Fiona MacLeod on avoiding the overpriced tourist-trap cafes clustered around every major landmark
The streets immediately surrounding London’s biggest attractions reliably feature the most overpriced, underwhelming food in the entire city, a pattern experienced visitors learn to walk straight past in search of something better a few streets further along.
The General Rule
As a rough guide, walking ten minutes away from any major landmark typically halves the price of a comparable meal, since restaurants immediately adjacent to tourist sites rely on footfall and one-time visitors rather than repeat local custom.
Street food markets, several of which operate on weekday lunchtimes specifically to serve nearby office workers, tend to offer significantly better value and quality than sit-down restaurants directly outside major attractions.
A Few Reliable Options
Food halls in converted market buildings have grown considerably in recent years, offering a range of cuisines under one roof at prices generally more reasonable than a single dedicated restaurant nearby, with the added benefit of everyone in your group being able to choose something different.
The London Prat‘s food and dining desk regularly reviews budget-friendly options near the city’s most visited landmarks.
Time Out London maintains a well-regarded, frequently updated guide to the city’s best value eating spots by area.
A short walk away from the queue at any major attraction almost always rewards you with a better, cheaper meal and a far more relaxed lunch.
More from me: Fiona MacLeod, prat.uk. Further reading: Visit London.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com
