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Cheap Lunch near the South Kensington Museums

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum & V&A all have a restaurant for hot meals and various cafes for a light snack, sandwiches, salads or cake.

Their food outlets are managed by the same catering company and although the food’s generally good, it’s not exactly cheap. Sandwiches and wraps are around £5–£6.

All the museums have picnic rooms where you can eat food bought from outside.

These are our top tips for cheap places to eat in and near the museums in South Kensington.

V&A

There are only two places to eat and drink in the V&A – the V&A cafe and the garden cafe. The V&A Cafe is the most pleasant place to eat out of three museums, especially if you sit in the William Morris designed rooms. The food’s OK, if a bit on the pricey side.

They serve a bit of everything: hot dishes, quiches and salads, baguette & wraps and cakes.

Natural History Museum

The Darwin Centre Cafe sells sweet or savoury crepes.

Science Museum

The Energy cafe is your best bet for a cheapish bite to eat.

Imperial College Farmer’s Market

TUESDAYS ONLY. Good selection of street food stalls. Expect to pay around £7-£10. A 5-minute walk from the V&A & Natural History Museum, 3 minutes from the Science Museum
Address: Imperial College Rd, SW7
Open: Tuesdays 9am-2pm
lfm.org.uk/markets/south-kensington-tuesday/

Leon

This chain sells super-healthy wraps, salads and hot boxes. Try their Thai green curry, Moroccan meatballs or sweet potato falafels. Expect to pay around £5–£10. It looks small from the outside but there’s more seating upstairs.
Address: 46 Thurloe St, SW7 2LT
Tube: South Kensington
leonrestaurants.co.uk

Wasabi

A Japanese chain serving sushi, bento boxes and hot meals to eat in or takeaway. Their hot curry or noodle meals are huge and good-value for around £5-6.
Address: 21 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3HZ
Tube: South Kensington
wasabi.uk.com

Pizzetta Pizza

Roman-style pizza by the slice. Made daily on the premises. Eat in or takeaway.
Address: 22 Bute St, SW7 3EX
Tube: South Kensington
pizzettapizza.com

Tesco Express

This is the closest supermarket to the museums. Pick up a sandwich, fruit or crisps and a drink as part of their ‘meal deal’ for £3-4. All the museums provide places to eat a packed lunch.
Address: 50-52 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3DY
Tube: South Kensington