When you’re on a business trip or you’re relocating one of the first things you like to find out is what the local eateries are like. Even if you’re staying in a serviced apartment with a fully fitted kitchen and can make your own meals you want to have the option of eating at a restaurant. If the business travel budget isn’t as much as it used to be, or you’re looking for good value wholesome food then the Guardian has just published a list of the top budget restaurants in the West End. These are the ones we’ve tried.
1. Honey and Co
They always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Honey and Co is at the top end for lunch and dinner, but it’s ideal to grab a bite on the way into work. Choose from blueberry and sour cream doughnuts, toasted figs or a walnut and orange loaf in the baked selection. Alternatively, try the frittata and lahma breads for an unusual breakfast.
Location: Based on Warren Street, 10 minutes by train from Holborn, a 5-10 minute walk from Cleveland Residences.
£10 burgers are de rigour on the high street now so you know the price point at Honest Burger before you even go in. Yet when you fancy a burger you want something tasty. With 35 day aged beef and thicker patties that the average burger joint you also get tasty sides like rosemary flavoured chips, onion jam, a pickled cucumber with dill and mustard seeds and thick cut smoked bacon. Hits the spot.
Location: Based on Meard Street, 5 mins walk from Leicester Square and Clarendon’s West Street.
Great music matched with great food make this a must-visit destination restaurant. First the food menu. The minute you arrive you’ll want to leave space for a cake; chocolate brownies and the like fill the counter along with their fresh breads. Choose from slow cooked pork, smoky tomatoes or buttermilk fried chicken for flavoursome comfort food. The baristas specialise in beautiful designs on top of your cappuccino. The music is a mixture of hip hop and soul.
Location: Based at 3 Berwick Street, W1, 5-10 minute walk from Leicester square near Clarendon’s West Street property.
Eat in or eat out with a takeaway pizza option for £6. The pizza base is thicker and softer than you would expect. Toppings to choose from include spicy Calabrian with Portobello mushrooms and truffle so it’s a little fancier than your regular pizza joint. If you want to stay true to the venue, however, do what the Italians do and opt for a simple tomato sauce; the San Marzano sauce pops with flavour.
Location: Based at 11 Dean Street, W1 (close proximity to Leicester square and Holborn)
5. Chettinad
This may be served like airplane food but it’s got plenty more flavour. The lunchtime box comes in a tray and you get a starter to nibble on, three curries, raita, a roti and rice. For vegetarians it is £3.75, the meat option is £3.95. It’s spicy but not too hot.
Location: 16 Percy Street, W1 (close proximity to Leicester square and Holborn)
So if you are staying in the West End, these places are a must visit for good wholesome food and beverages at a decent price. At Clarendon, we offer serviced apartments in Covent Garden (West Street), Holborn (North Mews) and Goodge Street (Cleveland Residences).Choose from one, two and three bedroom options.