The streets directly around the British Museum are full of places that know you are only passing through. Laminated menus in six languages, photos of every dish, someone at the door waving you in. You will be fed, but you will not remember it.
Walk a little further north and Bloomsbury changes character. The squares get quieter, the streets turn residential, and the restaurants are cooking for people who live and work there.
The route
From the museum's main entrance on Great Russell Street, walk up Montague Street along the museum's east side to Russell Square. Cross the square to Bernard Street and turn left into Marchmont Street. Our Russell Square restaurant is at 59 Marchmont Street, roughly ten to fifteen minutes on foot in total.
Judd Street is a few minutes further on, at 112 Judd Street, five minutes from King's Cross St Pancras.
What to order when you have an hour
Museum days are long and feet hurt. A Greek lunch is the right kind of break: it comes quickly, it is not heavy unless you want it to be, and it can be shared.
- Quick and light. A Greek salad with grilled halloumi, or the Nonos salmon Caesar.
- For two, to share. The Nonos meze for two (hummus, tzatziki, tyrokafteri, Greek salad, olives and pitta), with kalamari or dolmades on the side.
- Weekday lunch. Souvlaki wraps with chicken, pork or halloumi, filled with fries, house sauce, tomato and red onion, served Monday to Thursday from 12 to 5pm.
- If you have earned it. Lamb chops, or the mixed grill feast for two.
Finish with a freddo espresso or a piece of baklava and you will be back in the galleries with energy to spare.
Which venue
Russell Square is closer to the museum and more intimate, a candlelit room that also suits an early dinner once the galleries close. Judd Street is bigger and brighter, open from 8:30 every morning, and the easier choice for a larger group or if you are heading on to King's Cross or St Pancras afterwards.
Menus can vary slightly between the two venues. See both locations or book a table.