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The Mill at Sonning

4.7
·1k reviews·Sonning Eye, United Kingdom

A historic mill transformed into a magical dinner theatre, offering delicious food and captivating live performances.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Dinner and a show magic

CrowdHigh
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The Mill at Sonning - Image 1

The Mill at Sonning

Best Time

Evenings

Dinner and a show magic

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic mill transformed into a magical dinner theatre, offering delicious food and captivating live performances.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Everybody should experience The Mill at least once. It is very indulgent, food for the body and soul (literally!)."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Dinner & Show Together

Tickets usually include a meal and performance. Book ahead for popular shows!

✨ Arrive Early for the Bar

Enjoy the historic mill wheel ambiance downstairs before dinner. Parking attendants help!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Mill Wheel

The Historic Mill Wheel

Downstairs Bar Area

See the ancient mill wheel turning, a charming reminder of the venue's past, creating a magical atmosphere.

Intimate Theatre Setting

Intimate Theatre Setting

Upstairs Theatre

Enjoy a cozy theatre experience where every seat offers a great view of the stage and performers.

Pre-Show Dining Experience

Pre-Show Dining Experience

Upstairs Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal in a pleasant atmosphere before the show, with attentive table service.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Dinner & Show Package

The Mill at Sonning offers a unique dinner theatre experience. Tickets are typically sold as a package, including a pre-show meal and the performance. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular shows like 'White Christmas'.Instagram

Arrive Early for the Mill Wheel Ambiance

Start your evening downstairs in the bar area to enjoy the view of the historic mill wheel and soak in the atmosphere before dinner.Reddit Parking can be tight, so arriving a little early is wise, though attendants assist with parking.Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Dinner and a show magic
Crowd
High
When
Christmas Season
Why
Festive shows & buffet
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎭 The Mill at Sonning Needs You 🎭 Today we launch our crowdfunder to secure the future of the UK’s only Dinner Theatre. Dame Judi Dench: “The Mill is a jewel of British theatre.” 💙 Pledge today to give this campaign the momentum it needs (link in bio) 🎥 Watch our brand-new film featuring Dame Judi, Brian Blessed, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Debbie McGee, the cast of Casualty and more. ⭐ Rewards include: ...
millatsonning
84 likes • 2.7K views

🎯 Book Dinner & Show Together

Tickets usually include a meal and performance. Book ahead for popular shows! InstagramReddit

✨ Arrive Early for the Bar

Enjoy the historic mill wheel ambiance downstairs before dinner. Parking attendants help! Reddit

The new revival production of the musical White Christmas is now open at @millatsonning and it’s a WONDERFUL festive treat! ❄️ {pr invite} Plus, the pre-show Christmas buffet experience before the show? Divine! The Mill at Sonning honestly provides a gold star experience when it comes to a theatre trip out! 🥰 #whitechristmas #christmas #stagey #theatre #theater #sonning
aeronjamesuk
226 likes • 12.1K views
Another fun evening performing my magic night at The Mill at Sonning Theatre. The show is now in its 11th year. #mindreading #mindreader #eventsprofsuk #entertainment #events #danhudsonmagic #berkshiremagician #christmasparty #standupcomedy #eveningofmagic #cabaretmagic #comedy #cabaret #comedymagic #cabaretmagician #eventhost #host #theatreshow #theatre #emcee
danhudsonmagician
7 likes • 1K views

🍽️ Enjoy the Table Service

Experience attentive service for your meal before heading to the intimate theatre. Reddit

🎭 Intimate Theatre Views

No matter where you sit, you'll have a great view of the stage. Reddit

Another gorgeous week at the Mill and gloriously sunny Sonning! . A birthday, an afternoon tea with the fascinating and lovely ‘Angels of the Mill’, the cutest puppy, time out by the Thames and some glorious guests to see the show - my fantastic Agent @jlaagents my husband, some dear friends and renowned playwright Richard Bean! What a bumper week! . . . . #happyactress #themillatsonning #love...
_louise_faulkner_
29 likes • 609 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Dinner & Show Together

Tickets usually include a meal and performance. Book ahead for popular shows! InstagramReddit

✨ Arrive Early for the Bar

Enjoy the historic mill wheel ambiance downstairs before dinner. Parking attendants help! Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy the Table Service

Experience attentive service for your meal before heading to the intimate theatre. Reddit

🎭 Intimate Theatre Views

No matter where you sit, you'll have a great view of the stage. Reddit

🎶 Check 'What's On' Listings

From musicals to comedy, see the diverse range of performances. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The Mill at Sonning's unique dinner theatre experience, praising the delicious food, intimate theatre setting, and the magical ambiance enhanced by the historic mill wheel. The attentive staff and high-quality productions contribute to an overall indulgent and memorable night out, making many eager to return.

"Everybody should experience The Mill at least once. It is very indulgent, food for the body and soul (literally!).

The car park is small, but parking attendants help to get as many cars as possible. And it’s free.

You start downstairs in the bar with all the twinkly lights and view of the mill wheel which transports you back in time while you sip on a drink (or two).

Then you are taken upstairs for an evening meal. You get your dedicated table and a server who is there to make your evening comfortable. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very pleasant, there is no rush and our waitress was fantastic, very polite and friendly. Bread, butter and olives were already waiting at the table. You get to choose a main meal and dessert from the set menu (5 choices each). I had a salmon followed by vanilla pana cotta and coffee/tea in the end. That’s all included in the price of your ticket. The food arrived really quickly, it tasted delicious and we had plenty of time to chat and enjoy the atmosphere.

After the meal you proceed to the theatre, which is cozy and no matter where you sit, you will be able to see every little detail on that stage. The show was a tribute to Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. We loved it, even if the drums were way too loud, the singers were excellent, including the backing singers who danced all the way through it. Audience was engaged, singing and dancing.

It was a fabulous evening out and we have already bought tickets for our next show. We cannot wait!"

Mirjana Fowle

"Visited with my wife to see "Death in Pemberley" along with a meal.
This was my first visit and I have to say the experience was fantastic. The service in both the bar and restaurant was excellent, and the quality of the food was tip-top to match. The play followed, which was produced to an extremely high standard. Loved every moment. Excellent!"

John Cordrey

"Full marks for My Fair Lady. What a show - what fun! The choreography and execution was simply fantastic! The detail remarkable - every single actress and actor performed with an amazing range of expression even when the spotlight wasn’t on them - all entirely believable. The meal beforehand was very enjoyable and the staff did very well given how busy it was. We will be back - thank you :)"

Chris Payne

What People Like

Unique dinner theatre format
Historic mill wheel ambiance
Intimate theatre views

What People Dislike

Small car park
Drums can be too loud (occasionally)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mill at Sonning is located in Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site, though it can get busy.Reddit Public transport options include nearby train stations like Reading, from which you can take a taxi or bus. Check local bus routes for direct access.

Yes, there is free parking available. However, the car park is small, and parking attendants are on hand to help maximize space during busy periods.Reddit Arriving a little early is recommended.

Taxis are a convenient option, especially if you're coming from a nearby train station like Reading. It's advisable to book your return taxi in advance, particularly after evening performances.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for The Mill at Sonning are typically sold as a package that includes both dinner and the theatre show. It's best to book directly through their official website or by calling their box office. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular productions like 'White Christmas'.Instagram

Most ticket packages include a pre-show meal served upstairs in the restaurant, followed by the performance in the intimate theatre. Some special events might have different inclusions, so always check the specific booking details.Reddit

The Mill at Sonning operates primarily for evening performances, with the bar opening earlier for pre-show drinks and dining. Specific opening times can vary depending on the performance schedule, so it's best to check their website for the day you plan to visit.

Yes, The Mill at Sonning offers gift vouchers, which make for a wonderful present for theatre lovers. These can usually be purchased through their website and can be redeemed against tickets for future shows.

While specific discount codes are not widely advertised, group bookings or special promotions might be available. It's worth checking their website or contacting the box office directly for any current offers.

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is described as magical and transporting, starting with the historic mill wheel downstairs and moving to a pleasant, intimate dining and theatre experience upstairs.Reddit It's considered a great night out for adults.Reddit

The Mill at Sonning hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, comedy nights, and tribute acts. They are known for productions like 'White Christmas' Instagram+1 and have hosted magicians and other entertainers.TikTokInstagram

While some family-friendly shows are performed,TikTok the overall experience, particularly the dinner and theatre package, is generally geared towards adults.Reddit It's best to check the specific show's suitability for children.

The theatre is intimate, and reviewers consistently mention that no matter where you sit, you have an excellent view of the stage and can see every detail.Reddit

Yes, the historic mill wheel is a key feature and is visible and accessible in the downstairs bar area, offering a glimpse into the venue's past.InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The food is generally praised, with reviewers describing it as delicious and of high quality. The menu typically offers a choice of main courses and desserts as part of the ticket package.Reddit They have transitioned from buffet to à la carte service, which has been well-received.Reddit

Historically, it was a set menu with choices for main and dessert.Reddit More recently, they have moved to an à la carte service, offering a more refined dining experience.Reddit Always check the current offerings when booking.

While specific dietary options aren't detailed in all reviews, restaurants of this caliber usually cater to dietary needs. It's recommended to inform the venue of any dietary requirements when booking your tickets.

A bar is available downstairs for pre-show drinks, often with views of the mill wheel.Reddit During dinner, table service is provided for drinks. They also offer cocktails.Instagram

Yes, afternoon tea at The Mill at Sonning is highlighted as a lovely experience in a quirky and gorgeous venue, offering a different way to enjoy the historic setting.Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the charm of the historic mill wheel downstairs,InstagramReddit the cozy theatre interior, and the picturesque riverside setting of Sonning-on-Thames.Instagram The stage sets themselves can also be visually striking.Instagram

Generally, photography and videography are not permitted during the performance to avoid disturbing other audience members and the performers. However, you can usually take photos in the bar and restaurant areas before the show begins.

While general photography for personal use is usually fine in public areas, professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Always be mindful of others and avoid flash photography during the performance.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While The Mill at Sonning is primarily an adult-focused dinner theatre, it does occasionally host shows suitable for families and children, such as children's magic shows.TikTok When planning a visit with younger ones, it's crucial to check the specific 'What's On' listings to ensure the chosen performance is age-appropriate and engaging for children. The intimate theatre setting can be wonderful for kids who might be overwhelmed by larger venues, but the dinner component might be less appealing to very young children. Consider booking for a matinee performance if available and suitable for your family's needs.

🥂 Couples & Special Occasions

The Mill at Sonning offers a perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special celebration. The combination of a delicious pre-show meal, attentive service, and an intimate theatre experience creates a truly memorable occasion. Many visitors describe the atmosphere as magical and indulgent,Reddit making it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a sophisticated night out. The historic charm of the mill and the quality of the performances add an extra layer of specialness to any event.

🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts

For dedicated theatre lovers, The Mill at Sonning provides a unique and high-quality experience. The venue is known for its excellent productions, often featuring talented casts and well-crafted staging.InstagramReddit The intimate theatre ensures a close-up view of the performances, allowing for a deep appreciation of the acting and direction. The curated selection of plays, musicals, and other live events means there's always something compelling on offer for those seeking quality live entertainment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Dinner Theatre Experience

The Mill at Sonning is renowned for its distinctive dinner theatre format, offering a complete evening's entertainment in one location. Visitors begin their experience downstairs in the atmospheric bar, often with a view of the historic mill wheel, enjoying a pre-dinner drink.Reddit This sets a relaxed and charming tone before guests are invited upstairs for their meal.

The dining experience is a crucial part of the visit. While it has evolved from buffet to à la carte service, the focus remains on providing quality food and attentive table service in a pleasant restaurant setting.Reddit This allows ample time for conversation and enjoyment of the ambiance before the main event – the theatre performance. The seamless transition from dining to the theatre, located just steps away, enhances the convenience and flow of the evening.

This integrated approach creates a truly immersive and indulgent experience, making The Mill at Sonning a destination for a special night out. It's this combination of good food, a unique historical setting, and live performance that draws patrons back for repeat visits.Reddit

A Glimpse into History: The Old Mill

The venue's name, 'The Mill at Sonning,' hints at its rich past. Originally a working flour mill, the building retains elements of its industrial heritage, most notably the historic mill wheel that can still be seen turning in the downstairs bar area.InstagramReddit This feature is a significant draw, offering visitors a tangible connection to the site's history and adding a unique charm to the atmosphere.

This historical backdrop is not just for show; it's woven into the fabric of the visitor experience. The quirky venue Instagram leverages its past to create a memorable ambiance, transporting guests back in time as they enjoy their evening. The juxtaposition of the old mill structure with the modern theatre and dining facilities creates a fascinating contrast that many visitors appreciate.

Understanding the building's origins enhances the appreciation for the transformation into a thriving cultural hub. It’s this blend of history and contemporary entertainment that makes The Mill at Sonning a distinctive and beloved venue, celebrated by patrons and performers alike, including notable figures like Dame Judi Dench.TikTok

The Intimate Theatre Experience

The theatre at The Mill at Sonning is intentionally designed to be intimate, ensuring that every audience member feels close to the performance. Unlike larger venues, the seating arrangement is such that there are no bad seats; patrons consistently report excellent views of the stage from all positions.Reddit This proximity allows for a deeper connection with the actors and a more engaging theatrical experience.

This intimate setting is particularly effective for a range of performances, from dramatic plays to lively musicals and comedy shows.Instagram+1 The acoustics and sightlines are optimized for this smaller scale, meaning that subtle nuances in acting and staging are easily appreciated. It fosters a sense of shared experience among the audience, making each performance feel more personal and impactful.

Reviewers often highlight the cozy atmosphere of the theatre, which complements the overall indulgent experience of dining and entertainment. It’s this carefully curated environment, where every detail is considered, that contributes to the venue's reputation for delivering high-quality theatrical productions in a uniquely charming setting.

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