Free Meals in London: Where Can Kids Eat Free this Half Term?

Both local councils and restaurants have stepped in to fill the gap after the government rejected a Labour bid to extend free school meals into the holidays.

Many London councils are also giving out free meals vouchers, including Brent, Barnet, Islington, Camden, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing, Kensington & Chelsea, Richmond, Kingston, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth, Greenwich, Lewisham, Havering and Redbridge.

Plus, thousands of restaurants nationwide have pledged free meals for children. Below is a list of many of the London restaurants taking part. But it’s by no means a comprehensive list. The best way to find out if your local restaurant, cafe or food shop is offering free meals is to check their social media feed.

You can also check out a free school meal finder map here: schoolmealfinder.org

Central & London wide

Papa Johns, London-wide
Children aged up to 15 can claim a free pizza from 2pm-4pm during half term

Bleecker Burger, Victoria
Bleecker is offering a free burger and fries for any children eligible for free school meals this half term

Mercato Metropolitano, Mayfair
Mercato Metropolitano is offering free meals to kids under the age of 18 from 12pm-2pm daily until 8 November. They are looking to further extend this initiative for the Christmas holiday, spring half term, February half term and Easter holidays.

Pho, London-wide
Pho is giving out 6,000 free children’s meals to vulnerable children from 26-30 October. Starting at midday each day they will give out 50 meals a day (egg fried rice and a piece of fruit) from each of their restaurants. Branches in Islington, Spitalfields, Chiswick, Ealing, Battersea, Balham, Stratford, Wimbledon and Kingston.

Huffkins at John Lewis, Oxford Street
Free lunch for any child in need. Collection by prior arrangement only. Email charles@huffkins.com

Lebanese Bakery, Covent Garden
Head to this Covent Garden bakery from week days through half term for a free lunch. Available only for those who qualify for free school meals – please take proof of eligibility and photo ID.

Prezzo, nationwide
From Tuesday to Friday during half term, Prezzo will be giving out free Pasta Boxes. Available for collection 11.30am-12pm. Just ask for the Prezzo Pasta Box for their child.

Wing Wing, Tavistock Square & Hammersmith
Free kids meals for locals to the Hammersmith and Tavistock Square branches from 12pm-5pm, 26 Oct-1 Nov. Each outlet will be offering 25 free meals a day with four chicken wings, fries and a soda. Just walk in and say you would like a free kids meal.

Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell
Free school meals for anyone that needs them this half-term from the shop on Farringdon Road. Each meal will contain a sandwich, drink, fruit and a bar of chocolate. Just pop down from 11am-12pm, Mon-Fri. No questions asked.

north london

Pho, London-wide
Pho is giving out 6,000 free children’s meals to vulnerable children from 26-30 October. Starting at midday each day they will give out 50 meals a day (egg fried rice and a piece of fruit) from each of their restaurants. Branches in Islington, Spitalfields, Chiswick, Ealing, Battersea, Balham, Stratford, Wimbledon and Kingston.

Spence Bakery, Stoke Newington & Tuffnell Park
Free lunch bags for anyone struggling this half term. Just ask for a ‘kids lunch bag’ at either branch and you’ll get a cheese roll, juice, fruit and a mini loaf cake or a couple of cookies.

Lizzy’s on the Green, Newington Green
Lizzy’s on the Green is offering free children’s lunches this half term. Just ask for a kids lunch box at the counter and you’ll get a cheese sandwich, an apple or banana, a flapjack and a juice box

Yellow Warbler Coffee, Stoke Newington
Hackney residents can collect a free kids lunches from the Yellow Warbler Coffee from 12pm-2pm, Monday to Friday during half term. If you would prefer to get in touch privately, email stewart@yellowwarbler.coffee

Cottons Food Truck, Islington
One hundred free lunches for children in need available every week day during half term from 12pm-2pm.

Southpaw Coffee, Islington & Hackney
Free packed lunches for kids who need it from Monday to Sunday during half term. Just swing by and pick up a bag, no questions asked.

Finks, Islington
Finks is giving away as many free school meals as they can from Thursday during half term. Each meal will contain a veggie main (tomato and roast veg pasta or homemade wholemeal veggie pizza), with hummus and veg sticks, a piece of fruit, a slice of banana bread cake and a drink.

Friends of Ours, Islington
Any child who would usually get free school meals can DM Friends of Ours to request a free lunch box during half term.

Holborn Studios, Islington
The in-house restaurant @StudioKitchenN1 will be providing free meals for Hackney children during half term. They will be ready and waiting for collection from 11am-12pm, Monday to Friday.

The Sauce, Highbury & Acton
Call ahead to 020 7683 1419, send an email to info@thesauce.co.uk or send a DM to let the team know how many meals you require. One meal per child per day from Monday to Friday during half term. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

east london

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney
The Pembury Tavern is teaming up with resident dough-slingers ACE Pizza to offer free meals for all kids from 4pm-6pm, Monday to Friday during half term (26-30 Oct). Plus, £1 from every pizza sold during the week will be donated to Hackney Food Bank.

Bao, Soho, Borough & London Fields
Bao is pledging 1,000 free Rice Error meals for children this half term. Fifty free meals will be available every day during half term each restaurant (Available to pickup at BAO in Soho, Borough, Netil Market in London Fields).

The Tale Of India, West India Dock
Children in receipt of free school meals can get a chicken or vegetable biriyani meal any day in half term from 6pm-9pm. Call 020 7537 2546 or 07506789072 to place an order for collection.

Chick ‘n’ Sours, Hackney
If you’re a Hackney resident eligible for free school meals, DM Chick n Sours for a hot meal during half term

Duke of Richmond, Hackney
Free packed lunches are available from 26-30 October, Monday to Friday, for collection 12pm-1pm. No questions asked. Each packed lunch will consist of a ham or cheese roll, piece of fruit, box of raisins, yoghurt, crisps and fruit juice.

Randys Wing Bar, Hackney
Children aged 3-16 can get a free lunch from 2pm-4pm every day half term week day (26-30 Oct). Just email randys@randyswingbar.co.uk to book a slot for collection. No questions asked.

Dumpling Shack, Old Spitalfields Market & South Quay
Dumpling Shack is offering a free hot meal to any child in need this half term. Email info@dumplingshack.co.uk for further information

Deeney’s, Leyton
Deeney’s on Leyton High Road is offering a free packed lunch with cheese and cucumber sandwiches, fruit juice, a piece of fruit and snack bar for any child in need. Simply head to the counter and ask. No questions asked.

Pho, London-wide
Pho is giving out 6,000 free children’s meals to vulnerable children from 26-30 October. Starting at midday each day they will give out 50 meals a day (egg fried rice and a piece of fruit) from each of their restaurants. Branches in Islington, Spitalfields, Chiswick, Ealing, Battersea, Balham, Stratford, Wimbledon and Kingston.

Rum Kitchen, Shoreditch & Brixton
The Caribbean-inspired restaurant is offering 40 free lunches a day during half term from 12pm-2pm at its Brixton and Shoreditch branches

Southpaw Coffee, Hackney & Islington
Free packed lunches for kids who need it from Monday to Sunday during half term. Just swing by and pick up a bag, no questions asked.

Trullo at Padella Shoreditch & Padella Borough
Trullo will be giving out free pasta kits for school children aged 4-16 in the Borough and Shoreditch neighbourhoods Monday to Friday during half term at midday. Choose from pappardelle with beef shin ragu or tagliarini with tomato sauce.

south east london

Albrighton Community Centre, East Dulwich
Albrighton Community Centre has been providing food and essential items for those in need throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 1pm for anyone who needs support – just turn up.

CakedByR&R, Herne Hill
These guys are offering free cake for collection to those in need during half term. Email cakedbyrnr@hotmail.com or ping them a DM on Instagram @cakedbyrnr

Brewbird, Camberwell
This south London-based cafe and catering company provides opportunities to people who need help getting back into employment, and over half term they’re offering offering a free lunch to anyone on free schools meals. Send a direct message or call on 020 7701 5234 and they’ll prep a lunch for collection every day at 12pm.

The Poodle Club, Sydenham
Join the Poodle Club’s lunch club for free lunches for kids during half term. Available Mon-Fri from 12pm-2pm. Email poodlelunchclub@gmail.com to join.

Eastern Cuisine, Crystal Palace
Available from Monday to Sunday, 5.30-7.30pm, during half term. No questions asked. Collection only and no purchase necessary. Call 020 8761 6688.

Brown & Green Cafe, Crystal Palace
Free kids’ meals from Mon-Sun for kids who qualify for free school meals. Just mention it to a member of staff and no purchase will be necessary.

Joanna’s, Crystal Palace
Fifty free packed lunches will be available daily for those in need from Mon-Fri. Each packed lunch will contain a cheese and pickle sandwich, crisps, a piece of fruit, yoghurt, chocolate and juice drink. Available to collect from 12pm-1pm from the restaurant.

400 Rabbits, Nunhead, Crystal Palace, West Norwood & Herne Hill
Free Margherita pizza for children during half term – any day, any time, no questions asked. Just request ‘The Rashford One’ for eat in or takeaway.

FK’s Barbers, Honor Oak Park
FK’s Barbers is giving out free lunch bags consisting of a loaf of bread, pack of cheese, crisps, juice, fresh fruit and biscuits. Message 07983237007 to arrange collection or local delivery.

Flock & Herd, Peckham
Flock & Herd butchers is offering six free child-friendly chipolata sausages – or more if you need them – from both its Peckham and Beckenham branches. Just ask in store. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Kick n Munch, Deptford
Available from 26 October to 1 November. Pop in, call 020 8694 1962 or drop them a DM on Instagram @kicknmunch to make a request.

Beats & Grind, Catford
Beats & Grind is offering free packed lunch bags for those in need this half term. Just pop in a grab a lunch bag containing a sandwich, crisps, flapjack, fruit snack and juice. You can also ping them a DM to arrange a local drop off.

Bao, Soho, Borough & London Fields
Bao is pledging 1,000 free Rice Error meals for children this half term. Fifty free meals will be available every day during half term each restaurant (Available to pickup at BAO in Soho, Borough, Netil Market in London Fields).

Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle
Mercato Metropolitano is offering free meals to kids under the age of 18 from 12pm-2pm daily until 8 November. They are looking to further extend this initiative for the Christmas holiday, spring half term, February half term and Easter holidays.

The Kitchen, Bermondsey
Children can claim a free packed lunch to take away when accompanied by a parent/supervisor. Ping them a DM on Instagram the day before so the team can prep it for you.

Trullo at Padella Borough & Padella Shoreditch
Trullo will be giving out free pasta kits for school children aged 4-16 in the Borough and Shoreditch neighbourhoods Monday to Friday during half term at midday. Choose from pappardelle with beef shin ragu or tagliarini with tomato sauce.

Mei Mei, Borough Market
From 11am-2pm, Mon-Fri, during half term, Mei Mei https://www.instagram.com/meimeilondon/ is offering free hot meals and packed lunches for children in need, plus a box of ready prepared dinners for the freezer. Just request a ‘happy holiday’. No questions asked.

south west london

Bleecker Burger, Battersea
Bleecker is offering a free burger and fries for any children eligible for free school meals this half term.

Schoolhouse London, St John’s Hill
From Monday to Friday during half term, kids can get a free takeaway lunch. Send a DM or call 020 7223 6288. Some delivery capacity is also available.

Pho, London-wide
Pho is giving out 6,000 free children’s meals to vulnerable children from 26-30 October. Starting at midday each day they will give out 50 meals a day (egg fried rice and a piece of fruit) from each of their restaurants. Branches in Islington, Spitalfields, Chiswick, Ealing, Battersea, Balham, Stratford, Wimbledon and Kingston.

Meat and Shake, Tooting
Available from 12pm-3pm. Email the owner, Usama, at usama@meatandshake.com for more details.

Beyroots, Tooting
Open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday, the team is offering a free lunch for kids from 12pm-2.30pm for two weeks – just go in and ask.

Bordelaise, Tooting
Bordelaise in Broadway Market is offering free meals for kids during half term, from Tues-Sun, 12pm-2.30pm. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian but parents/guardians do not have to eat or spend any money. Pasta, steaks, fresh fish with sides and ice cream are available.

Royal Mahal, Tooting
Children eligible for a free school meal can collect one of the following dishes between 26 & 30 October – chicken curry, chicken karahi, channa masala or tharka dhaal (all with pilao rice). Parents, please Email info@royalmahal.co.uk with your name and choice. Collection is from 12pm-2pm.⠀

Sista Hun, Furzedown
Sista Hub is providing free meals for children for collection from 114 Mitcham Lane from 12pm-3pm. Find the menu on Instagram at @sista_hub and email fahima_mustafe@hotmail.com or call 020 7041 8176 to let them know how many meals you require.

Richmond Rugby Club, Richmond
Supplying free nutritional meals during half-term week. Contact Dom Palaccio on communitydept@richmondfc.co.uk

The Shack, Twickenham
Giving out 1,000 free meals and will offer two hot options as well as a sandwich alternative from 12pm-2pm. Email schoolmeals@theshack.london or call 020 88 92 3328.

Big Smoke Brew Co, south west London
Giving out 1,000 free, healthy lunches to children over half-term from their pubs in Hammersmith, Surbiton and Kingston. Email lunch@bigsmokebrew.co.uk to let them know how many meals you need.

Rum Kitchen, Brixton & Shoreditch
The Caribbean-inspired restaurant is offering 40 free lunches a day during half term from 12pm-2pm at its Brixton and Shoreditch branches.

Share a Slice, Brixton
During the week of half term, any lunchtime from Monday to Friday, kids can come claim a free margherita pizza from Share a Slice’s Pop Brixton site.

Souvlaki Street, Brixton
Kids can claim a free chicken souvlaki from Souvlaki Street’s Pop Brixton site from 12pm-3pm during half term, no questions asked.

Original Patacon, Brixton
Another charitable Pop Brixton food stall is offering free lunches for kids during the week of half term – just ask for a free patacon relleno (wrap) any time during lunch time.

The Prince of Wales, Brixton
Brixton’s Prince of Wales pub is serving free meals every day during half term for children in need. Just pop in between 1pm and 3pm and collect a lunch box full of the likes of roast chicken and vegetables. No questions asked.

WEST LONDON

Bleecker Burger, Westfield White City
Bleecker is offering a free burger and fries for any children eligible for free school meals this half term

Pho, London-wide
Pho is giving out 6,000 free children’s meals to vulnerable children from 26-30 October. Starting at midday each day they will give out 50 meals a day (egg fried rice and a piece of fruit) from each of their restaurants. Branches in Islington, Spitalfields, Chiswick, Ealing, Battersea, Balham, Stratford, Wimbledon and Kingston.

Maryam’s Kitchen, Ealing
Free hot lunches for children who are entitled to free school meals. Order at least 24 hours in advance via maryamskitchensupperclub@gmail.com. Limited numbers available.

Boki Coffee, Boxpark Wembley
Children who usually get free school meals can get a free healthy lunch box during half term. Email info@bokicoffee.com

Wing Wing, Hammersmith & Tavistock Square
Free kids meals for locals to the Hammersmith and Tavistock Square branches from 12pm-5pm, 26 Oct-1 Nov. Each outlet will be offering 25 free meals a day with four chicken wings, fries and a soda. Just walk in and say you would like a free kids meal.

Prince of Wales Townhouse, Hammersmith
Kids eat free this half term (26-30 Oct) with a full paying adult between 12pm-6pm. Available for children aged 12 and under. Pre-booking is not essential but is advised.

The Sauce, Acton & Highbury
Call ahead to 020 7683 1419, send an email to info@thesauce.co.uk or send a DM to let the team know how many meals you require. One meal per child per day from Monday to Friday during half term. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.