Summary
The Medieval Banquet is an evening of dining and medieval entertainment held underground at St Katherine Docks, near Tower Bridge. You’ll enjoy over two hours of captivating performers, including singers, contortionists, jugglers, and magicians, all while indulging in a four-course meal.
This immersive experience combines theater and dining, moving beyond mere historical reenactments to engage its audience with humor and excitement.
Where is The Medieval Banquet?
Address: The Medieval Banquet, Ivory House, St Katharine Docks, London E1W 1BP
St Katherine Docks, once a hub for valuable cargoes from around the globe, boasts a rich tapestry of history and wealth. The Medieval Banquet takes place within the Victorian Ivory House, built in 1852, which served as a warehouse with extensive vaults designed to store luxury goods. These vaults now serve as unique dining areas, creating an intimate ambiance for the evening.
Arriving early is highly recommended; a stroll around St Katherine Docks reveals beautiful boats moored nearby, almost next to the Tower of London.
The Medieval Banquet occurs from Wednesday to Sunday evenings, with early start times on Sundays—making it a family-friendly option.
Upon Arrival
Doors open 30-45 minutes before the entertainment begins, so timely arrival is essential. Upon entering, guests receive seating tickets, leading them downstairs to their assigned tables. Each seating area comprises long tables shared with other guests, fostering a lively social atmosphere.
Each section is creatively named, such as one section representing the Tower of London, while another honors Kensington Palace.
Once seated, guests can peruse a selection of costumes, as dressing up adds to the fun. Men can choose from ample tabards, while women’s dresses offer a comfortable fit. Children’s costumes are also available. Note that a £10 costume hire fee applies, payable on the evening. For those preferring a simpler adornment, crowns are available for purchase.
The table will have water available, and a bar offers a variety of beverages if desired.
At the end of the room, King Henry VIII oversees the festivities from his throne, encouraging guests to interact for photos.
A welcoming knight will mingle among guests, showcasing card tricks and checking for any special occasions worth celebrating.
Your server for the evening will encourage fun interaction, inviting guests to call out for assistance. The staff enhances the overall experience with their friendliness and professionalism, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere in the uniquely themed setting.
The Show
During performances, guests are generally expected to remain seated; however, feel free to move about when the food is being served. A mix of entertainment occurs between each course, culminating in an exciting sword fight finale.
Instead of traditional applause, guests are encouraged to bang their fists on the table to show appreciation.
The performances feature a variety of acts, including medieval songs by singers, juggling jesters, and contortionists, showcasing a blend of opera and circus skills to delight audiences. Some performers may engage directly with diners, creating a unique and interactive experience.
Food and Drink
Beer tankards serve as the main drinking vessels on tables, with options to request additional glasses. Each table is provided with jugs of water, while ale and carafes of both red and white wine are available, constantly replenished as needed. Children may enjoy apple juice, adding a playful touch to their dining experience.
An exciting ceremony surrounds the food service, with your ‘wench’ presenting large cauldrons as guests eagerly bang their tables to summon their meals.
The first course features a hearty vegetable soup paired with thick bread, encouraging a communal, hands-on dining experience as no spoons are provided. The subsequent course offers a savory pate alongside cheese, tomatoes, and a rocket salad. Vegetarian options are available but should be specified in advance for those with dietary restrictions. The main dish consists of chicken with roast vegetables, finishing with dessert options of apple pie or ice cream for the children.
It’s Not the End
Once the meal concludes and the sword fight wraps up, the ‘wench’ leads guests in a lively dance, starting with circle dancing and transitioning into freestyle to contemporary music.
Anything to Change?
The restrooms are spacious, with helpful areas for outfit checks. However, the facilities could benefit from updates. Additionally, the venue lacks Wi-Fi and has limited phone reception. Nonetheless, these minor inconveniences do not overshadow the overall enjoyable experience provided by the Medieval Banquet.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received complimentary services for review purposes. However, this did not influence the objectivity of the review, as transparency about potential conflicts of interest is crucially important. For more information, please refer to our Ethics Policy.
