Leadenhall Market has been a centre of eating and drinking for many centuries. From its Roman origins, through to the Middle Ages, the cook shops that served up the first fast food via hot pies among other nutritional (and not so nutritional) delights, to some of Dickens’ favourite spots, Leadenhall’s food scene has constantly evolved to keep up with the times, always ensuring there’s food to suit all palates.
In recent years, Leadenhall Market’s food & drink scene has gone through a renaissance, welcoming new flavours from around the globe, including South American specialists Argentinian Grill, Lebanese favourites Baba Ganoush, British burgers with a side of hip hop, soul & funk at Boom Bap Burger, Danish coffee project Hagen and Japanese soul food with Rainbo.
These new outlets perfectly compliment those who have been in the market for many years, such as traditional French speciality pastry brand Aux Merveilleux De Fred, the ultimate cheese tasting experience at Cheese and popular tapas spot La Viña.
Luc’s Brasserie
This lively French bistro set in the wrought-iron splendour of London’s historic Leadenhall Market. A resident of the market for over 30 years, originally owned by a Frenchman called Luc, who sold the business nearly 20 years ago to its current owner Darrin Jacobs, Luc’s Brasserie prides itself on being a City institution with a pool of regulars.
With its meticulously formed wine list, seasonally updated menu and à la mode service, you’ll find this lovely French restaurant beautifully tucked away on the upper floors, with splendid views across the Victorian marketplace. Classic French dishes and char-grilled steaks make Luc’s a long-term City favourite, with regulars even requesting specific tables.
The service at Luc’s is brought to you by a team who function more like a passionate Mediterranean family than co-workers, creating a relaxing area to dine in the heart of the bustling city.
Rainbo
This spot is a celebration of some of Japan’s (and now the UK’s) favourite street food. Originally founded by husband and wife duo Ben and Xochi in 2012 with nothing more than a food truck and a dream to do what they love – Gyoza!, in 2016 they were joined by James Palmer who left his corporate life with an ambition to grow Rainbo from a single food truck to London’s favourite Japanese street food business. Rainbo joined Leadenhall Market in 2023, and has become a popular spot with locals, City workers and tourists alike. Its constantly evolving menu is inspired by traditional flavours, with a fresh and respectful interpretation of Japanese cuisine: Gyoza, Katsu and Bao are at the core of their most popular dishes. Expect a refreshed menu in September!
For those wanting to tie in some retail therapy with their dining at Leadenhall, 15 stores can be found on its cobbled alleyways, ranging from British fashion brands to gift shops, books stores and more. In addition to its retail and dining residents, the market often hosts pop-up events – from weekend vintage and craft markets, to immersive experiences, there is plenty to enjoy in-between browsing.
Boom Bap Burgers
If you’ve been to Leadenhall Market you’ll know that there are no shortage of food joints to try. Boom Bap Burger delivers on hearty burgers that not only taste fantastic but are also perfect for those social media shots. But Boom Bap Burger doesn’t stop at just burgers. For sides, be sure to check out the onion rings or the cheesy fries – both are a fantastic choice. The chicken wings here are also fabulous and are generously portioned. The staff at Boom Bap Burger are attentive, friendly and pay close attention to detail. The team at City Matters highly recommends this burger joint as one to be added to your list for the next time that you are craving a delicious burger in the heart of the City.
The New Moon
Right on the corner as you enter the City’s iconic Leadenhall walkway, you’ll find the oldest newest pub on the cobbles, The New Moon. Recently spruced up, the market’s historic pub is now back in business – with a brand new menu.
Head upstairs to find The Brasserie. The New Moon’s newly refurbished dining room provides all the comforts of an old fashioned pub, mixed with art deco elegance to create a relaxing dining atmosphere. We recommend booking a table by the window for a view over Leadenhall Market at golden hour.
The bar at The Brasserie offers a wide selection of drinks for you to enjoy. They offer refreshing beers on draught, a selection of spirits and a range of wines that take you from light and fruity to rich and woody.
The new menu offers lots of great starters to tide you over before your main meal. The Toasted Crumpet with Oyster Mushrooms in Ssamjang sauce stacked on top is an unlikely combination that absolutely works. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked and the sauce was smoky and sweet.
The New Moon also has a Pie of the Day option. We tried the Smoked Haddock and Salmon Pie served with seasonal greens – a creamy pot pie coated with lemony breadcrumbs that was just the kind of hearty pub grub we were looking for. The pub’s new menu also has a vegan option of a vegan cheeseburger with vegan cheese, tangy pickles and skin-on fries, which was also a winner. As for the desserts, The New Moon have brought back some old favourites, including Eton Mess, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Knickerbocker Glory. A wonderful pub to visit when you’re in the City for some hearty pub grub and fabulous drinks.
Old Tom’s Bar
Old Tom’s Bar in Leadenhall Market is usually packed on weekday evenings with City workers coming down for after-work pints.
The bar is named after a Goose called Tom. According to legend he escaped capture and roamed the market freely, successfully avoiding becoming someone’s supper. You can read more about him and his story on a large sign downstairs by the bar.
There’s a large selection of wine and whisky. Whispering Angel is a particularly refreshing rosè on a summer’s day and the eighteen-year-old Chivas Regal whisky bites back.
To go with your beverage, there’s a selection of bar snacks, including delicious sausage rolls, scotch eggs and lamb pasties. If you prefer a cheese board, Old Tom’s Bar offers a wide variety of hard and soft cheeses, including Godminster Cheddar, Cornish Yarg and unpasteurised Baron Bigod Brie de Meaux. Served with beer sourdough, pickles, cornichons, chutney or jam, it’s a perfect light meal.
This cosy bar has a gorgeous interior with vintage-looking green and white tiles, old photographs hung up and comfy seats. It’s your perfect after-work fix.
For more information, visit: https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/
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