Alfresco v Aldesco
With the sun out, it’s time to eat alfresco, says Alex Dymoke – but for those poor souls stuck to your desks, we have some special take away options as well…
THE CITY (NORTH)
The Water Poet
9-11 Folgate Street, E1 6BX
The Water Poet pub is located at the very northern tip of the Square Mile. If you think this pub has a pretty name, wait till you see its garden. With great food and a convivial alfresco buzz, the Water Poet is just as popular among lunch-time diners as it is among evening drinkers. Just watch out on Friday nights – its popularity means that it gets very, very crowded. Still, book a table and you’re guaranteed a good meal and a good time.
KERB street food market
30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP
Located on St Mary Axe at the foot of the Gherkin, street-food market KERB’s traders include BBQ Lamb, Bell and Brisket, Big Apple Hot Dogs and Capish, an Italian American sandwich stall. The queues don’t lie. Take one of these treats back to your desk and you’re sure to make your colleagues jealous with mouthwatering, freshly prepared food that isn’t too expensive.
THE CITY (SOUTH)
Taberna Etrusca
9-11 Bow Churchyard, EC4M 9DQ
Taberna Etrusca is a classic trattoria-style Italian restaurant that has been going since 1967 – no mean feat in the City, where restaurant closures are all too frequent. Tucked away in Bow Churchyard, it’s an easy one to miss even if you work nearby. It’s worth seeking out, though, especially in summer when you can enjoy your pasta (and a cold glass of white wine) on a well-positioned outside table.
Porterford Butchers
72 Watling St, EC4M 9EB
Also tucked away in the lanes south of Cheapside is Porterford Butchers. As you might expect, this is a great place to get a joint for your sunday roast, but it’s also great for lunch, as many of my colleagues here at City PM attest. Fill the office with meaty fumes from the various sandwiches and rotisserie products on offer. Watch out for the queues, though – last time I got stuck in a line behind a dozen hungry workers waiting to get their hands on the famous bacon baguette.
MAYFAIR
Mews of Mayfair
10, Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY
Mews of Mayfair is located within a cobbled courtyard in the middle of the prestigious west London district. The restaurant makes the most of its historic location, with a beautiful outside seating area perfect for sipping on a lunch time tipple or simply people-watching as you tuck into exquisitely cooked modern French food ordered from the Mews Brasserie.
Mount Street Deli
100 Mount Street W1K 2TG
If you’re facing the drudgery of another lunch in front of the computer, sometimes it’s important to treat yourself. There can’t be many take away lunches classier than one bought from Mayfair’s Mount Street Deli. It isn’t cheap, but nobody comes here for a bargain, and plus, it’s worth it for the lovingly made – and always seasonal – food on offer.
SOUTHWARK
Fish!
Borough Market, SE1 9AL
Fish! has long been a favourite among seafood fans, and when the sun peeps through the clouds there are few better places to sit outside with a cold drink and a plate piled high with whitebait. The large terrace is in the heart of Borough market, making it a great place to sit and spectate. As you might expect, the fish pie and fish and chips are tip top.
Borough Market
8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL
If you can’t afford to spend the whole hour, nip down to one of the many stalls in Borough Market, sample the buzz, buy a snack and then nip back up again to your desk. You’ll be safe in the knowledge you’ve got some delicious streetfood – made from the freshest seasonal ingredients – to nibble at while you do your work. There’s a reason this is the number one foodie destination in the UK.
CANARY WHARF
Gaucho
29 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR
Who cares about having a light lunch when steak is on the menu? Not any old steak, either – we’re talking Gaucho’s Argentinian steaks. There is no shortage of alfresco dining spots in the Canary Wharf area, but Gaucho offers the most mouth-watering option. Argentine culture is all about alfresco eating, and on a hot day, the leafy trees on the terrace offer a delightfully shaded dining experience. Perfect for a relaxed lunchtime meeting in the sun.
Bene Bene
Canada Place Canary Wharf E14 5AH
If you’re keeping your boss happy by eating at your desk, why not keep your bank manager happy, too? If it’s creeping toward the end of the month, eating at Bene Bene could be a good option. The sandwich shop is outrageously good value for an area not exactly known for its cheap eateries. It’s been in the Wharf for over a decade and its cheap and cheerful, no frills sandwiches have kept a loyal client base coming back year after year, day after day, lunch after lunch. Look no further if you’re on a budget.