-order interval drinks to skip queues.
Which restaurant is best for kids before a show?
Nando’s and Zizzi both have dedicated kids’ menus and are used to families before matinees.
Where can I get a quick bite if I’m running late?
Waitrose (behind the theatre in the Waterside car park building) has ready-made sandwiches and salads. Nando’s can also serve quickly if you let them know you have a show.
Are there any independent restaurants near the theatre?
The Rockwood (gastropub) and The Works (family restaurant) are both independents, about 5–6 minutes walk in the Old Town.
Plan Your Visit
- → Parking Guide — where to park and how much it costs
- → Seating Plan — find the best seats for your show
- → What’s On — see upcoming shows and book tickets
Restaurant information verified January 2026. Opening hours and menus may change — check restaurant websites before visiting.