January is like a never-ending month, it just seems to never want to end. Our bank balance however is avidly watching the clock (the last day pay day was forever ago last year). Poor and hungry, it’s no wonder last Monday was officially the most depressing day of the year.
However for us, going out to eat is one of our favourite past times and the best way to cheer us up. When the purse strings are pulled extra tight, here’s some of our favourite places to go in London to enjoy a tasty but affordable meal..
Franco Manca: authentic Italian pizzas that are a real steal!
UNDER A TENNER
Franca Manca pizza restaurant is starting to pop up all over London – and we can see why! These authentic, thin baked pizzas are one of the best we’ve tasted outside Italy. It’s surprising then that the prices are so low! You can grab a Margherita here for just £4.95.
Our favourite London fast food joint. You can grab a very delicious meatball/fishfinger/salad/ wrap here for £3.99. If you’re dying of hunger, add a side and a drink for an extra few pounds.
If you have a small stomach, grab a mixed salad here for just £4. There’s delicious choices such as butternut squash and feta and greek salad. If you’re lucky, you may also be around when they bring out little bread tasters (aim for around 6-7). We also love the fun, buzzy atmosphere.
A TENNER WITH A DRINK
We are a big fan of Korean eatery Bi Bim Bap. You can choose from an array of delicious steaming food pots (consisting of veg, a meat of your choice if you wish and rice). It then arrives in a sizzling pot, (seriously don’t touch it) and you stir it all in together. We especially love this place as it’s so wallet-friendly. The adverage dish is around £6.95, leaving you a bit of cash to grab a beer, or opt for a pot of tea for just £1.
BARGAIN MENU
Most Soho restaurants are too trendy for their own good, often teeming with people on a Monday night even. You’ll also be hard pushed to find a restaurant meal out for less than £20 a head. However, this down-to-earth Med-style restaurant serves generous portions and a two-course set meal for just £10.99.
Need a tipple? London’s BYO’s
The Breakfast Club in Soho always serves up delicious hearty portions of breakfast (of course) burritos and burgers. It’s BYO so head here if you fancy sharing a bottle but just don’t have the dollar.
Cheap and tasty Vietnamese restos are lined up along Hoxton’s Kingsland Road. Most dishes on these menus are around £6 and you can also BYO, which means the whole shebang with cost around £10 in total.
MARKET BARGAIN
Borough Market
Head to Borough market around 4-5 when the stalls are shutting up and you’ll often bag yourself some great bargains as the sellers try to get rid of their breads/pies/cakes…