Tiny Covent Garden takeaway turning out generous, customizable sandwiches with complimentary soup, fast friendly service, and standout value; avoid the pasta.
Chequers delivers solid neighborhood quality through excellent fresh bread and generous fillings, fast, friendly counter service, and exceptional value with complimentary soup. However, tight takeaway-only format with street queuing and occasional consistency issues with pasta items prevent grade A territory. A beloved local gem that punches above its modest presentation.
This tiny Covent Garden spot hums through lunch with a line out the door and fast, friendly counter service. Reviewers rave about fresh bread, generous fillings, and a surprise perk: a complimentary cup of soup with many sandwiches. One fan put it simply: great value for central London. The cooking is classic, not flashy: build-your-own sandwiches, rotating specials like spicy chicken on focaccia, and hearty breakfast rolls. The style leans toward comforting grab-and-go over culinary experiments, which suits office workers and visitors who want something fresh, filling, and quick. A note of caution: skip the pasta, which drew a few consistent negative comments. For families, this is easygoing and practical. Kids will gravitate to bacon and egg rolls, simple cheese or ham sandwiches, and sweet treats like brownies or custard tarts. There is no seating, so plan to perch on a nearby bench or head to a park; still, the menu is kid-accessible and wallet-friendly.
Area vibe: Central, high-footfall theatre and shopping district attracting office workers and visitors.
Safety: Busy, well-patrolled tourist/office area; high daytime foot traffic and generally well-lit.
What's nearby: Near Strand, Covent Garden Market, theatres, offices; benches and parks used for outdoor eating.