The 5 best cheap eats in London
Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
Sometimes, for those moments when we blow our paycheque on a particularly lavish item, it’s good to know a few cheap eats around the capital. Sure they’re no substitute for Le Gavroche, but these cheap restaurants are fun, filling and surprisingly atmospheric.
THE STOCKPOT
Located on Soho’s Old Compton Street, The Stockpot is so quaint and old-fashioned it has almost reached the stage where it could be referred to as an ‘institution’. The kitsch 1970’s decor provides a rather charming reminder of what London was like prior to the city’s rebirth as a major international city. Serving what can only be described as a ‘school dinner’ inspired menu, The Stockpot is a wonderful place for frugal diners.
BONNINGTON CAFE
Situated on one of the most charming streets of South London; Vauxhall Grove, the Bonnington Cafe is a squat-cum-restaurant run by eco-activists. Don’t let this put you off though, it’s widely regarded as one of London’s best vegetarian restaurants. With a different chef every evening, a bring your own booze policy and a trendy clientele – it’s worth going to, even if you’re not hard up!
WONG KEI
Perhaps the most famous cheap eat in London, Chinatown’s Wong Kei is such an infamous institution that when it recently underwent a refurb the BBC published a feature about the notorious Chinese restaurant. Famously, the staff have been know to be abusive and aggressive towards towards patrons with diners often being ejected for speaking out against tyrannical waiters. Weirdly the uncouth behaviour of its staff has become Wong Kei’s USP and being shouted at has astonishingly become a badge of honour.
MONA LISA CAFE
Although technically on the King’s Road, beyond World’s End, the Mona Lisa Cafe is about as far from the glamorous Chelsea of television and film that you can get. The seemingly ordinary Italian cafe and restaurant has an eclectic menu and serves traditional Italian cuisine that is as good as – if not better – than that of far more expensive eateries. It’s a great, inexpensive place to pop into if you find yourself in the area.
DOSA N CHUTNEY
All seasoned Londoners know that Tooting – rather than Brick Lane – is the place to go for a good curry, “that’s where the Indian’s go” is a phrase you’ll often hear. Dosa n Chutney is very close to Tooting Broadway tube station, on Tooting High Street, and is a brilliant example of uncomplicated, uncompromising Indian food. Even the mildest dishes are heavily spiced so be warned, this is only for curry lovers. The decor is somewhat garish; lurid orange paint covers the walls but with food like this, at these prices, who cares?
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