Eating at your desk was acceptable in winter. A bit sad. A bit annoying. But totally understandable. Few of us wanted to leave the office during those cold and wet months to venture out for food and a screen break.
But summer is rearing its sun-soaked head once again, and we’ve got to take full advantage. That means getting over to your nearest park for a little lunchtime me-time. And what better way to soak up these precious moments than by feasting on some tasty local takeaway food.
No matter where you are in the Square Mile, there are still plenty of green spaces surrounded by great cafes and restaurants dishing out quick meals to the sun tanners out there. Here are a few of our favourites.
Pham Sushi
The one by Fortune Street Park
Pham Sushi has two different locations – the one located by the Barbican Centre is tailor made for eat-in dining while their takeaway option up the road does much of the same dishes but without fussing about service. They even deliver too. Get around some fresh and simple sushi and sashimi, being sure to try some of the amazing seafood options. We love treating ourselves to an end of the week bento box which comes with all the Japanese trimmings. It’s takeaway food done a little classier.
122 Whitecross street EC1Y 8PU
The Natural Kitchen
The one by Postman’s Park
The Natural Kitchen started off as a simple organic food shop but has now become one of London’s top healthy lunch venues. Hearty and healthy options leave diners spoiled for choice, and the fresh meat counter is a marvel in itself. It’s perfect for assembling your own lunch board, salad or sandwich. Plus, it’s also super sustainable and organic. Chefs get up super early each morning to venture down to the market, selecting the freshest and best quality produce to use across all their London stores.
176 Aldersgate Street EC1A 4HU
Mangio
The one by St Paul’s
Fresh pasta to take away is just so special. Seriously, it just makes everything in the world that much better. And few do it as fast, cheap and good as the team at Mangio. Choose between the ricotta and spinach ravioli or porcini mushrooms and soft cheese cappellacci before going mad on the sauces. These change from time to time, depending on the season and are a far cry from your basic high street interpretations. Make it into a meal, adding on some salad and cheesy bread and properly feast around some of the St Paul’s gardens, making your fellow lunchtime warriors jealous. Also, watch out for the specials and don’t miss the all too rare gnocchi in a rich ragu sauce.
30-32 Knightrider Street EC4V 5JT
Beppe’s
The one by Smithfield Rotunda Garden
It is extraordinary that traditional greasy spoons still exist within the City of London limits, but a place as good as Beppe’s could never be shut down (touch wood). The Italian-run cafe was started back in 1932 and little has changed on the menu since then. Grab either a burger, handmade sandwich, pasta or full English breakfast to sit in or take away to the nearby Smithfield Rotunda Garden. There’s no messing about here.
3 West Smithfield EC1A 9HY
Farmer J
The one by Garden at 120
This healthy grab-and-go restaurant is famous for its Field Trays; flavour-packed proteins with your choice of grains, salads and sides all dished up in a compartmentalised tray for less than £8. A different day brings with it a different combination; pair your harissa chicken with brown rice, cavalo nero and bean salad and a tarragon dressing, or match grilled salmon fillets with pesto, sweet potato chips and wilted greens. The offerings are just that little bit different compared to most takeaway joints in the City, lending from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Grab something here before running up to the new Garden at 120.
9 Devonshire Square EC2M 4YL
Assenheims 56
The one by St Dunstan in the East Garden
This South American-inspired breakfast and lunch spot is situated right by one of the special gardens in the City of London, known best for its overgrown plants and ruined church. Grab the signature grilled, marinated chicken with tobacco and green sauce – made from a hefty amount of coriander, spices and cold-pressed rapeseed oil. The lunchtime sandwiches are also a huge hit, especially the Argentine Chorizopan, which consists of a soft torpedo roll with two chorizo sausages and a South American salad of carrot, white cabbage, coriander, olive oil, lemon juice and white vinegar.
19-21 Great Tower Street EC3R 5AR
