At our London Clinic, we count ourselves lucky to be right in the heart of Mayfair, where there’s always something going on. But when it comes to finding a healthy, local lunch, it can seem like the only options are either super formal restaurants, or chains. So we’ve put together a helpful handful of our favourite casual eateries, with offerings as nutritious as they are delicious… Happy lunching!
Mercato Mayfair, St Mark’s Church, North Audley Street
Located in a former neo-classical church, this is a mini version of the original Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle – and we’re thrilled that it’s practically on the Clinic’s doorstep! Independent, pop-up style food stalls offer everything from cheese and charcuterie to bao buns, pizza, gelato and coffee. The emphasis here is on local eating, awareness and social responsibility. Once you’ve chosen your food, enjoy it in a seating area surrounded by original features like stained glass windows, mosaic floors, wood panelling, and a mezzanine.
The Brass Rail, Selfridges Food Hall, Oxford Street
Whenever we’re at our New York Clinic, we stuff ourselves with the salt beef and pastrami sandwiches that the city is renowned for. Thankfully, when we’re in London and craving a fix, we don’t have to do without. The famous salt beef here is some of the best you’ll find, served up on bagels or rye bread, with options of mustard and pickle on the side. The Brass Rail has been here since 1966, and in our opinion, its recent renovation into a light, modern diner-style spot has made it even more of an oasis in the bustling heart of Oxford Street.
Deliciously Ella, 18 Weighhouse Street
This vegan café, founded by the hugely popular food blogger Ella Mills, is at the forefront of the green, clean eating revolution. Housed in a former Victorian dairy, the bright and pretty space offers up flavour-packed salads, hot bowls and sourdough sandwiches, as well as juices, smoothies and sweets. Delicious, healthy, and good for the planet – three things close to our hearts at Philip Kingsley.
Souli, 17 George Street
We think this independent café, near the Wallace Collection, is worth going the extra (half) mile for. There’s a great selection of home-cooked food made fresh every day. Salads are pleasingly substantial with a protein hit of salmon, chicken, quinoa or avocado. Sandwiches are handmade using organic bread. Every day there’s a different hot meal on offer, from meatballs to vegetarian stews with a Middle Eastern influence. In a sea of chain cafés, Souli is an absolute gem.
La Fromagerie, 2-6 Moxon Street
This rustic cheese-shop, grocer and café, tucked down a side lane just off Marylebone High Street, has long been one of our favourites. Perch at the buzzing communal table, or settle in at one of the cosy tables in back, and enjoy seasonal ingredients in the form of fresh salads, sandwiches, tarts, soups and platters. After lunch, if you’re a cheese-lover, pay a visit to the specialist cheese room, where an expert fromager will help you choose a treat (or three) to take home for later.
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