Even though the City of London isn’t famed for its parks and open spaces, the proliferation of offices means that there are plenty of pocket parks and spaces where you can enjoy a picnic style lunch or alfresco sandwiches.
In this guide we will tell you where the best places are to buy sandwiches or picnic provisions, and where to picnic in the City of London. Whether you want to picnic after a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, take a break after climbing the Monument or grab a bite after seeing the Guildhall Art Gallery, we’ve got something for everyone.
Where to eat a picnic lunch in the City of London
There are a number of places within the City of London where you and your family can sit and enjoy a picnic. Here are a list of suggestions.
By St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s icons. And what better than being able to enjoy a picnic practically in its shadow? Luckily there are plenty of options in the surrounding area where you are able to enjoy lunch with a view of the Cathedral. Firstly, there are a number of benches and places to sit in the churchyard itself. For the best view of the Cathedral dome though, you need to be a bit further away. Just on the south side of the Cathedral are Festival Gardens, which offer a lawned area next to a fountain surrounded by benches.
Slightly more tucked away from the average visitor but just across the road from Festival Gardens is the Reflection Garden, a small garden area dotted with benches around the focal point of a pool that reflects the Cathedral.
Nearest supermarkets: Being right next to St Paul’s, there are a plethora of places to buy sandwiches or other takeaway food or picnic supplies. In One New Change, the shopping centre to the East of the Cathedral, there is a large Marks & Spencer on the lower ground level. You will also find a Sainsbury’s Local convenience shop in Paternoster Square and a Tesco Express convenience store on St Martin’s Le Grand. There are also several Prets within the vicinity of St Paul’s Cathedral, including one on Cheapside. As this is very much an area surrounded by office space, you will find a variety of other places where you can buy a takeaway lunch.
The Barbican
When thinking about a picnic lunch, the images that tend to come to mind are of green and leafy surrounds – enjoying an outdoors lunch surrounded by brutalist concrete buildings probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the heart of the Barbican is a surprisingly pleasant place to enjoy a lunch al fresco.
The Barbican is, in essence, a housing estate built around a centre that features concert halls and theatres, galleries and a conservatory. At its heart is a man-made lake style water feature and lying alongside it, the Barbican’s cafe and restaurants. On a nice day, the lakeside terrace is a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you pick a spot near the water the kids can enjoy spotting ducks and other waterfowl.
Nearest supermarket: There is a large Waitrose supermarket located on nearby Whitecross Street. Alternatively, there is a small Tesco Express convenience store located on Aldersgate Street near the Barbican tube station.
St Alphage Garden and Salters’ Garden
Located just to the South East of the Barbican complex are St Alphage Gardens and Salters’ Gardens. Although small, these gardens are special because of their location right next to a section of the old London Roman wall (they also feature in our Roman London self-guided walking tour). Offering plenty of benches on which to sit and eat a picnic, these spaces are popular in summer with local office workers. Note that Salters’ Gardens are open to the public on weekdays during the day.
Nearest supermarket: The nearest supermarkets are a little further from St Alphage Garden and Salters’ Garden than some of the other options on our list, there is a large Marks and Spencer on Finsbury Pavement (a few minutes from Moorgate tube station) and a Co-op convenience shop on Moorgate. If you want takeaway sandwiches, a Pret can be found on nearby Wood Street.
Postman’s Park
Postman’s Park is more than just a green space in which to eat lunch, it’s a worthy stop in its own right. Although small and tucked away, this green space in the heart of the City of London (just a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral) is home to a poignant memorial – the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. This memorial, created in 1900, takes the form of a wall of ceramic plaques that commemorate ordinary people who lost their lives while trying to save others.
Postman’s Park derives its name from the fact that it borders the site of the former headquarters of the General Post Office. The park has areas of grass and a number of benches which provide a convenient place to sit and eat lunch amidst the peaceful surroundings. Unlike many parks in London, a small space in front of the memorial offers both some cover from the elements (rain or shine) and a place to sit.
Nearest supermarket: The nearest supermarket is Tesco Express convenience store on St Martin’s Le Grand. Slightly further, but still convenient, are a Sainsbury’s Local convenience shop in Paternoster Square and a Co-op on Cheapside. If you need a greater variety, the large Marks & Spencer on the lower ground level of One New Change isn’t too far away.
Pocket parks to the North of Gresham Street
Just to the North of Gresham Street (itself just North of St Paul’s. Cathedral), are a handful of tiny green spaces. These spaces are often old churchyards, the churches of which have long since disappeared.
These pocket parks include the Churchyard of St John Zachary, St Mary Staining and St Mary Aldermanbury Garden. Although small, these spaces offer a quiet place to decompress and a bit of respite from the city.
Nearest supermarket: The nearest supermarket is Tesco Express convenience store on St Martin’s Le Grand but the large Marks & Spencer on the lower ground level of One New Change is just a few streets away.
St Dunstan in the East
A tourist destination in its own right, St Dunstan in the East is also an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. Damaged in the Second World War, the ruins of this Wren-designed church has been turned into a public garden. Sit within or in the old grounds of the church and enjoy this small oasis from the noise and pace of London.
Nearest supermarket: There is a Tesco Express on Eastcheap, just a few streets away. Alternatively, for takeaway sandwiches, there is a Pret just a few minutes away on Great Tower Street.
Inner Temple Garden
Located right on the westernmost edge of the City of London, Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court, where barristers have trained and worked for centuries. Its garden provides a tranquil spot for a lunchtime break, and you can sit amidst immaculately manicured gardens and borders.
The Garden is usually open to the public on weekdays (excluding bank holidays and 13 June) from 12.30-3pm. Access is via the main gate opposite the Treasury Office on Crown Office Row.
Surrounded by buildings that are largely barristers’ chambers, visitors are asked to respect their surroundings, take their litter with them and respect any instructions to keep away from certain areas. Please follow the Garden Usage Guidelines. There are occasions when the garden is closed due to weather, for private functions, or for repair and maintenance.
Nearby supermarkets: The nearest supermarket is a Tesco Express on the Strand.
If you’ve picnicked in any of these spots, let us know what you thought of them in the comments!
