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Where to eat: Lunch on Whitecross Street, EC1
15.10.09
West Indian speciality: jerk chicken
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There has been a market on Whitecross Street since the 17th century but it has certainly moved with the times. On Thursdays and Fridays the street is crammed with people from as far away as the Barbican and Moorgate picking up lunch from an eclectic array of more than 20 takeaway food stalls. These are some of the star turns.
SPICE ISLAND
Caribbean Food This is the place to put some spice into an autumnal day — the jerk chicken with rice and peas is recommended — but you can also have it served in a wrap. Expect to spend under £5.
MIDDAY MEATING
The Roast of Sherwood (www.theroastofsherwood.com). This stall specialises in spit-roasted meats and the proprietors have a pedigree that includes time spent working at Smithfield — so the quality of the meat is not an issue. The coyly named “manwich” is a formidably large hog-roast sandwich with decent bread for a reasonable £4.
MID-EAST MUNCHIES
Hoxton Beach (www.hoxtonbeach.com). There's seldom been a location less like a beach than Whitecross Street but the Hoxton Beach stall does a grand line in falafel wraps. Three of the chick-pea gastric depth charges in a wrap cost £3.50 and anyone with an iron constitution can opt for four for £4.
SOUTH AMERICAN WAY
Guarana With the subtitle “flavours of Brazil” the options range from feijoada (the mighty all-encompassing dish of porky bits and black beans, £4.50) to simpler rib-eye steak sandwiches (£4.50) and a decent sausage sandwich (£3.50).
SLICE OF LIFE
Big John's This is the antithesis of all those dainty and trendy cupcake shops. Big John does the baking himself and cakes come in enormous slices. Occasionally the baking skills falter, leaving rather solid cakes, but not unpleasantly so. They taste good and are keenly priced. Look out for the special plum cake and the coffee and walnut.
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Reader views (2)
Hate this market - healthy eating? doubt it, they cook on the premises, few use proper serving gloves etc, felt sick when I saw how they worked. They come and go when they like and leave the place looking a dump. Finsbury Square is heaps better....
- Sadie, london ec1
you say people come from as far away as the barbican and moorgate ..did you actually visit whitecross street yourself as its right next to the barbican and moorgate is well a stones throw from the barbican ?
- Tim, london e1
