Lundenwic

Great review for a great place. First, it’s very modern with white tiles and some wood stools clustered along a white countertop running along the wall. It also has a high ceiling so feels quite airy, although overall it’s a tiny place. The manager is a nice guy, amiable to my multiple orders. Next to the till are the displays of sammies, multiple desserts, etc. I love the veggie option Ludenwic has: roasted broccoli, almond, chili and cheddar. When melted, I couldn’t distinguish the almond but the rest of the combo is delicious! Just enough chili sauce so it has a slight kick but not overwhelming. It’s on sourdough bread. For five quid, a little pricey but the rent on this place must be ridiculous. The juices were all out but I also got a slice of toasted banana bread with a heaping amount of cashew butter for takeaway (sprinkled with chia seeds) for 3.5 pounds. It was just as buttery the next morning for breakfast! Finally, I got the slice of the vegan chocolate cake with avocado icing… and that’s the downer =(It looks amazing on the counter… but it’s just awful. It gives vegan desserts a bad name. The cake is nicely spongy but has just a hint of chocolate flavour. The icing is the worst. Seriously. It’s 4.50 a slice.
The rest of the desserts look tempting and are thankfully not vegan. A toilet is being built.
I would def return if in the area.

Best. Mocha. Ever.
Yes, it’s £3 and comes in a rather small cup. But the cup has a beautiful blue and white print design, and inside is an intensely chocolatey coffee. It was so creamy that it had microfoam on top, with just a tinge of dark bitterness. Perfect, would re-​up without a second thought.
Didn’t get a chance to try the food yet, but the very friendly barista sold me on what he called, «The best mince pie I’ve ever had.» It was pretty damn good.
Nice addition to an otherwise bland string of chain cafes on the Strand. Looking forward to stopping in for a toastie soon!

An enjoyable coffee shop, chic minimalist décor, friendly service, and high quality food and drink!
I stopped in for a takeaway snack on Saturday, just as they were closing (4 pm). Greeted by a friendly barista who made a really delicious, if pricey (£2.5) latte! Grabbed one of their pastries — the caramel donut filled with banana. It was both wholesome (I believe wholewheat flour?) and just the right sweet kick I needed for the afternoon.
They don’t ask yet have loyalty cards but it sounds like they do student discounts? Will report back after my second visit …

Sitting calmly amongst all the hustle and bustle of Aldwych is this small coffee shop that is actually more than just a coffee shop.
So, guys and gals, locals and tourists: the next time you’re thinking of going to one of the soulless chains around Holborn and Covent Garden (no need to name any…), please just venture a few more steps into Lundenwic.
I work around Aldwych, and when I’m not able to make or bring in coffee or lunch, I’m usually stuck for options that are a few minutes’ walk from the office. Finally, this little shop opens and brings a [very!] welcome alternative to all the chains that litter Kingsway and the Strand. They pretty much do everything, and they do it well: coffee, tea, breakfast, pressed juice, cold brew tea/​coffee, lunch, and cake.
I usually have their Long Black, which is quite strong. It’s a much needed kick in the morning when you really need caffeine, and, to me, a lot better than the other black coffee options around the area. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to try their other coffee options as I’m not drinking much milk at the moment! But I did notice that they do have soy milk if you’re wanting a dairy free option. I’m hoping that they will eventually have drip coffee, but this isn’t a bad start.
Their lunches are beautiful — seriously! They have a wonderful selection of salads that vary daily. I’ve only ordered the salad once, but what I’ve had is fresh, delicious, and very healthy to boot. Their toasties are really delicious as well. DEFINITELY try the onions, kale, and cheddar one!
I’ve yet to try their porridges and their cakes/​pastries, but I can’t wait for the day (s) that I will check that off my list, and I’ll be sure to update the review when I do. =)
Oh yes, and another bonus? Really friendly staff! So if you’re a bit at a loss or overwhelmed over what to have, just ask! They’ve been very helpful and friendly. (And tip: apparently there’s a discount for you if you work locally.)
The drawback? It’s pricey, and that can come as quite a shock for takeaway food/​drink. But the more I look around the area and consider the ingredients that go into my drinks and my foods, the more willing I am to accept that it is worth it to pay just a bit more for fresh, healthy, thoughtfully made food.