The (new) five best places for lunch near the Spark HQ
By Jonathan
It’s been two years since I channelled my inner Anthony Bourdain to find the best food spots for lunch near the Spark office. So much has changed since then. The UK left lockdown, AI became the topic on everyone’s minds, and my beloved West Ham United even won a European trophy.
And while we’ve welcomed many new faces to the world of Spark, one thing has remained the same – there’s still many great options for lunch around our central London office. So, next time you’re in Soho with no lunch plans, here’s Spark’s thoughts on the five top places to get lunch.
Located (surprisingly) on Berwick Street, only minutes away from the Spark office, this bustling market brings top street-food vendors to Soho. From crunchy falafel and spicy noodles to beefy burritos and vibrant paella – there’s options for every eater.
Serena says, “I love the variety of Berwick Street market. It’s great to have an option nearby where I can switch it up and try something new – but I still usually end up getting the same thing...”
Serena’s regular stall? The Jerk Drum – serving up a range of Caribbean classics like jerk chicken, a selection of curries, plus lots of tasty sides.
If the sound of hearty bowls of udon noodles sounds like perfection, then look no further than Marugame Udon. Our local chain of this Japanese fast-casual eatery sits right down the road at Oxford Circus, only a few minutes from our HQ. With a delectable range of freshly made noodle options and a help-yourself selection of fried tempura – it’s quickly become one of our top picks.
“Marugame Udon hits all the right notes for me: delicious noodles, a budget-friendly menu, and it's close to the office," says Rob. "My highlight is the literal wall of different tempura – I can't help grabbing a few king prawns or karaage!”
This Soho greasy spoon is so popular it’s made it into our top five again. Located on Wardour Street, Bar Bruno is a top spot for grabbing a sandwich and soaking in the city. With generously sized plates of café-grub and some surprisingly decent coffee, Bar Bruno remains a Spark lunchtime classic. According to Issy, “Bar Bruno isn’t the most glamorous spot in London, but you won’t find anywhere with more character and better sandwiches. It’s a real gem amid the hustle and bustle of Soho.”
Lavelle is a Spark favourite for a healthier lunch. This comfy cafe serves up a range of smoothie bowls, fresh and delicious salads and vegan and vegetarian specialities. It’s the ideal spot for a quick coffee in between a morning of meetings, or as a place to meet and catch-up with one of our journalist contacts.
“When I'm at the office, Lavelle is my go-to place," says Ruby. "They have the most amazing vegan sandwiches, and it's just the perfect spot to relax and enjoy lunch.”
So we’ve heard from the rest, and now it’s time for me to weigh in with my top lunch pick. For me, it’s Lina Stores: a delicatessen/restaurant serving up authentic pasta dishes in the heart of Soho – at a wallet friendly price. It’s the perfect spot to sit in and enjoy a lunch break away from my laptop with a plate of fresh pasta and some good company.
But don’t just take our word for it – why not join us for lunch sometime soon? If you’re interested in coming along on our next lunchtime venture, then give us a shout to hear more at [email protected].