Our top picks for cheap places to eat lunch in the London Bridge area.
Coronavirus/Covid: London is in Lockdown. Restaurants and cafes are only open for takeaways or deliveries. Pubs are closed. Supermarkets and food markets are open.
Are you looking for somewhere near Tower Bridge? See our suggestions for places to eat near the Tower of London.
Borough Market
Borough market is one of the best places to eat in the area. The full market is open Wednesday–Saturday, but you’ll find a good selection of street food on Monday & Tuesday as well.
These are some favourites:
Maria’s Market Cafe
Inside Borough market, Maria’s cafe is one of the best places in London for traditional bubble and squeak. Try the full English breakfast or a cheese, bacon and bubble and squeak bap.
Open: Wednesday–Saturday.
Address: Middle Market, Borough Market, SE1
boroughmarket.org.uk
Kappacasein
Delicious toasted cheese sandwiches made with Montgomery Cheddar, Pôilane sourdough bread and onions, leek and garlic. The Raclette (melted cheese, potatoes and pickles) is worth a try.
Open: Monday-Saturday.
Address: Green Market, Borough Market, SE1
boroughmarket.org.uk/traders/kappacasein
Scotchtails
If your only experience of a Scotch Egg is a cardboard-like creation from a supermarket, try an artisan one from Scotchtails. Comes with or without sweet potato fries.
Open: Monday–Saturday
Address: Green Market, Borough Market, SE1
boroughmarket.org.uk/traders/scotchtails
Brindisa Chorizo Roll
Brindisa, the Spanish food importers, sell a fried chorizo, rocket and piquillo pepper ciabatta roll. People sell something similar at street food markets around London. This is the original and the best.
Open: Monday–Saturday
Address: The Floral Hall, Borough Market, SE1
brindisa.com
Absolutely Starving
Near Hay’s Galleria, Absolutely Starving serve a bit of everything — soup, sandwiches, savouries and other hot dishes. Don’t be put off by the queues. It’s worth the wait.
Open: Daily
Address: 51 Tooley St, SE1 2HD
abstarv.com
My Tea Shop
This tiny converted railway arch is home to a little gem of a greasy spoon cafe. They serve good value all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and snacks. Bacon rolls are £1.50 and their full English breakfast is £5.50.
Open: Daily
Address: 23 Duke St Hill, SE1 2SW
No website
M Manze
Established in 1902, this is the oldest shop in London serving traditional London minced beef pie and mash. It’s cheap, not gourmet food, but the interior alone is worth a trip.
Address: 87 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 4TW (zoom out to view on map)
manze.co.uk