Nine of London’s Best Places for a Work Lunch

It's barely past 10am and the question of "what's everyone doing for lunch?" is already circling around the office. Sling your soggy sandwiches and use your break to head to one of London's best lunch spots, which will have you dashing off at 1pm quicker than you can say Pret.

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Nathalie

Mayfair

Nathalie proves that fast food needn’t be unhealthy or unsustainable. Select a box of ready-made Mediterranean fare to can eat-in at the Hanover Square deli or take away to dine al desko. The fridges and shelves, stacked with vibrant juices and healthy sweet-treats, are obsessively organised and every bit as sharp and sleek as the marble and stainless steel decor.

Address

7 Hanover Square Mayfair W1S 1HQ

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Zobler’s Deli & Diner

The City

Work in The City? Head to Zobler’s Deli & Diner, a traditional New York-style Jewish deli set inside the old banking hall of The Ned. Grab one of the sandwiches overflowing with juicy pastrami or smoked salmon.

Address

27 Poultry EC2R 8AJ

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The Good Egg

Soho

It’s tricky to squeeze a five-hour flight into your lunch hour, so pop to Soho’s The Good Egg to be transported by Middle-Eastern cuisine. The produce is from sustainable and ethical sources, while its click-and-collect takeaway service means you’ll have extra time to attempt clearing your inbox.

Address

Ground Floor Kingly Court Kingly Street Soho W1B 5PW

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Polú Poké

Shoreditch

If the thought of another packed lunch in your Shoreditch office isn’t filling you with excitement, then a Polú Poké bowl or “Pokerito” roll might be for you. You can even order ahead and skip the queue if you’re in a rush.

Address

117 Worship Street Shoreditch EC2A 2BA

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Cuisine de Bar

Chelsea

Lunch like a Parisian in Chelsea's Cuisine de Bar, a bakery-cum-café by Poilâne that's perfect for catching up with work colleagues over coffee and pastries. Try its signature tartines: open sourdough sandwiches with mouth-watering toppings.

Address

39 Cadogan Gardens SW3 2TB

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Bluebelles of Portobello

Notting Hill

Feast on hearty gourmet sandwiches (yes, that includes the much-loved fish finger variety), colourful salads and all-day brunch at Bluebelles of Portobello. Try the kale smoothie for a green-fix to keep you going through the afternoon.

Address

320 Portobello Road W10 5RU

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Padella

Southwark

Hot lunches during work are becoming fewer and far between for the busiest of us, but they don't have to be a rarity. If you're working around London Bridge, grab a stool by the open kitchen in Padella. Modestly priced fresh pasta dishes and a charming atmosphere will brighten your day - that is, if you manage to get to the popular eatery early enough to secure a seat.

Address

6 Southwark Street SE1 1TQ

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Daylesford

Marylebone

Make a lunch date with Daylesford for seasonal organic plates and salads straight from its sustainable, organic farms in the Cotswolds and Staffordshire to your fork in Marylebone. Satisfy your hunger with meals from the main menu or daily specials - plus, the interior is irresistibly instagrammable.

Address

6-8 Blandford St W1U 4AU

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Serata Hall

Shoreditch

Old Street serves up your lunch spot of dreams. Here, Serata Hall looks as good as its food tastes – even the side dishes are incredible. Eat-in at the lofty and eclectically decorated space, or be the envy of your colleagues as you ponder over your emails with a takeaway pizza at your desk.

Address

207 Old Street EC1V 9NR

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