London Food on a Budget

Being a foodie while at Summer School, I easily found myself spending most of my money on cafes and restaurants in London – this quickly became expensive! I took time to explore cafes and restaurants which served quality food at affordable prices. I found there are ample options that won’t break the bank and give you the chance to try varied cuisines. This blog will explore some of the most affordable food options near LSE for a Summer School student.

Breakfast

If your hall does not provide breakfast, then you can find simple breakfast supplies from supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s or Tesco. Here, you can find fresh fruit, beverages, cereal, and bakery products, along with much more.

My other personal favourite was Greggs- whether you have their famous sausage roll, a latte or hot chocolate, it is a great start to your day. Don’t forget to show your student ID for a discount or a free doughnut.

Café Nero is a quaint little chain of cafés, with one round the corner of campus – it’s a great place to have a short break, study while sipping a cup of coffee or just sit by and watch the bustling streets of Holborn. They also serve a great variety of vegan options. The coffee and the croissants are surely the highlight of the place!

For options on campus, LSE Beavers Brew Café is located on the ground floor of the Marshall building and LSE Beveridge Café is on the ground floor of Centre Building - both serve a variety of hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and much more.

Lunch

After lectures, it’s time for lunch! On campus, you can head down to the area opposite the LSE General Store where the Hare Krishna Society provide free lunch every day, the meal usually includes a pasta, salads, rice and curry, fruits and yoghurt.

My other favourite LSE lunch options include the Pepperoni Pizza, Egg Benedict Sandwich and the warm walnut carrot cake at LSE Garrick or a burger from Wrights Bar, both on campus.

If you fancy sushi, dumplings, soup, ramen, and other Asian inspired cuisine, Itsu and Wasabi both have multiple locations across London, and you’re sure to find great deals!

Just down from LSE on Gate Street, you’ll find a restaurant called Little Venice that serves greats Italian food. They have amazing discounts on breakfast and lunch, but make sure to go early to get the best deals. My personal favourite from this restaurant has to be the lasagne!

PHO S82 is another cosy restaurant next to Little Venice that serves wonderful beef pho and spring rolls. They also offer a range of other Vietnamese dishes that are vegan and vegetarian. Bear in mind that this place gets super crowded so make sure you get there early.

Dinner

There are number of fast-food chains like McDonalds and Burger King which can be a great spot to grab a quick dinner.

Franco Manca and Pizza Express are few great pizzerias which serve reasonably priced pizzas. Some must tries include the salami pizza, margherita, butternut and squash salad and the tiramisu. They also sometimes have live music!

Shakespeare’s Head is a traditional British pub which serves great food and drinks through the day. It has a great ambience and is a bustling with the student and office crowd by the evening.

Markets

Apart from the mainstream cafes and restaurants, various local markets across London offer fresh produce and are a great way to explore and try various cuisines. Some famous markets include Borough Market, Camden, Spitalfields and Seven Dials Market. These markets are known for their varied food stalls, bakeries, fresh produce, art, and live music.

Also don’t forget Chinatown for a huge variety of Asian food, only a 10 minute walk from LSE campus.

Tip to get budget friendly meals

Look out for student discounts – it’s always worth asking your server if they offer any discounts. You can also download apps such as Unidays or Student Beans, which compile all the student discounts of the time so you can stay informed.

If you’re a fan of coffee, make sure to get a Pret membership to access 5 free drinks a day for a month.

The best way to find a restaurant that suits you is to walk around the neighbourhood and explore. Look out for happy hours or daily specials to help you save money. Don’t hesitate to ask a local for recommendations as they often know the best spots.

It is undoubtedly possible to explore London on a budget, with sufficient exploring and research well in advance. Trying different cuisines without hampering my budget was my favourite thing to do.

 

This blog was written by one of our 2023 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.