In the bustling heart of South West London, a culinary secret awaits discerning lunchers. Tucked away just off Putney High Street, Octagreen is a health-focused spot delivering staggering value, with generously portioned meals available for under £10.
First Impressions and Ambience
Located a mere five-minute walk from Putney Station and ten minutes from Putney Bridge Station, Octagreen is an unassuming haven. The moment you step inside, the aromatic scent of freshly prepared, steaming food provides an immediate and welcoming greeting. The open-plan space features a food counter at the front, showcasing a vast and enticing array of hot mains and vibrant salads.
Towards the back, a comfortable seating area offers a relaxed and quiet atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal. The setup is completed by a barista station, which boasts a selection of desserts and a wide variety of teas and other hot drinks.
Unbeatable Value and Menu Variety
What truly sets Octagreen apart is its commitment to providing exceptional value for money. The menu is designed to be both flexible and affordable. The regular option, priced at just £9.50 for takeaway or £9.90 to eat in, allows you to choose one main with two sides, or alternatively, three different salads.
For those with a larger appetite, the large option offers two mains and three salads, or five salads, for £13 to take away or £13.90 to eat in. The menu is impressively inclusive, catering to various dietary needs with a range of vegan, halal, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
A Taste of the Experience
After careful consideration of the tempting choices, which included mains like Thai curry chicken, beef goulash, vegan moussaka, and salmon, the decision fell on the jerk chicken. This was paired with a smart salad and a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
The resulting plate was a visually vibrant and hearty meal. The jerk chicken was a standout – slow-cooked to perfection until it fell off the bone, with a delightful and subtle kick of spice. The roasted sweet potatoes were soft, caramelised, and provided a comforting warmth.
However, the surprise favourite was the smart salad. It was a verdant mix of greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and spring onion, all brought together with a luxuriously creamy avocado dressing. This combination delivered a plateful of freshness that was both deeply satisfying and remarkably good for you.
Octagreen proves that you don't have to compromise on quality, health, or portion size when dining on a budget. It's a versatile lunch spot with something for everyone, making it a place you could revisit again and again without ever tiring of the options.
You can find Octagreen at 85 Putney High St, London SW15 1SR.
