Places for lunch in London

Let’s start with the big hitters shall we? Situated in Hoxton, this place pretty much does what it says on the tin; it’s on a mission to serve great meat. If you’re curing last night’s schoolnight hangover, or just really feeling peckish, we recommend this joint. They have a slew of burgers including the Dirty Chicken Burger, and a classic cheeseburger, and plenty of options for vegans and veggies too. If you’re heading for lunch, hit up the £10 lunch deal where you get a burger, fries, and unlimited soda for just a tenner.

Something a bit more refined now as we move over to Islington. Oldroyd is a teeny tiny restaurants on Upper Street, run by ex-Polpo Chef Director Tom Oldroyd. Their lunch menu is just £16 for two courses, or £19 for three, making this excellent value for the style of food. Try out plates like goat’s curd with violet artichokes, girolles, and pea shoots, or salted and scorched sardines. If you need a little pick-me-up to cope with an afternoon at the office, hit up their cocktail list with classics like a Godfather or their own take on the famous negroni.

Yes. This is a cheese restaurant. Please stop screaming in delight. These guys have a serious love for cheese and aren’t afraid to let you know about it. They serve up a mainly cheese-based (well duh) menu, featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes like arancini, duck confit, and twice baked souffle sitting alongside their fondue and raclette. You should also check out their cheese and wine menu that pairs the perfect glass to your fromage. Just don’t overdo it and end up sleeping all afternoon. (Think of the nightmares!)

One of our favourite lunch places in London, Hood in Streatham serves up locally sourced food all day every day. Serving up lunch from 11am-2.15pm, it’s a great place to head for an early meal. We’re huge fans of their house salad, a traditional salad that you can top with halloumi, chicken, or smoked pig’s cheek, and they have a daily-changing pasta selection that always keeps people coming back. They serve up a great coffee, make a mean Bloody Mary, and we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be on a random mid-week Wednesday.

There’s nothing we love more than a great deal. And that’s partly why delicious Manuka Kitchen is one of our top lunch places in London. Their lunch and early dinner menu runs from 12-6pm Tuesday til Friday, and has a great main and dessert option for just £14.95. Try treats like stuffed courgettes, bavette steak, or Wagyu beef bolognese. And don’t forget to try one of their famous aperitifs like the pomegranate and elderflower Bellini, or Kir Royal

If you find yourself near Richmond, you’ve really got to head to Rock and Rose. Not only is their food delicious, but the decor will take your breath away. All we can think to describe it is Alice in Wonderland, on acid. There’s chandeliers, huge pink Chesterfield sofas, massive flower displays, and much much more. But it’s not all style with no substance here as their menu is filled with delicious dishes. From Thai tofu veggie curry, to whole lobster with a glass of champers, there’s something to please everyone here.