Entertainment

United Kingdom

Restaurants

Kingston boasts a vast amount of restaurants, many of which are familiar and well loved chains, including Pizza Express, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, La Tasca, Al Forno, Wagamama and Nando's, to name a few. In addition to this, there are several independent and some family run restaurants which are equally as popular amongst the locals; Cappadocia, a Turkish take away and dine in restaurant with live entertainment from a belly dancer every Thursday.

The Riverside Vegetaria, voted one of the best Vegetarian restaurants in the country, overlooks the River Thames and Rococo is a family run, authentic Italian restaurant offering outdoor seating on their veranda, which also overlooks the river. There is never a shortage of places to eat in Kingston, whether you want a bite to eat for lunch at one of the many cafés found on Castle Street, or a pre-theatre dinner at one of many riverside locations, you will be spoilt for choice!

Nightclubs & Late Night Bars

There are a whopping five nightclubs in Kingston, all located within five minutes walk of Kingston train station, Cromwell bus station and Eden Street bus stops. Student nights are on Friday and Saturday night are always big nights out, with different musical tastes all catered for! Whether you're into the latest dance tunes or old school cheese music, Oceana has it covered with 7 different themed rooms consisting of 5 bars and 2 clubs. The Hippodrome and Bacchus offer a more alternative night out, with a combination of DJ and gig nights playing rock, indie, hip-hop/funk, disco/cheese etc. McClusky's and Ama-gi offer great student nights and drink deals, perfect if you're on a budget.

Pubs

Along the riverbank are numerous pubs, most with an outdoor seating area, over looking the River Thames, perfect for summer evenings or a lunchtime drink. There are several more pubs scattered around the town, almost all of which serve food throughout the day and have drink specials on certain nights.

Most pubs close at midnight throughout the week, with O'Neills staying open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, and also hosting live music every Thursday night.

The Rotunda

Open seven days a week ‘til late, The Rotunda Kingston brings you a great choice of leisure and entertainment. Dine out at one of their wide choice of bars and restaurants, watch the latest movies at the Odeon – with 14 screens and fabulous surround sound, their Odeon is one of the biggest and best in the south east. Or why not strike out at Tenpin Bowling, with 16 lanes, a licensed bar, American pool tables and arcades too! The Rotunda also has a David Lloyd Leisure Centre, with indoor pool, spa and sauna. There are many car parks in Kingston, the nearest just two minutes walk away at Canbury Place or Cattle Market. There is dedicated car parking for disabled visitors (via Hardman Road), pre-booked wheelchair access and a lift.

Rose Theatre

The theatre seats 900 people with a  layout based on that of the Rose Theatre in London, an Elizabethan theatre that staged the plays of Christopher Marlowe and early plays by Shakespeare. Unlike the original Rose, it makes the Elizabethan design more comfortable by adding a roof and modern seats. However, the front rows of the stall have no seats; where the audience are asked to bring cushions instead.