The ultimate lunch guide to Old Street for Work.Life members

Finding your perfect lunch spot in Old Street

Whether you’re new to Work.Life Old Street or a long-time member looking to refresh your lunch routine, this vibrant area offers an impressive array of dining options. From grab-and-go spots for busy days to relaxing cafés perfect for client meetings, we’ve compiled the ultimate lunch guide to help you navigate the culinary landscape around our workspace.

This is what Olivia, Membership Manager has to say about the food options in the area: “One of the best things about our Old Street location is the incredible food scene right on our doorstep. I always tell our members to explore beyond the obvious chains – there are so many hidden gems within a five-minute walk that cater to every taste and budget!”

Quick bites (under 15 minutes)

When deadlines are looming and you need something delicious without the wait:

Whitecross Street Market

Just a 3-minute walk from our workspace, this historic street market offers an impressive variety of international street food stalls. Open weekdays from 11am to 2pm, it’s perfect for grabbing something quick yet delicious.

• Must-try: Buddha Bowl at Eat of Eden for vibrant vegan Caribbean food, or the legendary burritos at Luardos.
• Address: Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8QP

Leonard Street Market

A smaller but equally delicious food market just around the corner from our workspace. The jerk chicken stand here has developed something of a cult following among our members.

• Must-try: The jerk chicken with rice and peas is spicy, flavourful perfection. The halloumi and falafel stands are also excellent vegetarian options.
• Address: Leonard Street, EC2A 4QS

Keu

This Vietnamese deli serves some of the best banh mi sandwiches in London. The perfect quick lunch when you want something fresh and flavourful.

• Must-try: The classic banh mi with pork belly, pâté, and all the traditional garnishes.
• Address: 332 Old Street, EC1V 9DR

Dal Fiorentino

Italian street food focusing on incredible focaccia sandwiches that will transport you straight to Florence.

• Must-try: The porchetta focaccia with crackling and salsa verde is worth every penny.
• Address: 186 Old Street, EC1V 9FR

Healthy options

For those days when you want to nourish your body and mind:

Farmer J

Field-to-fork food with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their build-your-own “Fieldtrays” let you customise your perfect healthy lunch.

• Must-try: The Harissa Chicken Fieldbowl with a side of their famous roasted broccoli.
• Address: 107 Old Street, EC1V 9BP

Crussh

Specialising in juices, smoothies and healthy food options, Crussh is perfect for a vitamin boost during your workday.

• Must-try: Their protein pots and energising smoothies make for a perfect light lunch.
• Address: 49 Old Street, EC1V 9HX

Detox Kitchen

A bit of a walk (about 10 minutes) but worth it for their incredible salad boxes and hot dishes that are free from wheat, dairy and refined sugar.

• Must-try: The halloumi and roasted vegetable salad box never disappoints.
• Address: 10 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JJ

Perfect for meetings

Impress clients or have a productive team lunch at these spots:

The Book Club

This spacious café-bar offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for informal meetings over lunch. Their menu features modern British comfort food with international influences.

• Must-try: The Buddha Bowl or their excellent club sandwich.
• Address: 100-106 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH

Lantana Café

This Australian-inspired café offers excellent coffee and a creative all-day menu in a bright, welcoming space.

• Must-try: The corn fritters with halloumi and avocado salsa are legendary.
• Address: 2 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, EC1Y 1HQ

Shoreditch Grind

Known for their excellent coffee, but their food menu is equally impressive. The stylish interior makes it perfect for meetings where you want to make a good impression.

• Must-try: Their smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs is a classic for good reason.
• Address: 213 Old Street, EC1V 9NR

Budget-friendly options (under £10)

Great lunches that won’t break the bank:

Beigel Bake

A bit of a walk (15 minutes) but worth it for London’s most famous salt beef beigels at unbeatable prices.

• Must-try: The salt beef beigel with mustard and pickle is a London institution.
• Address: 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB

Bangers

A breakfast and brunch spot that serves excellent value all-day options. Perfect for those days when you’re craving breakfast at lunchtime.

• Must-try: The full English breakfast or their excellent bacon sandwich on sourdough.
• Address: 105a Old Street, EC1V 9JB
• The Old Street team’s meal deal of choice

When there’s no time to venture out, our team has perfected the art of the supermarket meal deal. Here are their personal favourites:

Olivia’s go-to meal deal

“A classic chicken Caesar wrap, salt & vinegar Hula Hoops and a Diet Coke.” 

Lucas’ lunchtime staple

“Ploughman’s sandwich, salt and vinegar Hula Hoops, and an Orangina.” 

Dom’s dependable choice

“Egg and cress sandwich, sweet chilli Snack-a-Jacks, and Pepsi Max.”

Lunch break sorted

With so many excellent options within walking distance of Work.Life Old Street, your lunch break is the perfect opportunity to explore this vibrant neighbourhood. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a healthy option, or somewhere to impress clients, Old Street has you covered.

Remember that taking a proper lunch break away from your desk is not just about food – it’s an important part of maintaining productivity and wellbeing throughout your workday. So step outside, try something new, and return to your workspace refreshed and ready for an afternoon of productivity.

Have we missed your favourite Old Street lunch spot? Let us know at the front desk, and we might include it in our next update!

Looking for a workspace in the heart of Old Street’s thriving food scene? Book a tour of Work.Life Old Street today and experience our community firsthand.

For more local area guides and workspace tips, check out our blog.