The Clerkenwell Kitchen

"La Kitchen is a small and unpretentious Vietnamese spot on the Clerkenwell Road that’s perfect for when you’re after half an hour with your friend, or on your own, with a bowl of something tasty. This is a cheap and cheerful place: there are a few stools and tables to sit at, the bowls of pho and bun cha are under a tenner, and everything tastes solid - though don’t expect it to be the best Vietnamese you’ve ever had. Temporarily closed." - oliver feldman, jo harris cooksley, heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"Secret patios aren’t just for Christmas. Wait, no, let’s try that again - secret patios aren’t just for weekends. If you’re freelance or happen to work around Clerkenwell, then The Clerkenwell Kitchen’s outdoor terrace should definitely be on your radar. This place serves excellent lunchtime options from a changing daily menu, as well as your classics like salads and multiple eggy options. Of course, you can come here on the weekend, but really this spot is perfect for catching some rays whilst eating a roasted beetroot and mint salad during your lunch hour." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak

"The Clerkenwell Kitchen is the multi-purpose unpretentious neighbourhood cafe we long to find in every corner of London. It’s the kind of place that serves coffee, and a dozen or so variations of egg on bread, and then a handful of freshly made lunch options from 12 till 3pm on weekdays. Things like soup, sandwiches, pies, and pasta are available for a civilised lunch in this spacious spot, which even has a small garden seating area at the back for those summer days when you can’t face the crowds at Exmouth Market." - Oliver Feldman