London has always been a city best explored on the go, and sometimes the most memorable meals are the ones eaten sat on a park bench, perched by a street market stall or strolling between sights. Chris Johnson highlights some of the best places to eat well without a reservation.
One of the hottest new arrivals is Alley Cats Pizza on Portobello Road, where a street-facing hatch serves 18-inch New York-style slices to hungry shoppers and marketgoers. Already famous for its thin, crispy creations, Alley Cats is now one of London’s most talked-about pizza parlours – look out for its other locations, too.
For another slice of pizza perfection, head to Homeslice in Neal’s Yard. Tucked away in Covent Garden’s colourful courtyard, Homeslice has built a loyal following for its generously sized pizzas. Grab a piece and enjoy it among the cafés and boutiques that make Neal’s Yard one of central London’s most Instagrammable corners.
No guide to London’s grab-and-go food scene would be complete without a nod to Beigel Bake on Brick Lane. Open 24 hours a day and serving London’s East End since 1974, it is famous for its salt-beef bagel, piled high with tender meat, mustard and pickles. Freshly baked and affordable, it’s a classic London bite that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Tommy’s Sandwiches in King’s Cross has earned a reputation for American-style subs packed with fillings and plenty of sauce. Elsewhere, Bun House in Chinatown serves fluffy Cantonese bao buns stuffed with the likes of barbecue pork belly and cumin-spiced lamb, offering affordable Hong Kong-inspired comfort food. For something sweet to follow, Venchi in Covent Garden offers Italian gelato and chocolates that make an ideal afternoon treat.
Markets remain some of the best destinations for eating on the move. Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden brings together numerous independent street food traders under one roof, while Borough Market near London Bridge showcases outstanding produce and flavours from around the world. The Southbank Centre Food Market (Fri-Sun) is another essential stop, with around 40 independent traders serving everything from Asian street dishes to fish and chips. Located on the Belvedere Road side of the Royal Festival Hall, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch before wandering up the steps to see views of the River Thames.
And whether it’s a loaded burrito from Hola Guacamole in Paddington’s Merchant Square or a late-night espresso at Soho’s Bar Italia, London’s greatest takeaway meals prove that some of the city’s best dining experiences come without table service.
