Covent Garden’s world-famous Royal Opera House dates from 1858, though this was the third theatre on this site – the first having been constructed in 1732 and called the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. Both the previous theatres were destroyed by fire – a common hazard for London’s theatres in the days before electricity. The building was extensively remodelled in 1990, though the 1858 facade, foyer and auditorium remain, the latter being Grade I listed.
The Balconies Restaurant is sited within the Floral Hall – a magnificent Victorian glass and iron structure once part of Covent Garden market, but incorporated into the Royal Opera House during the 1990’s rebuild project. Please click the thumbnail images below to view the Royal Opera House virtual tours.