The 13 Best Places For A Grab-And-Go Lunch (That Aren’t Pret)

Kaleido Rolls

For summer rolls, look to the healthy salad roll bar Kaleido Rolls for all of your lunch needs. The brand has recently launched a new spot on Kingly Street, bringing its renowned rice paper rolls to the bustling street’s dwellers. 

Made fresh daily using natural ingredients, the rolls are packed with flavour and colourful moments. Chow through The Handbook favourites including the prawn with peanuts, sweet chilli sauce and mint; sweet potato and tahini; and the aubergine in tamari. 

Shuk

If you’re still dreaming of your holiday to Tel Aviv, head to Shuk; for the most authentic flavoured and brightly coloured dishes you’ll find in the UK. 

The Tel Aviv-inspired street food spot celebrates the city’s diverse and vibrant foodie scene. Set up by childhood friends chef Mark Jankel and operator Richard Littman, the pair brought their dream to life and can be found at Borough Market serving up the fluffiest homemade pitas. 

Choose from the likes of the spiced lamb meatballs with pickled red cabbage, mint, coriander and chilli yoghurt; chicken shawarma pita with baby gem, toum, tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, kraut, croutons and harissa; or their hearty sweet potato salad with chilli yoghurt, spring onions, coriander and shredded radish.

Honi Poke

You can’t go wrong with a classic light poke bowl for lunch. They are ideal for when you only have ten minutes to munch before your next meeting or an al-desko lunch. 

We love Honi Poke’s offerings that are packed with healthy, responsibly sourced and sustainable ingredients. All while staying true to the authentic fresh flavours you’d find in Hawaii. We’d recommend going classic with the Honi Poke, complete with Scottish salmon, mango, home-pickled cucumber, spring onions, edamame, crispy onions, sesame seeds and chilli garlic sauce.

Farm Girl

Since launching in 2015, Farm Girl has become the go-to spot for healthy breakfasts, colourful lattes and protein-packed lunches with a twist. 

Home to three London locations, the health-focused eatery’s lunch options are endless. Whether you’re after brunch favourites like the green Turkish eggs with warmed spinach, leek and oliver sauce or the fish tacos, there’s something for every taste bud.

Dusty Knuckle

Dusty Knuckle is renowned for its giant protein-packed, sauce-slathered sandwiches. Home to two London locations, you’ll always find a queue of hungry Londoners outside waiting to get their hands on the best sandwich in the city. 

Served from 11:30am-3pm, get your hands on the peri peri chicken sarnie with nduja, yoghurt aioli, spicy peri peri sauce, pickled green peppers, baby gem and crispy chicken skin or the charred courgette sarnie with walnut and lemon sauce, slow roasted tomatoes, goat curd and ricotta. 

Just, er, maybe don’t wear white for this one as you’re guaranteed to get messy.

Ottolenghi

Renowned for his zingy flavours, sumac fragrant salads and Middle Eastern-style dishes, you can enjoy a taste of Ottolenghi’s delicious offerings at one of his deli-style restaurants. 

With menus changing daily, there’s always a nourishing lunch option to get you through your afternoon meetings.

Eggslut

Those on the lookout for an easy, affordable hangover cure should make their way over to Eggslut, the LA-based franchise on a mission to reinvent the humble egg bap. 

We’d recommend getting your hands on the Gaucho, a seared wagyu tri-tip steak with cage-free over medium egg, chimichurri, red onions and dressed arugula on a warm brioche bun.

Farmer J

From field to fork, Farmer J is famed for their hearty healthy fieldtrays that are packed with grains, protein and all-important veggies, designed to help you stay full for longer.

Each box is complete with a base, a main, two sides and a sauce, and it’s up to you how you want to knock it up.

Pilpel

Everyone has their favourite place to head to for the best falafel wrap and ours has to be Pilpel.

With a recipe that’s over 60 years old, it’s no wonder why Pilpel has become so popular with hungry office workers and busy shoppers. It’s the perfect place to pop in for a quick bite to eat. It’s filling yet full of healthy fats and protein, and is a real guilty pleasure of ours.

If you’re looking to switch up your typical falafel pita, try their take on the saabich, a mix of houmous, aubergine and hard boiled egg stuffed inside a pita with salads and sauces.

Atis

For hearty, fresh and salads packed with goodness, it’s got to be Atis. The salad spot’s summer menu is perfect for pimping up your usual lunch go-to.

Opt for a build-your-own bowl or one of their trusty favourites like the Azteca or Seiz’a Caesar made with shredded kale and cabbage, chopped romaine, parmesan crumble, cherry tomatoes, poilane sourdough breadcrumbs.

Beigel Bake

Beigel Bake has become a loved Brick Lane staple for those looking to curb their beigel cravings. 

The Brick Lane eatery cracked the perfect beigel recipe over 45 years ago, and have been using the same ingredients ever since. Choose from beigel classics including smoked salmon, cream cheese or their salt beef beigel. They’re also open 24 hours a day so you can get your beigel fix whenever you want.

Banh Mi Keu

Looking for London’s best Vietnamese spot serving up Banh Mi? Keu Deli is certainly giving it a go, priding itself on the unbeatable sandwich. 

Head here for a crusty baguette loaded with terrines, meats, pickled veggies, fresh herbs and homemade mayo – we love the crispy pork belly and the smoky aubergine options.

LEON

Are you craving the ease of fast food but still want to make a healthy choice? In that case, Leon has you covered with nourishing and organic options, all bursting with flavour.

Whether you opt for the blissful Brazilian black bean rice box or the barbecue chicken and bacon big smoke, Leon will really spoil you for choice. While you’re at it, don’t forget to try their iconic fish finger wrap – returning to the menu just in time for summer.