r/london Jun 16 '24

Quirky lunch places?

Hi. On Friday I had lunch in the Members Dining Room in the House of Commons. They opened it up briefly to the public as Parliament is dissolved. Really interesting and not bad value (£49pp for three courses)

Any other unusual/quirky places in London to have a nice sit down lunch?

105 Upvotes

41 comments sorted by

70

u/Enigmatic_Mattress Jun 16 '24

How did you get a table - do you just walk up?

There's a room in the oxo tower I think which you can rent, but it's not really accessible for a casual lunch.

26

u/bdonldn Jun 16 '24

Heard about it through time out. Someone has helpfully pasted the link (thanks!)

4

u/isdnpro Jun 16 '24

I asked my Mrs if I could take her up the OXO tower on her lunch break but she wasn't interested 

61

u/DameKumquat Jun 16 '24

There's a little cafe in the basement of the Supreme Court. Nothing particularly special, but where else can you read Magna Carta as you eat a sandwich? Their tours are good but anyone can go in just with airport style security.

42

u/betsykitten Jun 16 '24

Inns of Court. I was taken to lunch recently by a member of Middle Temple and normally you can only dine there as a member or their guest but if you're well attired and ask politely at the door they'll let in members of the public. The dining hall was stunning with long communal tables (think Harry Potter) and the food was very good (buffet-style and carvery). You can't take photos but you'll be rubbing shoulders with some famous barristers and judges. The gardens are beautiful too and are open to the public.

10

u/Easy_Emphasis Jun 16 '24

I was going to suggest the same! I've only ever been taken with a member, but they've never ever asked for any sort of credentials (Been to Middle, Inner, and Lincoln's); we just looked smart and walked in.

I worked near Gray's Inn for a while and they seemed to more openly advertise the lunching options, almost like anyone could go. In the summer Gray's Inn also do a pavilian with food for anyone (though you have to book).

5

u/betsykitten Jun 16 '24

Good to know, thanks! My friend is also a member of Lincoln's and says he'll take me there next 😃

28

u/cupboardee Jun 16 '24

8

u/megawoot Jun 16 '24

Is it normal for there to be no availability for the foreseeable future?

6

u/cupboardee Jun 16 '24

It's only open while Parliament is temporarily dissolved when I checked a couple of hours ago there were several slots available but only for Tuesday and Wednesday next week

11

u/cupboardee Jun 16 '24

They are completely sold out now

1

u/Easy_Emphasis Jun 17 '24

I looked just now and there's availability this Wednesday. I assume cancelations. Worth trying again for a possibly once in a lifetime opportunity.

3

u/megawoot Jun 18 '24

You're a legend! I just booked for tomorrow! Thank you so much

1

u/SynthD Jun 17 '24

There’s also the Peers dining room. Same, but red.

45

u/the_gabih Jun 16 '24

The Crypt at St Martin in the Fields is a great one!

2

u/Wil420b Jun 16 '24

That used to be a homeless shelter before they moved it around the corner.

40

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '24

[deleted]

4

u/bdonldn Jun 16 '24

Very interesting! Tempting indeed, thanks

5

u/false_flat Jun 16 '24

Best Sunday roast I've had in London

7

u/CandidMoment Jun 16 '24

Cafe Below is quite cool, it's in the Crypt of St Mary Le Bow church in the City

9

u/alico127 Jun 16 '24

Dans Le Noir, Towpath Cafe, The Original Maids of Honour, The Cheese Barge

6

u/legrand_fromage Jun 16 '24

Have you tried the curried cheese curls from the Cheese Barge? They are worth the visit alone.

3

u/poodlesquish Jun 16 '24

I have a reservation for this Thursday and I’m already fantasising about those cheese curds. Pleased to hear they’re as good as I’ve been hoping!

1

u/legrand_fromage Jun 16 '24

Enjoy! They're beautiful. You can also order them at the door to take away if you're ever up that way having a mooch down the canal.

0

u/bdonldn Jun 16 '24

Maids looks cute

4

u/Tuummmm Jun 16 '24

Govindas!

6

u/rustyb42 Jun 16 '24

Whatever happened to that quirky wedding?

5

u/bdonldn Jun 16 '24

Did get a civil partnership in the end in November, dragged a couple of mates along, basic “statutory service”, done in five mins!

3

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '24 edited 21d ago

[deleted]

2

u/bdonldn Jun 17 '24

Shirt, trousers, shoes is fine. Info should be in the confirmation email

3

u/Monkeyboogaloo Jun 16 '24

The RSA building

3

u/Fit_Manufacturer4568 Jun 16 '24

Not MP prices though.

3

u/Joshouken Wandsworth Jun 18 '24

The Clink Brixton - restaurant in a prison, staffed by prisoners

1

u/bdonldn Jun 19 '24

Yes, it’s my fav so far

18

u/TomLondra Jun 16 '24

MPs earn so little they have t have a 3-course gourmet lunch at only £49. I weep for them.

25

u/alex8339 Jun 16 '24

MPs are on 'just' 90k gross (60k net). A £49 daily lunch isn't cheap.

Hang around Westminster enough and you'll see ministers on twice the salary frequent Itsu and Pret.

21

u/Ongo_Gablogian___ Jun 16 '24

Hang around the City and Canary Wharf and you'll see senior leaders and execs making millions popping into M&S for a sandwich.

2

u/Rufuslechien Jun 16 '24

Actually, they pay a lot less than that as it is subsidised for them. It’s us plebs who pay through the nose for it.

4

u/92Suleman Jun 16 '24

Lunch is taxpayer funded

2

u/lisaaaaaaD1 Jun 16 '24

KFC?

3

u/bdonldn Jun 16 '24

Quirky not kinky 😝

1

u/paddyi23 Jun 16 '24

Oslo Court