16 amazing student discount-offering eateries around UCL

All that reading, chunky essay-writing and endless note-taking at uni can really take its toll - especially during winter. There’s nothing better than taking a break for some much needed food or drinks to ease the burden of looming deadlines and avoid burning out too soon.

We’ve scouted some surprising local spots to get your coffee and lunch fix without having to pay full price or whisk out a loyalty-scheme card ‒ all you need is your UCL student ID and an appetite. From juicy burger restaurants to poké and smoothie sites, our list’s got something for everyone.
 
Little Nan’s
This brilliant gem hidden away in Fitzrovia is the epitome of cosy homeliness. With fairy lights strung up and all around, painted walls and quirky décor, it offers a feast for both your eyes and your stomach. Little Nan’s has kindly offered all UCL student readers a 15% discount, but be quick with reserving your table as this one tends to get fully booked fast.

Bento-ya
Daisuke, the talented and friendly Bento-ya owner, has got over 149,000 subscribers on YouTube (‘Cooking with Chef Dai’), so it’s no wonder that his business’s Japanese dishes are super popular. Daisuke recommends the chicken katsu and has offered UCL students 10% off food during lunch hour (11:30-12:30) on weekdays and 20% off sushi between 3-4pm.

Pilau
If you fancy yourself some flavoursome Indian food then Pilau, which offers students 20% off its menu, is one to check out post-lectures. The menu is extensive and includes hearty mains and treats like naan balls with homemade sides. Best of all though, Pilau’s partnership with Akshaya Patra means that every time someone eats at Pilau, the restaurant donates a mid-morning meal to a child in India.

Mac + Wild
Students can get a whopping 30% off food Monday to Friday lunch (12pm-3.30pm) at fantastic Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild. They’ve got classic favourites like burgers and rib-eye steak as well as unique dishes such as haggis pops, vegan tattie tots and truffle mac & cheese.

The Old Dairy
With a history as rich as its coffee, The Old Dairy ought to be on any student’s list. The coffee shop was actually a milk shop back in 1906, and, with its colourful outdoor chairs and stunning original illustrations indoors, it makes for a great addition to any Instagram feed. MyUCL student readers can get an exclusive 10% off when they visit.

Jova
How about a coconut hot chocolate to warm up your morning? Crêperie and co-working club Jova’s got you covered. The pay-as-you-work café’s staff are as friendly as their great 10% student discount, which is applied on their space and food/drink when you book online or by walking in.

Fork Deli
Don’t forget to save space for pudding at Instagram spot Fork deli, which offers a mind boggling selection of cakes, sandwiches and salads, made sweeter with their 10% student discount deal. Tempting items include their gluten-free chocolate toffee brownie and organic quinoa salad (with roast wild mushrooms, goats cheese, chervil and hazelnuts).

Sharps Barbers Coffee
Coffee lovers shouldn’t give Sharps a miss. This quality coffee bar, which features an extensive menu of coffees and teas plus non-dairy milks (soy, coconut, and almond) and hot chocolate is a great spot for meeting up especially as the weather chills. You can get 15% off on Mondays and Saturdays.

Drakes Tabanco
You’ll be spoilt for choice at tapas restaurant Drakes Tabanco, although the pudding menu, which features treats like Spanish-style French toast with amaretto ‘carajillo’ and vanilla ice cream looks especially tempting. UCL Students get 10% off during lunchtime.

Shoop Soup Shop
Vegan and vegetarian student readers take note! Shoop Soup Shop is an awesome little spot which, with its many tasty soups like mushroom & truffle oil and sweet potato & peanut satay, promises that choosing just one may be even more difficult than pronouncing their tongue-tying name. They also offer salad boxes and dip tubs, and students get 10% off.

Fleet Kitchen
Only a short walk away from Euston Station and the Tavistock Square Gardens is Fleet Kitchen, a relaxed café offering fresh cakes and pastries as well as a variety of lunch items like spicy parsnip soup and parmesan-asparagus quiche. Students and faculty get 10% off at Fleet with a UCL card.

Honest Burger
Students are in for a treat at Honest Burger, which offers 30% off its menu Monday through to Thursday from 2pm-5:30pm. Chips are included with every burger, which range from beef and chicken to vegetarian and vegan options (the latter comes with vegan smoked Gouda cheese!). They also have gluten-free burger buns.

Planet Organic
My go-to for everything from hazelnut milk lattes to coconut tortilla chips. This healthy supermarket has an incredible range of interesting products and offers students 10% off. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or grocery shopping, the chances are you’ll find what you need there.

Polú Poké
Polú Poké’s colourful bowls and wraps are bound to light up any gloomy London day. Catering to lovers of seafood, vegans and spicy-chicken bowl fans too, you’re bound to find something you’ll love at this Poké eatery. UCL students get 10% off.

Itsu
Asian- inspired food chain Itsu is offering students 15% off meals, which includes their hot chicken Thai rice bowl, salmon teriyaki Tokyo wrap, and vegan-friendly quinoa burgers & greens rice bowl.

Leon
Students can get 15% off at ‘good fast food’ chain Leon, which serves Mediterranean-style cooking as well as some fast food classics like gluten-free chicken nuggets, Sicilian chicken meatballs, and fish finger wraps.

Image courtesy of Little Nan's