What is Fast Food in London Like?
To be clear, when we are talking about fast food in London we are talking about food that you can literally grab and go. London is one of the most diverse places when it comes to food and many times I get a little down about not having access to it on a daily basis; then I remember how much I am saving by actually cooking my own food and it feels better! All being said, London has a few areas of absolute gold when it comes to grabbing something on a lunch break or snatching food before the commute home. Central London, goes without saying, has the most diversity when it comes to cuisine and accessibility. In fact, there is not much you won’t find in Central London, other than space and face masks. So let’s kick off with a growing business that seems to be doing quite well at the moment.
Leon Fast Food in London
Leon first opened its doors in Carnaby Street in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength through the years. The vegan options weigh heavily on the menu which is more than likely why Leon is fast becoming a well-known brand in the UK. I was fortunate enough to try Leon fast foods Chicken Burger and found it to be extremely fresh and full of quality ingredients. The environment in Leon is quite cool, seemingly attracting the more health-conscious young minds of London. If the Chicken Burger was anything to go by, and the price point of approximately £8 then Leon should do pretty well positioning themselves in the future. You can check out the Leon website here
Pizza Pilgrims in London, Fast Food?
I first encountered Pizza Pilgrims in Westfield, White City. Make no mistake this is one of the best Pizzas I have eaten. The signature raised crust is so enjoyable it almost takes away from the quality mix of strong ingredients and melted cheese in the middle. I actually enjoyed Pizza Pilgrims so much that when they released their DIY Kit during the Covid lockdown I was probably one of the first on the website. As it happens, following the DIY Kit video produced me something that resembled a floury tyre but hey, I tried. If you enjoy nice ingredients, and well-presented pizzas then you should look no further. The Honey and Double Pepperoni Pizza was something that almost blew my socks off the first time I tried it.
Burger King, I had to Include Them For Fast Food!
Ok, maybe it seems quite bad that I would include a company like Burger King. Honestly, outside of the usual Burger suspects that we review I cannot stress enough how good Burger Kings burgers actually are! They are fast, very fast, fresh, and taste great. Every now and then you may come across a branch that is not the best at maintaining the ‘other ingredients’ be it bread, salad, or onions but the meat; is virtually always good. I am not saying that Burger King can compete with the likes of Hawksmoor, and the Big Matt we reviewed, but I am saying it is good ‘enough’! Take a look at the Burger King Menu UK and tell me there isn’t at least something that grabs your attention (yep I saw you breathe the word Double Whopper)! Burger King has been under a bit of controversy at the moment for their Pride Whopper which I actually found quite funny but Burger King do that! The other question that has always got to me is “Is Burger King halal” and the answer, after a little research, is that the Whoppers are halal.
Nandos for Quality Chargrilled Chicken in London
If you are asking where is fast food near me you are very very likely to find Nandos around your area somewhere. The popular Peri Peri Chicken company has been growing exponentially in the last decade and for good reason. The chicken is healthy, well-cooked most of the time, usually delivered to your table within 10 minutes of ordering, and tastes great. I have found that Nandos can be a little variable depending on which branch you attend but mostly in the flavour of the sauce on the chicken which is down to the chef. Nandos has been an expert marketer that seems to have the bragging rights to the word “cheeky” in recent years! The chicken is cooked all ways, so if you are a boneless type of person then Nandos have got you but, personally, I am that pick bone out of your teeth kind of dude! Check out your nearest Nandos here
Favourite Fast Food Fried Chicken in London
Chicken Cottage is an absolute beast of a fried chicken chain. Many people are reading this and shouting at their screen, what about KFC chicken! Don’t get me wrong, there is something about the Colonels secret spices that can make the taste buds dance on ice like Happy Feet but I find after an amount, the flavour is redundant. For me, Chicken Cottage has done everything right, the chicken has been fresh every time I have been and there is just something special about the wings which probably tips the edge over KFC. I find that the wings have that homemade type of feeling that you could only imagine is someone’s grandma passed down the recipe and it found its way to the high street.
Best Doner Kebab in London after a Night Out
This is speculative as, after a night out, do you even know what you are eating? I have woken up before cuddling a box of jammy dodgers so I am certainly not going to say that I made good choices after a couple of tequilas. However, Fez Mangal in Ladbroke Grove, is one of the best kebabs I have eaten sober! The meat is seasoned to absolute perfection and is another level of Turkish Kebab that needs to be tried. The high sodium levels so congruent with kebabs is almost wiped out here as you taste authentic Turkish food. The menu is fully loaded but the Lamb is out of this world, whether it be on the spit, grill or minced. If you ever find yourself in Ladbroke Grove, remember the name Fez Mangal and make your way!
