Leon, Strand

Another friend was staying (August was busy) and we found ourselves on The Strand on a Thursday lunchtime.  I wasn't tempted by the usual options of Pret, McDonalds or Starbucks and so was happy when I remembered that there was a branch of the Leon chain in the locality and I had been wanting to give it a try.

The outside is kitsch and eye-catching, inside there is ample seating and a large counter where you order your food and take it away to your table.  There was so much delicious choice that we dithered for a while before Alex chose the roasted sweet potato falafel and I chose the Moroccan chicken tagine, both served with organic pilaff rice and slaw.  The food is served to you in a cardboard b0x - a little like how Chinese food is delivered in America.  It surprised me, though, that they didn't serve food on plates if you are eating in - is that not more environmentally friendly?  

At any rate the food was very good - tasty and filling with lots of flavour.  My only complaint would be that I didn't have a huge amount of chicken. Both of us washed lunch down with a fresh Leon-made lemonade which was big and a nice combo of sweet sugar and lemony zing.

Post-lunch we were full and satisfied - not something you can often say after a quick bite at a sandwich/salad chain.

One course and a soft drink: £6.50 per head

Value: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Food: 7/10

SCORE: 27/40

Leon, 73-76 The Strand, London, WC2R 0DE.  Tel: 020 72403070.