In a City often praised for its vibrant food scene, London has one problem- there are simply too many options. With thousands of offerings to choose from, a quick lunch can turn into hours spent trawling through the internet or walking around the Square Mile trying to find the perfect spot. Eventually, the clock having ticked away steadily and nothing to show for it, a combination of sore feet and pure frustration push me through the door of the nearest chain, purchasing yet another sandwich meal deal with my head hung in defeat. If you want to avoid the panic, here at City Matters, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite spots in the city, and some of our favourite dishes. So, whether you want a dining experience for the middle of your work day, or to turn your afternoon into an experience, there’s no need to worry. From Cantonese to Mexican, here are the best eats in the city to avoid your afternoon crisis and keep you coming back.
Fortnum and Mason at the Royal Exchange
This stunning venue is serving up more than just luxury goods; it’s the perfect location for a sophisticated afternoon tea.
Their classic afternoon tea offers a selection of 9 different blends, from a classic Earl Grey to the floral and mildly citrusy Fortmason blend, a house specialty. It paired perfectly with the trio of cakes served, ranging from a light vanilla sponge to a balanced raspberry tart. The standout however was the rose petal éclair, a soft choux pastry filled with an indulgently and
delicately flavoured cream.
The service was impeccable, with our platter being served within minutes of ordering. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, a medley of greens, yellows and pinks from both the sweet and savoury offerings. The smoked trout sandwich, served on pink beetroot bread, was firm and strong in flavour, balanced by milder offerings like the cucumber finger
sandwich, which was a pleasant palate cleanser, offering more nuanced flavours. The savoury offering was well thought out, with each of the flavours complementing each other and providing a delightful flavour profile. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without a traditional English scone, and Fortnum and Mason certainly delivered, with perfectly buttery and soft scones. Served warm, they served as the perfect base to enjoy with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, or to give a citrusy twist with lemon curd. It certainly doesn’t hurt that all of this was enjoyed in the historic Royal Exchange, with the sun streaming in from its glass roof, highlighting the mezzanine and its stunning interior, not least the signature Fortnum and Mason island bar and plush upholstery. An elegant experience throughout.
4-7 Royal Exchange EC3V 3LR
https://www.fortnumandmason.com/the-royal-exchange-london
Flying Horse Coffee
If you’re looking to get away from the rush of Liverpool Street, this is the perfect spot. Tucked away just off Shoreditch High Street, Flying Horse Coffee offers all-day brunch with an exciting menu that offers both classics, like its classic fry up, or for those with a sweet tooth, their honey butter toast, topped with light crème fraiche and an exotic passion fruit
curd. If you’re stopping in for a mid-day lunch, we’re big fans of the Mexican breakfast, a twist on your normal boring eggs on toast, instead offering eggs with Mexican staples-tortilla, pico de gallo, and the perfect level of kick balanced by a creamy guacamole.
For heat-lovers, it’s even served with a side of hot sauce, so you can add as much spice as you like. The portion sizes are perfect and definitely fuel you for the rest of your day! If you’re mulling over these options, the staff are very welcoming and on-hand to give recommendations on juices, coffees, and brunch options.
Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends or find a quiet space to work in, it’s the perfect spot, with relaxed music beats, plenty of table space, floor-to-table windows, and a chill atmosphere. With all this on offer, Flying Horse is flying into our recommendations as one of the finest coffee shops in Shoreditch.
4B Holywell Lane EC2A 3ET
https://flyinghorsecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Three Uncles
No matter where you are in the Square Mile, with its St Paul’s and Liverpool Street location, a Three Uncles is never too far, easily recognisable by its signature blue façade and hand-crafted neon signs. Its food is no less carefully crafted than its signage, with a simple, straightforward menu that offers Cantonese classics. Although all three roast meat offerings are superb, if you only have the stomach space for one, we recommend opting for their signature roast duck, which is marinated, hung, and fan-dried in a process that takes over 24 hours. The result is a duck which is tender and flavourful, melting in the mouth. Its flavours are subtle and nuanced, and pair well with their bright ginger and spring onion sauce. With the plentiful portions, it’s almost unimaginable, but if their roast meats aren’t enough, the pork and prawn siu mai are a great addition, served in a mild chilli oil that finishes off the combination. With its fast-casual dining style that promises lightning-fast service, if you’re looking for a quick yet tasty meal that will leave you energised, this spot is a no-brainer.
https://www.threeuncles.co.uk/
3 Old Bailey EC4M 7BG
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