The Best Takeaway Lunches
If we're allowed off our lunchtime leash, there are a few spots we head to so we can grab something to take back to our desks - though sometimes we do end up in the local supermarket buying the same tired looking sandwiches. The places below, though, are our minds' refuges - something to look forward to when we've lost a biscuit in our tea, our stomach's are rumbling and we're beginning to get eggy...
Pho
86 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4EH
This chain is pretty reliable, and the Clerkenwell incarnation better than most. The mango salads prove really popular - they're quick, they're a fiver and they're pretty darn tasty. If it's winter, go for a bun ga hue - spicy and very warming.
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2 reviews
Spud
26 New Row, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4LA
Sometimes you just need a bit of stodge. And this place certainly offers that, with great jacket potatoes given fancy toppings like game chilli and beef bourguignon. Just prepare yourself for the inevitable potato lull...
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1 review
Another afternoon-killer. We always promise to only eat half when we get one of these huge burritos, but they make you greedy. They're possibly our favourite burritos in London, but the tacos are worth trying too - and they enable you to actually do some work in the afternoon.
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2 reviews
Keu! Deli
332 Old Street, Shoreditch, London, EC1V 9DR
The best banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes) in town. At least that's the conclusion we've reached. This place comes from the guy behind the Cay Tre venues and Viet Grill, and although the bread isn't exactly like those you get in Vietnam, these are still pretty authentic. And delicious.
Leon
3 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DW
We're big fans of Leon. Not only do they have some of the best cookbooks in the business but their superfood salad is a thing of genuine wonder. There's always a solid selection on offer, it's quick, and it's healthy - you really can't go far wrong.
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2 reviews
Masala Zone
48 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DA
A curry isn't always conducive to a decent afternoon of work but if you need a pep up (you're hungover) then any of these spots are worth their weight in gold. Inexpensive, generous, quick and tasty, Masala Zone has pleased our palates on many a lunchtime occasion.
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4 reviews
Pod
5 Lloyds Avenue, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 3AE
Fresh, seasonal food that tastes really good, Pod is one of our staple lunchtime stop-offs when we're nearby. It's decently priced too, so doesn't have to just be a treat for payday.
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1 review
Gails
138 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2DZ
It's not the cheapest but Gail's does some great sandwiches and baguettes (using amazing bread), as well as some very good salads. Not one to venture to every day, but definitely one to try.
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5 reviews