Farmer J

Farmer J runs its Strand branch on the southern edge of Covent Garden, close to the Aldwych and within easy reach of Charing Cross and Temple stations. It is part of a London group known for build-your-own hot meals and a strong line on ingredient sourcing, and its signature is the Fieldtray, a made-to-order tray of protein, grains and sides.

The brand calls itself the home of the Fieldtray and sums up its stance with the line that it does not cook rubbish. Sourcing is put front and centre, with suppliers such as Billingsgate Fish Market named on its site, and the menu changes with the seasons: dishes such as Greek salad and gochujang salmon have featured, alongside a better breakfast menu and a rotating list of seasonal drinks. A Farmer's Pantry range and gift cards are sold through its online shop.

A healthy takeaway in Covent Garden built around the Fieldtray

Customers assemble a hot, balanced meal from a choice of proteins, bases and sides, either as a Fieldtray or a Fieldbowl, and the counter runs dine-in, click and collect, delivery and office catering. The Strand is a historic main road running from Trafalgar Square towards the City, lined with offices, hotels and theatres and carrying heavy daytime footfall, which is exactly the lunchtime audience this format serves.

What to expect on a visit

Opening hours are 7.30am to 8.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 7.30am to 7.30pm on Friday, with the branch closed at weekends. The counter is busiest at lunchtime, when ordering ahead for collection saves a wait. Our guide to takeaways in Covent Garden lists the district's other quick options, including Coco di Mama on Kingsway for pasta pots and coffee.