Kastner & Ovens

Homestyle Delights: A Covent Garden Gem

Ah, Kastner & Ovens, the quirky little enclave in Covent Garden offering salvation from bland corporate lunches. Nestled among the hustle and bustle of the district, it feels almost like stumbling onto a hidden market, ripe with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Those who love variety will salivate at the sheer tapestry of options available—a veritable rainbow of salads and freshly roasted vegetables will make any vegetarian swoon. For those with a sweet tooth, their heavenly banoffee pie is a delicious denouement to a hearty meal. Let’s not forget about the quiches that remind you of something your gran might serve at a homely dinner table: substantial, comforting, and executed with a tender love for good ingredients.

Yet, not all that glitters here is gold. While my family of taste buds found ample delight, the service operated at an intriguingly dissonant rhythm—akin to a rushed transit hub rather than a cozy bistro. I encountered bustling staff moving with a purpose that sometimes omitted the smile, succumbing momentarily to what I assume was an Olympian lunchtime rush. That said, efficiency dictates that the queue inches forward quicker than you'd imagine, snatching any precious time to dither. A word to the novice, do present your way through the maze with clarity; decisions are best made briskly lest you hold up the assembly line of eager nourishment seekers behind you. Overall, if one can tolerate the hurly-burly clash of wills, Kastner & Ovens remains the de rigueur destination for a bite that is both healthy and delicious—a sumptuous refuge amid the chaos. — Penelope Savory