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Champagne Picnic On The Deck, National Theatre

Originally on Londonist here: I sample an exclusive picnic and matinee deal on The Deck at the National Theatre

If you’re having a staycation and want to indulge this summer, or if you want to make a theatre trip extra special, this is an excellent offer. By 'this', we mean an exclusive champagne picnic on The Deck private function room atop the National Theatre, open to the public for a picnic and theatre matinee special offer. The function room is not just a room but an impressive, flexible space on the third floor with amazing views, good service and tranquillity literally far above the bustle of South Bank.

We made false starts in the wrong lift and stairs but emerged onto wooden decking, blue skies and elegant table and chairs. Once seated, we were given champagne and picnic boxes with proper cutlery. Potted ham in rustic glass jars, a fresh summery salad of asparagus, broad bean, squash and goat’s cheese, artisan bread and cheese, home made piccalilli that had us smacking our lips... and then not one but two puddings. Each. The chocolate pot was excellent: light, fluffy, rich. The Pimms and strawberry jelly was pure English summer in a miniature tub. Equally good quality vegetarian and non-dairy picnic boxes are available.

There are two more bookings this Saturday and Sunday (15 and 16 August), so grab your chance to enjoy this deal. The theatre matinee will be Time And The Conways, a J B Priestley classic that can’t be anything but good considering the success of the last An Inspector Calls, the last Priestley play staged by the National Theatre.

There's a lot of quality, well chosen food in the picnic box and the champagne flute is far from a thimble. Get there at 12noon on the dot to make the most of your pre-theatre slot, and to be sure you have time to finish everything in that very generous picnic. Tip: there’s a lot of Pimms in the Pimms and strawberry jelly so go slow!

Champagne picnic and ticket offer at The Deck, National Theatre, £40 per person including theatre ticket. For more information, go to The Deck website.