It was a Wednesday lunchtime, and I found myself near Leila’s Shop on Calvert Avenue. A few people were sitting outside, enjoying delicious-looking food, so I was tempted to go in. I’d been there many years ago and remembered the tasty seasonal dishes. If you’re looking for ingredient-led cooking in London, or somewhere for lunch near Calvert Avenue, Bethnal Green or Shoreditch, Leila’s Shop is a lovely place to know about. If you’re wondering why it’s called a shop, it’s because there’s a deli and a greengrocer next door that supply many of the ingredients.
“An ever-changing seasonal lunch menu is served in this rustic café using ingredients from next door,” Homegirl London.
Leila’s Shop Seasonal Ingredients Lunch Menu
Lunch is served only from Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 3 pm, so there’s a limited window to visit. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s available from the shop and what’s in season.
During my visit, the chalkboard menu offered a simple yet tempting selection of dishes.
The bread and butter was a no-brainer, which was fabulous: two chunky slices of rustic brown bread with the loveliest butter. Being vegetarian, I couldn’t try the braised pork neck with white beans, but the other options included spring soup, roasted beetroot with ricotta and hazelnuts, and spinach and feta rice.
After some deliberation, I chose the spinach and feta rice, which was a small but very tasty portion. It was earthy, comforting and a gorgeous green colour. I also added the leafy salad, which was basically a plate of leaves with a few sprigs of parsley, but it was so fresh and tasty that I didn’t mind.
The lemon posset with shortbread and strawberries was tempting, but just as I was thinking about dessert, my phone rang a couple of times. Someone was panicking about getting a key for a friend’s flat, so it felt urgent. I don’t usually speak on the phone in a restaurant, but there were only two other diners left, so on this occasion it seemed okay. When a staff member asked me to take it outside, I felt like a naughty schoolkid being told off. I didn’t want to step outside without paying first, so I skipped dessert, and that became my cue to settle up and leave.
Reviews of Leila’s often comment on the prices relative to portion sizes. On my visit, the feature dishes ranged from £7 to £18, with bread and butter at £2.50, leafy salad at £6.50 and dessert at £9. I thought the prices were reasonable, considering how much eating out has risen recently.
Helpful Information About Leila’s Shop Eatery
There are tables and chairs outside overlooking the quiet street of Calvert Avenue, which benefits from the round park at the top of the road. Boundary Gardens is a peaceful historic green space at the centre of Arnold Circus, close to Brick Lane and Shoreditch. With raised terraces, a bandstand and an enclosed setting, it’s worth a look before or after lunch.
The deli, greengrocer and café are open from Tuesday to Saturday, while lunch is served Wednesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Inside, you’ll find a basic, laid-back dining area with an open kitchen at the back, giving it a rustic vibe. The staff weren’t the friendliest I’ve encountered, but I enjoyed the food, so I decided to write it up. The address is 15–17 Calvert Avenue, London E2 7JP. The nearest stations are Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit the Leila’s Shop website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Shoreditch East London Helpful Area Guide
Ten Things To Do In Shoreditch East London
Ten Things To Do In Bethnal Green East London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please verify that the establishment is still in business and check its opening times before visiting.