Leon (Spitalfields) Review

Huge outdoor dining space, great indoor decor, serving fresh, healthy, hot and cold dishes, set within Old Spitalfields Market.

Leon is popular from breakfast till late in the evening but the Spitalfields branch is large enough to cater for all. There is seating inside, including a small soft 'living room' area for families, plus a large seating area outside with eclectic tables and chairs.

There is a two queue system so you queue first to place your order then, once you've paid and have your receipt, you move to the next queue to await your order. You need to wait and take your food as there isn't table service.

Leon has a reputation for healthy, fresh, seasonal dishes and is popular for lunch take-outs. When I visited in summer 2007 they were experimenting with only adding VAT to the bill of those who stayed to eat in so it was cheaper to get a take-out. Hopefully this idea won't last forever as I paid an extra couple of quid to what I thought the price would be from looking at the menu.

Leon is a 'fast-food' café but aims to provide organic and fair-trade produce. They cater for special dietary requirements so the menu has symbols for:

• Good carbs/Good sugars
• No or low animal fat
• Vegetarian
• Wheat free
• Dairy/Lactose Free
• Gluten Free

While all this talk of 'healthy' food might sound off-putting it actually tastes pretty darn good, especially the Roasted Sweet Potato Falafel and the Better Brownie, which has a hint of orange. The smoothies are delicious and I'm a fan of the Strawberry Power Smoothie. I would say Leon is good value, offers good food, and has an excellent vibe.