The Understudy

The Understudy KERB National Theatre is a pub, beer garden and restaurant located on the South Bank at the National Theatre. Offering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and an incredible range of craft beers, KERB is committed to providing its patrons nothing but the best. With student deals such as meal and a bev for £10 and 2-for-1 drinks from 3pm to 6pm on Monday through Thursday, KERB National Theatre is perfect for students looking for affordable yet high-quality drinks and food. Experience this modern pub with your friends today!
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Recent social media posts

07/09/2026

🍻 BREWERY OF THE MONTH: TOAST BREWING

This month, we’re raising a glass to Toast Brewing — the brewery proving that good beer and doing good can go hand in hand.

Born from the idea that great food shouldn’t go to waste, Toast brews its beers using surplus fresh bread that would otherwise be thrown away. The result? Properly tasty pints with a pretty good story behind them.

We’ll be pouring Toast at The Understudy throughout the month, so whether you’re joining us for a post-work pint, a South Bank wander or just need an excellent excuse to head to the pub, come and give them a try.

Good beer. Less waste. More reasons to have another one. 🍺
brewing

03/08/2026

💡 THIS MONTH’S BRIGHTEST IDEA?

Drinking at The Understudy.

Our August Brewery of the Month has landed, bringing hazy heroes, hop-heavy favourites and one seriously smashable pale ale: Lightbulb. Soft, juicy and ridiculously easy to drink, it’s the kind of pint that accidentally becomes two.

Whether you’re settling in before a show, soaking up the South Bank sunshine or just chasing a decent beer, we’ve got the taps sorted.

They’ll be joining us down on the South Bank on the evening of the 5th August for some sampling and party games. Come and say hi!

🍺 Pouring all month. See you at the bar.

20/07/2026

THIRSTY THURSDAY ON THE SOUTH BANK!

🚨 Free lager? Don’t mind if we do…

On Thursday 23rd July, we’re teaming up with who will be pulling up outside The Understudy for an evening of sipping, spinning and winning.

🍹 Free samples
🎡 Spin to Win prizes
☀️ Summer vibes by the South Bank

Swing by, give the wheel a whirl, and see what you land on. We’ll be pouring the good times all evening

📍 The Understudy | 23rd July | 4pm - 9m

07/07/2026

🎾 GAME. SET. PIMM’S. 🍓

The biggest week in tennis deserves the best seat on the South Bank.

Join us this week all the way through to the Wimbledon Finals with on the South Bank – giant screens, ice-cold Pimm’s, flowing pints, great food from and all the championship drama.

No Centre Court ticket? No problem.

📍 The Understudy
🍓 Pimm’s on the Southbank
🏆 Finals Sunday

Just in case you were wondering... we’ll be here, slinging street food and serving up independent drinks for the whole f...
21/12/2023

Just in case you were wondering... we’ll be here, slinging street food and serving up independent drinks for the whole festive season 🎁 Come and join us!

UNDERSTUDY OPENING HOURS:
23rd Dec: 12pm - 1am
24-25th Dec: closed
26-27th Dec: 12pm - midnight
28-30th Dec: 12pm - 1am
31st Dec: closed
1st Jan: 12pm - midnight
and then back to norm.

Welcome to your Festive Specials of 2023❄️🏆✨🍕’Tis the Brie-son 🧀 🍔 Season’s Meatings 💦  🥪 The Cranberry Claus 🍒  Which o...
07/12/2023

Welcome to your Festive Specials of 2023❄️🏆✨

🍕’Tis the Brie-son 🧀
🍔 Season’s Meatings 💦
🥪 The Cranberry Claus 🍒

Which one is a bit of you? 👀

📍KERB at the Understudy - National Theatre 💥

The temp has dropped + so have our Winter Warmers bevs ❄️🍷✨🧣You can now find these bad boys at the Understudy:🔥Mulled Wi...
04/12/2023

The temp has dropped + so have our Winter Warmers bevs ❄️🍷✨

🧣You can now find these bad boys at the Understudy:

🔥Mulled Wine
🔥Mulled Cider
🔥Spiced Apple Pie Cocktail
🔥Bailey's Hot Choc

(We can also make these classics alcohol free.)

🧣It's cosy season, y'all.

We’re two weeks in to the  residency and it’s fair to say you lot are LOVING IT🍔 💥These juicy, oozy burgers have been fl...
01/12/2023

We’re two weeks in to the residency and it’s fair to say you lot are LOVING IT🍔 💥

These juicy, oozy burgers have been flying out of The Understudy, and we aint surprised one bit.

is this the new BEST burger in London? Come and try for yourselves... 💥

🍔 THE MELTDOWN - Double smashed beef patty, double cheese, chilli & garlic mayo, tomato & pickle relish, beef tomato, shredded lettuce
🍔 LIL’ CHICKEN - Spiced chicken thigh, cheese, citrus mayo, creamy slaw, shredded lettuce
💥 PLUS Vegan’s Meltdown, rotating monthly specials, loaded brisket fries, garlic mushroom cheese balls + MORE.

📍 The Understudy at the National Theatre
📆 Opening TODAY
⏰ Mon - Sat: 12pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Address

National Theatre
London
SE1 9PX

The National Theatre is located on the South Bank of the Thames, adjacent to Waterloo Bridge. It is easily accessible by public transport including bus, underground and rail services.

If travelling by tube, the nearest station is Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines) which is a short walk from the theatre. Alternatively, Embankment Station (Circle and District lines) is a 10-minute walk away.

For those arriving by train, Waterloo Station is only a few minutes' walk from the theatre. Buses also serve the area with several routes stopping nearby, including RV1, 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139 and 168 amongst others.

If driving to the theatre then it should be noted that parking in the surrounding streets can be limited. However there are several car parks available nearby such as The National Theatre Car Park or The Jubilee Gardens Car Park.

Once at the National Theatre visitors will find a range of food and drink options available throughout the building including a pub with beer garden and restaurant.

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 12am
Tuesday 12pm - 12am
Wednesday 12pm - 12am
Thursday 12pm - 1am
Friday 12pm - 1am
Saturday 12pm - 1am
Sunday 12pm - 10pm

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What people say

KERB National Theatre is a must-visit craft beer pub located on the South Bank at the National Theatre in London. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to catch up with friends over a pint or two. With a range of ice-cold beverages, including KERB lager, house wines, and soft drinks, you'll be spoilt for choice. The Understudy is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious street food from their banging street food traders. Whether you're in the mood for wings, Sicilian slices, or a thali, let your gut decide. Don't miss out on their special offers like the recent three-way collaboration between Bad Boy's Bread, Lucky's Hot Fried Chick, and Mumbai's Creamy Kofta Curry Sawse that was a big hit with customers. So head down to KERB National Theatre and enjoy some great drinks and food while taking in the stunning views of the South Bank.