The Attendant

I met up with Katie for lunch on Tuesday as a late celebration of her new job, which I am immensely proud of her for getting. It was also really just an excuse for lunch out and a catch up. Her new offices are located just off of Regent Street, so we decided to eat close by on Foley Street at The Attendant. 

The Attendant is a converted Victorian public toilet. It lay untouched for over 50 years until it was converted into this original use of space. Whilst the idea of eating and drinking in a toilet may seem weird, it is by far one of the coolest and quirkiest coffee shops that London has to offer. It's not huge but the space has been used well, with the original urinals being transformed into the bases of the coffee benches which line the walls. 

They even have the hand dryers on the walls!

It's often hard to find original cafe's and restaurants around the Oxford Circus area because the area is so heavily populated by chains, however if you walk a little north then there are more independent eating places to be explored.  

The Attendant serves fresh, homemade sandwiches which come with the option of being toasted, as well as a special of the day, soups and so many delicious looking cakes, which I am proud to say we resisted. 

I ordered bacon, chicken, lettuce and tomato toasted between two seeded brown slices of bread, which in other more common terms is known as a BLT sandwich (but this one was better than all others you will taste!)

Katie went for their lunchtime special which was Butternut, Lentil & Spinach stew served with Tarragon buttered sourdough toast, salad and a side of bacon. 

After consuming our food incredibly quickly we signed our names on their door... 

Headed up the stairs in pursuit of daylight...  

And over the road to the Scandinavian Kitchen for one of their gluten free chocolate and orange brownies. 

Gluten free makes them healthy... right?! 

I'd recommend both places for anyone who is working, shopping or visiting the area. The Attendant being the quirkier of the two but the Scandinavian brownies were divine, so maybe try both as we did. To find out more about The Attendant visit their website here.