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About Menier Chocolate Factory

  • The theatre is known for its intimate seating, with a capacity of around 180 members of the audience. 
  • The theatre also has flexibility in its seating arrangements, which can be adjusted based on the performance.
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In the 1860s, the famous Menier Chocolate Company from France was looking to expand its operations in London and they built a five-storey building in Southwark, which operated as its factory and warehouse. After years of operation, in the 1980s, the building was deemed to be in very poor condition and in dire need of maintenance. In 2004, it was converted into a theatre and is one of the more intimate theatres in London. Numerous performances that originated from the Menier Chocolate Factory have gone on to become successful West End productions. Apart from that, many of the productions that the venue has hosted have also won the prestigious Olivier and Tony awards, some of the highest accolades in the world of theatre.

The theatre's design retains elements of its industrial past as an actual chocolate factory of the French brand, Menier. The exposed brick walls, steel beams, and large windows contribute to its industrial aesthetic. This raw and unadorned look has become one of the theatre's defining characteristics. The inside of the theatre is cosy and intimate and the arrangement of the auditorium is flexible.

The Menier Chocolate Factory theatre opened its doors to the public in 2004. One of its most memorable productions was Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George in 2005. The production went on to win five Olivier awards. In 2010, the Chocolate Factory’s productions of A Little Night Music and La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway. In 2018-2019, the theatre staged a production of Fiddler on the Roof, which was a big hit with the audience, and also transferred to the West End.

Know Before You Go

  • Train: The closest station is the London Bridge station, a five-minute walk away from the theatre. 
  • Bus: The closest stop is Southwark Street, served by routes RV1, 343, and 381. 
  • Tube: The closest station is the London Bridge Underground Station, served by the Jubilee or Northern lines. The station is a five-minute walk from the theatre. 
  • Parking: The closest parking bays are available at NCP Car Park on Kipling Street and the Union Car Park on Great Suffolk Street.
  • Recommended Mode of Transport: The tube is the easiest mode of public transportation to reach the venue.
  • Washrooms: The Menier Chocolate Factory has washrooms on the premises. 
  • Bar: The venue has a bar for light refreshments. 
  • Air Conditioning: The auditorium is air-conditioned. 
  • Cloakroom: A cloakroom is available where you can store your items at no charge. 
  • First Aid: The theatre has on-site first aid facilities, emergency exits and fire alarms. 
  • Gift Shop: Head to the gift shop to purchase Menier merchandise such as posters, clothes and more. 
  • Rehearsal Space: The theatre also rents out a rehearsal space on-site for practice.
  • Wheelchair Entrance: The main entrance to the theatre at Southwark Street is wheelchair accessible.
  • Wheelchair Seating: Visitors with limited mobility can choose to stay in their wheelchairs for the performance, with a companion space available adjacent to them. 
  • Access Toilets: The wheelchair-user-accessible toilets are located on the same level as the restaurant. 
  • Step-free Access: The Menier Chocolate Factory theatre has step-free access to the foyer and bar area.
  • Concession Tickets: Visitors with special needs may be able to avail of concession rates for tickets, including companion tickets.
  • Access Information: Differently-abled visitors are requested to inform the venue in advance of their requirements so seats closer to the exit can be booked. 
  • Dress Recommendation: There is no official dress code at the Chocolate Factory. Smart casuals are recommended.  
  • Arrive Early: We recommend that you arrive 30 minutes before the start of the performance to ensure you pass the security check-in time. You can spend time at the bar for a pre-performance drink. 
  • Latecomers Policy: Latecomers may not be permitted to enter the auditorium. 
  • Food and Beverage: You can pre-order your refreshments at the bar — cash and card are accepted.
  • Menier Chocolate Factory Restaurant: Head to the in-house restaurant for both sweet and savoury treats, including popcorn and chocolates. Complement your meal with their collection of beers and wines.

  • Direction

    to Menier Chocolate Factory Restaurant 

  • The Refinery: This stylish restaurant and bar is located near the theatre and offers a menu with a variety of options, including burgers, salads, and cocktails. The retro-chic ambience is a visitor favourite. 

  • Direction

    to The Refinery

  • Mar I Terra: A Spanish tapas restaurant with a cosy vibe to share small plates and enjoy a casual meal. Enjoy tortillas, meatballs, and empanadas for your meal.

  • Direction

    to Mar I Terra

  • Wright Brothers: If you're a fan of seafood, this restaurant is a good choice. It's known for its oysters and seafood dishes, including crabs, shrimps and whitebaits.

  • Direction

    to Wright Brothers

  • The Real Greek: As the name suggests, the restaurant is famous for its Greek cuisine, paired with a classic Greek drink called Ouzo, and Greek wines. 

  • Direction

    to The Real Greek

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Frequently Asked Questions About Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier Chocolate Factory is located on Southwark Street, in the London Borough of Southwark, in London, England.