Royal Albert Hall – London Attractions

Updated On: November 07, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

A Visit to the Royal Albert Hall

There are lots of beautiful places and popular attractions to visit in London that tourists will enjoy. The Royal Albert Hall in London is one of these places which is currently undergoing some restorations.

The main use of the Royal Albert Hall is as a concert hall located in South Kensington, London. It has been holding classical prom concerts since 1941, that continues to grow in popularity each year.

Once you step inside the Royal Albert Hall you will be mesmerised by its beauty and how huge it actually is. The hall is the perfect location to host concerts which can seat up to 5,272 people.

The History of the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and since then it has become one of the most famous, treasured and distinctive buildings in the UK. Lots of artists from all over the world have performed at this famous location.

It also holds some of the most important and notable concerts in London and the British culture. Each year it hosts more than 390 shows in the main auditorium, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with a live orchestra, sports, and award ceremonies.

The name of the hall goes back to Prince Albert since Queen Victoria considered it a memorial for him. The original name that was suggested was the “Central Hall of Arts and Sciences” but it ended up with its current name. The hall is part of other memorials built for Prince Albert such as the “Albert Memorial” found in Kensington Gardens.

Royal Albert Hall Proms

One of the most popular things that the Albert Hall is known for is hosting ‘The Proms’ which is short for promenade concert.

Over eight weeks throughout the summer months ‘The Proms’ showcase orchestral classical music concerts as well as other events throughout the year. The BBC now organising and broadcast the highly anticipated The Proms. The idea was founded in 1895 and has continued to only grow and get better.

Every season there is a variety of concerts in the Royal Albert Hall as well as the Cadogan Hall.  There are the Proms in the Park events across London and UK, held usually on the final night of The Proms. Also, you will find a selection of children and educational events. The Proms play a huge part in British Culture and a way for people to enjoy the best of classical music. It’s known as one of the biggest music festivals in the world and it’s not to be missed.

Royal Albert Hall Restaurants

One thing that many people might not know is that the Albert Hall has many great restaurants and bars throughout its building. Ticketholders are allowed access to this two hours before concerts. They offer an amazing range of dining styles so we are sure you find something you like.

Coda Restaurant

First up is this brilliant restaurant that is run by Michelin- awarded chef Eric Chavot. At Coda chef, Eric brings his amazing expertise to the Royal Albert Hall with a menu that’s been inspired by traditional French cooking. At this restaurant, you will enjoy delicious food and world-class service.

The Elgar Room Brasserie

Next, you can’t go wrong at this place with its perfect relaxing atmosphere and a variety of dishes for everyone to enjoy. From fish style dishes, meat and vegetarian dishes that are all prepared fresh from the Jasper grill. During concert intervals, you can head back to the restaurant for some desserts and a few drinks.

Verdi- Italian Kitchen

Another Royal Albert Restaurants is ‘Verdi’ where you can enjoy some of the most delicious Italian food.  This Restaurant was actually named after Giuseppe Verdi who was of the best Italian opera composers. This is the perfect place for family and friends to enjoy great food in a very welcoming restaurant. On Fridays, you can enjoy some live music right from your table.

Schweppes Alchemy Bar

This bar is a real treat where you can try some amazing Asian food and some of the best wines imported from all around the world. If you’re not overly hungry before a show then we suggest heading here and trying their light menu. Great lively atmosphere perfect for your pre-show drinks.

Cafe Bar

A great cafe is a must wherever you go and this one at Royal Albert Hall is pretty great. The Cafe is open every day and serves a range of breakfast muffins, pastries, delicious cakes, healthy salads as well a variety of sandwiches. Its perfect for all you tea and coffee drinker as they have a good selection of coffees, speciality teas as well as cold drinks and smoothies.

Enjoy food from your Box

Another great perk to going to see a concert at the Albert Hall is that you can order food and drink that will be brought to your box. This means you won’t have to miss out on the concert and can enjoy some great food at the same time.  This is only available for people with seats within the box on the Grand Tier, Second Tier or Loggia Levels.

If you have the chance, you should definitely choose to see a concert or any other event at the Royal Albert Hall during your visit to London, because you will love the whole experience and you will fall in love with the atmosphere of the place.

London is always calling out to people from around the world to come and visit it for the history it carries. The beautiful buildings it has and all the different themed shops it has which people are crazy about. Some people even visit this city more than once and are always looking forward to going back to it.

Here are some recommendations of places we think you should visit while in London: National Theatre, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, Hay’s Galleria, Houses of Parliament, The Royal Mews, Albert Memorial, Tate Modern.