A guide to fast food and quick bites in the West End

Keep yourself full with sandwiches, salads, burgers, and much more as you explore everything central London has to offer.

Fine dining is lovely for special occasions but it isn’t always possible when you have lots of activities planned – like a theatre trip! – and not much time. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of places in central London where you can get food on the go or sit down and be served quickly.

Read on for our guide to quick bites and fast food in the West End that will keep you full and nourished and won’t break the bank.

Marks & Spencer

Where would we be without Marks & Spencer? There’s something so comforting about this long-established chain, especially its food halls. It’s practically family to many British people! There’s something for everyone among its selections of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sushi, as well as its sweet treats. Perfect for a picnic if the weather allows.

Branches: Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Street, Charing Cross, Tottenham Court Road

£

Pret a Manger

Translated as ‘Ready to eat’, “Pret” is everywhere in London (291 of the 498 UK branches are located in the capital). You’ll never be more than a few minutes away from a branch in central London! Similar to Marks & Spencer, Pret uses fresh ingredients and nearly all of its items are prepared in branch.

Branches: too many to list!

£

Greggs

Once the preserve of local high streets, Greggs has gone mainstream in recent years with branches around central London. It’s still cheap, cheerful, and unpretentious. As well as sandwiches, vegan sausage rolls (and regular meat-filled options) are on the menu, plus doughnuts and quintessentially British sweet offerings like Tottenham cake – a tray-baked sponge cake with pink icing originally produced by a Quaker baker in Tottenham, north London, and given to local schoolchildren when Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup in 1901.

Branches: Leicester Square, Strand, Kingsway, Embankment, Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Street

£

Leon

Leon’s mission statement: “Why can’t fast food be good food? Our mission is to prove that it can be by serving naturally fast food that not only tastes good but does you good too.” The rice boxes are filling and nourishing, and the vegan burgers are miles ahead of anything you’ve tasted before (there’s also a chicken option for meat-eaters).

Branches: Strand, Kingsway, Broadwick Street (Soho), Tottenham Court Road, Regent Street

£

Itsu

If Japanese-inspired lunches are your thing, Itsu provides a selection of healthy, affordable meals and snacks. Choose between sushi, noodle and rice bowls and soups, gyoza, and salads. Quick and healthy!

Branches: Neal Street (Covent Garden), Great Queen Street, Strand, Piccadilly, Broadwick Street (Soho), Tottenham Court Road, Regent Street

£

Ole & Steen

All things Scandinavian are highly aspirational and this Danish chain of bakeries serves both sweet and savoury options – perfect for any time of day. The open rye bread sandwiches are delicious on their own or alongside a Scandi-style salad. And don’t miss the boller (Danish buns).

Branches: Strand, Neal Street (Covent Garden), Charing Cross Road, Haymarket, Bedford Avenue (Tottenham Court Road)

££

Pizza Express

The queen of chain restaurants, Pizza Express is reliably superb and always feels like a treat. The American with its crispy pepperoni is a great favourite, or you might prefer the Fiorentina with spinach and its perfectly cooked egg on top. Gluten free options are available, as is the “Romana”, a thinner, crispier base that allows you to enjoy more of your favourite toppings. Service is always friendly and efficient. There’s a reason why it’s been serving the most popular pizza in Britain for almost 60 years!

Locations: Aldwych, Strand, St Martin’s Lane, Bow Street, Dean Street, Haymarket

££

Wagamama

The long wooden tables of this Asian-inspired chain have long been the setting for many a pre-theatre supper with its quick service and turnaround, yet somehow it never feels rushed. The yaki soba and yaki udon dishes are certified classics, and Wagamama has also always generous catered to vegetarians and vegans. There’s nothing quite like slurping ramen from a large wooden ladle!

Branches: Bedford Street (Covent Garden), Great Marlborough Street

Nando’s

Synonymous with peri-peri chicken, this South African chain with its blend of Portuguese and British influences is a real favourite for its lively and sociable vibe (try an XL Wing Platter). Choose how spicy you want to go – start with the mild lemon and herb sauce and progress to medium, hot, and extra hot.

Branches: Chandos Place (Covent Garden), Berners Street (Tottenham Court Road), Frith Street (Soho), Glasshouse Street (Soho)

££

Five Guys

This American burger chain has quickly become a UK favourite with its simple mission statement of “Burgers and fries cooked to perfection”. The prime beef for their patties is 120-day grain fed in Scotland, meaning it has an 80:20 lean fat ratio, and the fries are the crispiest around. And be sure to try one of the famous milkshakes.

Branches: Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Charing Cross

££

Masala Zone

Serving “proper” Indian cuisine, Masala Zone offers pioneering street food, thalis (the balanced family platters), daily changing freshly made vegetables, flavourful grills, regional curries, and biryanis. The Piccadilly Circus branch, located in the former Criterion Restaurant (one of the most historical restaurants in London) is absolutely beautiful and worth visiting for the décor alone.

Branches: Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Covent Garden

££

Photo: mc delivery (Flickr)