For a lighter lunch in Covent Garden, Sticks’n’Sushi is always a favourite. The menu is full of colourful sushi rolls, crisp salads and yakitori skewers, perfect for a meal that fuels the afternoon without slowing you down. Sleek interiors and a calm atmosphere make it an easy spot to reset between meetings. A short walk away, Dishoom brings Bombay comfort food to the neighbourhood. Their chicken tikka rolls and signature black dal are quick, satisfying choices, while the café-style setting and warming chai make it just as appealing for a longer break.

When you are in the mood for something more substantial, Hawksmoor is hard to beat. Known for its perfectly cooked steaks and sharp salads, it is a true power-lunch destination. Dark wood interiors, leather banquettes and a lively dining room create a professional yet relaxed setting that works just as well for colleagues as it does for clients. For brasserie style, Balthazar brings Parisian charm with red leather booths, mirrored walls and timeless classics such as steak frites and onion soup. If tradition is what you are after, Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, is a Covent Garden institution. With wood-panelled dining rooms and hearty dishes like pies, roasts and seasonal game, it turns any lunch into an occasion.