HOT: Palm Court Brasserie, 39 King Street Covent Garden

The key to a great pre-theatre restaurant is fast efficient service - nothing more stressful than having to scoff down your meal and then sprint to the theatre, arriving harried, sweaty and with a bad stitch. Palm Court Brasserie knows its target market and does it well - a limited menu of old favourites (steak, creme caramel etc) and great value at £15 for 3 courses and a peach bellini. Importantly, they get you in and out in 1 hour.