Laprovence

I stopped in for a quick bite. I was indecisive and not starved enough to eat a huge plate full of tempting morsels like aubergine lasagna, stuffed mushrooms, chicken, veg, etc., all for under a fiver, so the lovely staff suggested a smoked salmon bagel which sounded just dandy to me. The bagel was absolutely perfect, not chewy, not over toasted. The salmon was equally beautiful and not too salty or fishy. The cappuccino was the best I’ve had in London, and at a reasonable price.
I sat in the very back room, tucked away with my thoughts: the perfect way to meditate over such a simple, yet delightful, meal. All, again, under a fiver.
Did I mention the staff was lovely? All of them were quick, gracious, and understandably loved their jobs. Smiles all around. I can’t help but leave with one as well.

What a great find, all around this area is literally swarming with all sorts of sandwich shops, café and take away to cater for the many offices situated around here. Yet sometime it still seems so difficult to find a really nice place, well La Provence is a find. Usually big queues in here during lunch for the lovely food. They do great wraps, my favourite being the falafel and hummus wrap with all the extras, this is a huge wrap which will keep you going all day for just over £3. Huge selections of other wraps, paninis, ciabattas etc on offer. The hot food selections is also great and changes, the last time I was here I got lasagne, with butternut squash stew and a lovely butter bean stew on the side, a huge lunch for just £4.40 eat in. (cheaper if you take out).
Such nice fresh food, great portions and prices and the staff are great — really recommend.

Gray’s Inn Road certainly does not lack Coffee /​Sandwich /​Lunch type shops. So to be a good one in such a competitive space takes some doing.
Luckily La Provence has plenty of doing.
I first discovered the place on my way to work and was lured in — cartoon style — by the smell of the coffee. The taste matches the smell — it’s lovely. And if you get it early, and they like you, you might get a free pastry to go with it. And it’s cheaper then the myriad coffee chains that clog up our streets.
The food here is the standard sandwich-​fillings-​under-​glass – you-​can-​choose along with home cooked continental loveliness. And lots of it. Don’t have a sandwich here, because that’s boring and you can get the same anywhere. Have the lasagna /​pasta /​pie /​whatever else they have — it’s delicious and huge. And most of the time, cheaper then the sandwich.
They’ve got some seating inside, not much, and some outside, so if you’re not desking it — take some time to unwind. Well worth taking your time over the food.