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Lunch Recommendations near Fenchurch Street Station in London?

Old friends, an English mother and her adult daughter, are meeting us for a day next month while we’re in London, and we’re all planning on having lunch together. I’ve got my list of old favorite restaurants, as well as places I’m interested in trying, although none of them are in the Tower Hill area, and our friends are arriving by train at the Fenchurch Street Station. They live on the coast, at the mouth of the Thames, and don’t generally come to London unless they “have” to, so this should be a treat for all of us. Suggestions where we might plan to go for lunch?

I don’t want anything fast food - especially no American KFC, McDonald’s, etc. I’m thinking no Nando’s and the like, either, nor Fish n’ Chips. We haven’t asked them yet where they’d like to go, but I’d like to offer them suggestions, as this will be a celebratory time (50th anniversary of my husband staying with them on a student trip!), and they may not know of a place that might wind up being ideal.

Any suggestions, please, for where we should consider lunch, preferably not far from Fenchurch? Thank you for your help!

Posted by
12119 posts

When I worked next door to Fenchurch Street one place I always fancied was The Crutched Friar - as much for it's interesting history as anything else. It certainly looks the part.

It is very popular with city workers (hopefully a good sign) so you certainly need a reservation.

https://www.pubsmiths.co.uk/crutched-friar-aldgate

Instead, with an almost non existent lunch break, I tended to end up with a Benjy's eaten on the go- and that ages me- a now defunct chain of sandwich shops!!

If I did get a decent lunch break I sometimes went to the free lunchtime concerts at St Olave's Church on Hart Street (where Samuel Pepys is buried), with site radio turned down low just in case of being called away. If you can catch one of those concerts as well (or even just pop in to see the Church) it's well worth while IMO- https://saintolave.com/

Posted by
37017 posts

Fenchurch Street because of coming in on the C2C? Makes sense.

Pretty close to Tower Hill - There's a Bodeans (Americanish BBQ) opposite the Tower; a Wagamama (too much like Nandos? Not in my mind) right next to the Tower.

You're also not far from Leadenhall and Smithfield markets. One New Change (behind St Pauls) has a number of places including a rooftop restaurant / bar.

Very close to Fenchurch Street station is the Sky Garden at 22 Fenchurch Street. Not cheap but very scenic. With a real garden to wander in. https://skygarden.london/

Posted by
844 posts

The very pretty Royal Exchange and beautiful Leadenhall Market are both nearby. There are several restaurants in each. Check out the websites to see if any of those appeal to you.

Posted by
531 posts

Do you like nice, old school steakhouses? I’d check out Blacklock (the Blacklock City location, if you are checking it out online). It’s close to Fenchurch Street station. The food is excellent - it’s a nice place for a celebration - and it’s not a chippie/fast food/chicken shack.

Posted by
25 posts

This is closer to the Tower Hill Tube station, but thevfood is very good-Byward Kitchen. Thry are open for breakfast and lunch. It's next door to All Hallows by the Tower church.

Posted by
10263 posts

Agree with Pat …short stroll to Leadenhall Market.
A number of cafes and restaurants there.

Posted by
2496 posts

The Ivy City Garden is about a 15 minute walk. A bit further across the river is the Ivy Tower Bridge with lovely views.

Posted by
8997 posts

Thank you, everyone. There are clearly some great options.