Fresh delights at Brunswick House

It’s confirmed: the foodies have officially taken over and we are all in danger of developing the curious new eating disorder known as Orthorexia Nervosa. Seriously though, before I undermine a whole new science it is about time we Londoners realised how lucky we are when it comes to our food choices.

Since Leon and Ottolenghi came on the scene some years ago, it seems we have witnessed a complete reversal in our eating habits which had left a fair amount to be desired. Gone are the southern-fried chicken wraps with a Krispy Kreme for afters or a giant pus-ridden sausage roll from Greggs; our stomachs wanted better and that is what they got.

Over the last month or so, I have been on a mission to find some of London’s finest takeaway joints which rely on healthy, honest approaches to cooking and are dependent on good quality, often organic ingredients. All my favourite spots make everything from scratch and have chefs cooking-up seasonal produce on site.

Brunswick House – A Welcome Newcomer

A beautiful café in Brunswick House serving coffee, tea, cakes, rolls and simple plates. The menu spans simple and exotic salads, bone marrow, scones and wonderful ice-cream and brings a gastronomic heaven to the otherwise barren area of Vauxhall. Simple British fayre in pretty British surroundings – it’s like a dinner party without the effort!

Food for Thought - An Old Veggie Favourite

If you have never been to Food for Thought then you have been missing out. This simple caff down a creaking staircase in Covent Garden is the absolute epitamy of unpretentious and good, simple food. Many the meat eater has been woed by the inventive salads and delicious mains. A daily-changing menu offers three cold and three ot options which you can mix and match. If you get there too late, there’s less choice – simple! Let the queues speak for themselves.

Whole Foods Market – The Grocery Store

I’m sure you’ll know Whole Foods Market, it’s probably the place you shop when you’ve just been paid or you think you deserve a little treat. In short, it’s bloody expensive. The takeaway service isn’t however, and is a fantastic alternative to any other shop-bought lunch; Wholefoods package your salad in eco-friendly and bio-degradable packaging – no complaints there. The menu is broadly seasonal and although not as inventive as more independent counterparts, Wholefoods offers consistently tasty and well-sourced hot and cold foods. The great thing is they’re open quite late – perfect for faking a home-cooked dinner for friends!

Sweet treats at Melrose & Morgan

Melrose & Morgan – Amazing Cakes

Oh what a joy of a place! Situated in rather lovely Primrose Hill, Melrose and Morgan is a bakery/coffee shop/deli/organic takeaway/lovely foodie-gift shop where you could spend a small fortune and a good day browsing the busy shelves. The lunch and dinner menus change daily and can be enjoyed in the small seating areas inside and outside the shop or taken away in recycled boxes with recycled cutlery to match. They even do picnic hampers for a more luxurious treat which could include a bottle of English wine too – perfect!

X Burger House – Naughty but Nice!

I know, I know, burgers are not technically healthy, but they’re not all that bad, particularly at the new Brazilian X Burger House in Kilburn. Having been open just two weeks, X Burger is already doing a roaring trade in Brazilian-style burgers (big on diameter rather than depth) with a fabulous range of freshly sourced extras and sides (including the to-die-for-polenta-chips!) The cocktails are worth a look too…

Lemon Monkey – The French One

Similarly to Melrose & Morgan (can you tell, I like it there?!) this place has both fresh food to take away or eat in, and delicious delicatessen and foodie-gifts. The coffee is fantastic and their breads, croissant and pastries are wonderful. You can also pick up your favourite French biscuits, cheeses , teas and conserves without having to cross the channel and whilst enjoying a freshly made salad or savouring a plate of charcuterie with a glass of Bordeaux.