International Stand Up Comedy Showcase – Show & Dinner (Côte)

A Fun Night Out in London’s West End: Comedy and French Cuisine

This experience combines two classic London staples: a lively stand-up comedy showcase and a delectable three-course French meal at Côte Brasserie. While I haven’t personally attended this exact outing, reviews point to it being a solid choice for anyone wanting a relaxed yet high-energy evening in the West End. The combination of a renowned comedy club with a Parisian-inspired bistro offers a well-rounded night that’s both entertaining and tasty.

What I particularly like about this experience is that it’s designed to give you both a taste of London’s comedy talent — with acts that have performed at venues like Russell Brand and Michael McIntyre’s — and a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. Plus, booking tickets in advance helps ensure you won’t miss out, especially during busy periods. The fact that it’s a “show and dinner” package means you get a full evening’s worth of fun, with a flexible timing that makes it ideal for a pre-theatre or after-work outing.

One thing to keep in mind is the time constraint; the entire experience lasts around 5 hours, so it’s best suited for those ready for a night out with a good dose of laughs and food. A potential drawback mentioned in reviews is that the dinner can sometimes feel rushed — so if you prefer a leisurely meal, you might want to allow extra time or arrive early. This experience seems perfect for those craving a lively, authentic London night with no fuss, plenty of humor, and tasty food.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic French Dining: Côte Brasserie’s set menu offers three rich courses inspired by Parisian brasseries, making it a great value for a full meal in central London.
• Top-Notch Comedy Acts: The comedy show features international comedians, including past performers like Jim Jefferies, Flight of the Conchords, and Sara Pascoe, ensuring a night filled with laughter.
• Book in Advance: Tickets are often booked about 59 days ahead, highlighting the popularity and the need to plan early to secure a spot.
• Central Location: Starting at Côte St Martin’s Lane in Soho and heading to Comedy Carnival near Leicester Square makes logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in or exploring central London.
• Cost-Effective Entertainment: At around $88.96 per person, this package combines dinner and comedy, offering good value compared to separate tickets.
• Mixed Feedback on Meal Pace: Some reviews mention the meal being rushed, so if you’re particular about relaxed dining, consider arriving early or allowing more time.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Côte Brasserie in Soho: French Food at Its Best

Your evening begins at Côte St Martin’s Lane, a beloved London restaurant inspired by Parisian brasseries. This spot is praised for its authentic French dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The set menu typically includes three courses, often featuring classics like steak frites, moules marinières, or hearty French desserts.

Based on reviews, the food tends to impress — one reviewer called it “excellent, with three absolutely lovely courses.” It’s a good choice for those who appreciate flavorful, well-prepared dishes. The location is conveniently close to the comedy club, making for a quick, pleasant walk. Keep in mind, some guests found the meal a little rushed, especially if you arrive at the scheduled start time of 5:30 pm, so arriving a bit earlier might help you relax and enjoy your meal.

Comedy Carnival in Leicester Square: International Laughs

After dinner, a short stroll takes you to the Comedy Carnival venue, nestled off Leicester Square. This comedy club has a solid reputation, having hosted comedians like Russell Brand and Jack Whitehall. The acts are typically a mix of current and emerging stars, with many international comedians bringing diverse styles of humor.

Time Out London describes it as “high-class entertainment you can count on,” and reviews consistently praise the quality of the comedy. The show usually lasts around 3 hours, with multiple acts performing, ensuring plenty of laughs. Some reviews warn that some jokes or comedians might be a bit edgy or offensive, so if you’re sensitive to that, keep it in mind.

Practicalities and Timing

Starting at 5:30 pm, the entire experience takes roughly five hours, so it’s ideal for an evening adventure rather than a quick dinner. The tickets are mobile, making it easy to arrive without printing anything, and the booking is secure if done in advance.

The whole package is highly rated, with an average review score of 4.5 out of 5 from five reviews. Most travelers find it excellent value, especially considering the entertainment quality and central location. It’s particularly popular among those wanting a fun, hassle-free night in the West End.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy good food paired with stand-up comedy and who prefer a seamless evening out. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, groups of friends looking for a lively night, or solo travelers wanting to soak in London’s lively entertainment scene without the hassle of planning each element separately.

If you’re a fan of live comedy and don’t mind the occasional edgy joke, you’ll appreciate the international lineup. Those who prefer a relaxed pace might want to allow extra time for the meal or consider arriving a little earlier for dinner. It’s also a good option for visitors who want a social experience with a lively, urban vibe.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At just under $90 per person, including a three-course meal and a comedy show, this package offers reasonable value for central London. Ticket prices include both the dinner and entertainment, saving you money compared to booking these separately. The reviews confirm that most find it well worth the price — one enthusiastic reviewer called it “best food and entertainment I’ve seen in ages,” and “well worth the money.”

Considering the high caliber of comedians and the quality of the meal, it’s a convenient way to enjoy London’s nightlife without breaking the bank. Plus, booking in advance helps secure your spot during busy periods, avoiding disappointment.

Practical Tips for a Great Night

• Arrive early for dinner if you want a more relaxed experience; some reviews mention the meal feeling rushed.
• Book tickets ahead of time to avoid missing out, especially during weekends or peak seasons.
• Be prepared for some edgy humor — if you’re sensitive to offensive jokes, check the lineup or sit near the front for a more family-friendly experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk between Côte and the comedy club.
• Consider timing if you have an early evening booking; this is a full night’s outing, so plan accordingly.

FAQ: Common Questions About This Experience

Can I buy tickets at the door? No, it’s recommended to book in advance, as the experience is popular and often fully booked.

Is the meal included in the ticket price? Yes, the $88.96 covers a 3-course French meal at Côte Brasserie along with the comedy show.

How long is the entire experience? Expect about 5 hours, from dinner at 5:30 pm to the end of the comedy show.

Are the comedy acts suitable for all adults? The show features international comedians, some of whom may include edgy or offensive humor, so it’s best suited for guests over 18.

What is the location like? Both Côte and the comedy venue are centrally located in London’s West End, close to public transportation, making it easy to reach and depart.

Is this experience good for groups? Absolutely, it’s popular among groups celebrating special occasions or just looking for a lively night out.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Good Choice?

If you’re seeking a hassle-free, entertaining evening that combines good food with top-notch stand-up comedy, this experience delivers. The pairing of Côte Brasserie’s French cuisine with the comedy club’s diverse acts makes for a lively, memorable night. It offers solid value, especially given the quality of the entertainment and the location.

This experience is best for those who want a seamless night out without the headache of organizing multiple reservations. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting to enjoy London’s vibrant nightlife with minimal fuss. Just remember to book early, arrive promptly, and be prepared for some edgy humor if you’re sensitive to that.

Overall, it’s a clever way to enjoy London’s West End beyond the usual tourist spots — a night filled with laughter, good food, and great company.