Best places near UCL to do your food shop

If you’re fresh on campus, don’t panic! We’ve compiled a list of the closest and most convenient places for your food shop -  and all of these are tried and tested UCL alumni favourites. For those of you studying remotely, keep this article in mind for when you arrive at UCL! Make sure to check ahead of time that places are open, since opening times may have changed during COVID-19. 

1. Lidl (145 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London W1T 7NE)

Lidl is probably the most convenient and biggest venue for your future food shop, so bring your reusable bags and stock up on basics! Low prices and an excellent bakery section – what more could you want?

2. Tesco Express (124-125 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London W1T 5AS)

The Tottenham Court Road (or TCR as it’s affectionately known) Tesco Express is a classic: open until 11pm and the meal deal section is always well stocked. It’s bound to become a useful spot for a quick ‘grab-milk-on-the-way-home’ shop.

3. Oseyo (115 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London W1T 5AH)

For a Korean food fix, Oseyo holds the key ingredients – their prices are great, and so is their extensive collection of instant ramen.

4. Sainsbury’s (21 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3JA)

You can find this Sains’ just north of Warren Street station – it’s a little quieter than Lidl, and holds all the basics you need.

5. Brunswick Centre (Bernard St, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1BS)

With access to Waitrose, Superdrug and many more, the Brunswick Centre is not only convenient for a quick shop, but also provides a quiet getaway from the busy student-frequented shops along TCR. Fair warning, though – the Waitrose prices may hurt your budget after one too many trips.

6. Sainsbury’s (15-17 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1BJ)

For those of you looking for a slightly bigger grocery shop, the Sains’ closest to TCR station has all of the niche ingredients you need!

7. Co-op Food Store (19-21 Store St, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7DB)

The closest Co-op is just south of the main campus, and it’s another great place to stop off for groceries.

8. Print Room and Refectory (UCL, main building)

There’s no need to venture outside campus for a quick coffee between classes! The Print Room and Refectory are pretty much within a 5-minute walk of any main UCL building, so if you need a pick me up before a two-hour seminar, you know where to go.

Last revised: 8 September 2021.

Joanna Pruchniewska, UCL Global Ambassador and Student Blog Contributor