But Leon might just have cracked the formula with its new summer salad range, proving that fast food doesn’t have to mean dull or greasy.
On a dull and cloudy weekday afternoon, I popped out from the office with a couple of colleagues to test out the latest seasonal offerings from Leon.
We ordered our food in advance through the app before heading to the Holborn store, and by the time we arrived, it was ready for pickup – still warm and freshly prepared.
Between us, we tried three of their new salads, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back.
At around £10 to £11.50 for a salad, a drink and a side, it felt reasonably priced for a high-street lunch in London – especially considering the generous portions.
I went for the Firecracker Chicken Salad, which promised heat but delivered more on flavour than spice.
There wasn’t much of a kick, but it was packed with tender chicken and a mix of roasted spiced vegetables that added depth and colour.
It felt balanced, filling without being heavy, and I didn’t get that post-lunch slump that often comes with heavier meals.
Paired with Leon’s crisp, slightly zesty lemonade and a box of their iconic waffle fries, it hit that ideal lunch spot – comforting, but not over the top.
My two colleagues both went for the Falafel Salad, which came with a vibrant ‘golden goddess’ dressing, along with grains, and crunchy greens.
Another teammate had the Chicken Caesar, which leaned more toward the traditional, with hearty chunks of chicken and a satisfyingly rich dressing that didn’t overwhelm the salad base.
She said: “The salad leaves in the Chicken Caesar salad were fresh, and the Honey Money Mustard Caesar Dressing was just the right consistency to coat everything, adding a bit of zing.
However, it was the large, moist chunks of chicken which were the star.
“If I had a criticism, it lacked a bit of crunch, perhaps a few croutons.”
Leon is a refreshing change from the soggy supermarket sandwiches and uninspiring meal deals we’ve all settled for at one point or another.
Beyond their standout salads, Leon offers some seriously tasty lunch options – including the Spicy Paprika Chicken Wrap (a personal favourite), the Korean BBQ Pork Rice Bowl, and the Chicken Caesar Burger.
Best of all, with locations all across London, it’s never hard to find one nearby.
