Ohhh. I’m conflicted. Well I’m not, I know what I need to say, I’m just not comfortable saying it.

This blog post isn’t going to go how I thought it might.

We were going to get my oft-said unnecessary and tedious proclamation of how on the whole I don’t really enjoy musicals. But how I really appreciate the talent and production values (weirdly I do love The Sound of Music, the most musically musical of all the musicals).

My socially awkward issue with them is that I get massively embarrassed when people break into song mid life-situation.

That said, when visiting the theatre, I do so with an approach and understanding that enjoyment is subjective and so attempt to see past preference and find an appreciation in all genres based on their individual merits.

Curtain up

The Broadway is a musical dining experience featuring waiters and waitresses who are all professional singers.
They will take customers on a theatrical musical journey whilst serving their tables.
Diners will be treated to selections of songs from both West End and Broadway shows and those brave enough may have the opportunity of singing for their supper!

And so it came to pass that it was the musical element of the night that I not only enjoyed without prejudice, but ended up wanting more of.

The singers last night were exceptional. And I mean not only in song and talent but in all-round politeness, friendliness and loveliness.

Their voices gave pure Broadway vibes and all round professionalism. We were treated to number after number, with each singer introduced and given due credit and applause.

The problem was that the Diner part of the equation didn’t give, well, Diner.

It actually didn’t give drinks until nearly an hour in and didn’t give food until an hour and 40 minutes in. It was almost an incidental part of the experience which I would, again, have taken on its merits but…

I was invited and gifted the booking (thank you) and do accept that I was there for the whole concept, not your normal dinner out. Which honestly would have been absolutely fine.

But I feel like whatever’s going wrong on the diner side of things is distracting from the Broadway side of things. Which is a real shame.

What makes things tricky is that if customers are being subjected to the same issues with delays, the food and drink (cocktails, certainly, at around £15 each) already come at a hefty price which is only going to feel heftier as time ticks on.

I’ve debated but still come to the conclusion that it is overpriced, especially if visiting as a family, and the small plate portions a little meagre. This element does match upto the suggestion of 3-4 per person, but at an average of £6-8 a pop, size is going to suddenly matter.

The food is fine when it comes. Not amazing but perfectly fine. Which again, when you weigh up the point of the concept, put things into context, manage your expectations etc etc, well, that’s just fine too. But whilst I was very fortunate to attend as media, it would have been harder to swallow (pun not attended – well slightly), as a paying customer in the current climate.

The menu

It’s so difficult to rely on the goodwill of the entertainment, especially when those singers then have to don their metaphorical servers hats, to apologise to customers and explain where the food is (eating into the magic somewhat).

It’s a distraction that casts a shadow over the spotlight they’ve just exited.

But I’m all for redress and would love to hear others’ experiences.

Closing number

I don’t wish to rain on their parade, and with some improvements on the dining side, you could have some enchanted evening on your hands – leaving customers more satisfied, less so big spenders, and with a positive memory.

And All That Jazz.

The Broadway – bookings at Open Table