At 1 p.m. each day, flocks of students migrate to St. John’s Wood High Street. With a 50-minute lunch period, it can seem unfeasible to venture farther than a few blocks from One Waverly Place.
When students scan their IDs at the Waverley entrance and step out onto the street, they bring their empty stomachs and full wallets. Students should consider taking the extra few minutes to walk to the restaurants on Abbey Road, bolstering those local businesses just as we support those on the High Street.
On the other side of the school, there are a plethora of small businesses that would benefit from the support of students. On Abbey Road, for instance, is Bruno’s Deli, a hidden gem of St. John’s Wood. Once populated by High School students during lunch breaks, places like Bruno’s have decreased in popularity after the closure of the Loudoun Road entrance.
Due to security reasons, it is unlikely that the school will reopen the Loudoun Road entrance, but there is still enough time for students to reach the food options on the other side of St. John’s Wood within their lunch period. For example, it takes eight minutes to walk from the Waverley Entrance to Bruno’s Deli, the same amount of time it takes to walk from the Waverley Entrance to the Good Life Eatery.
If students are willing to travel to Baker Street to get Nando’s or Chipotle, surely they would be willing to venture within the St. John’s Wood area. Not only can they save on transportation fees, but they can also support local businesses that strengthen the economy and connect our community.
For students choosing to stay in the area, instead of going to Starbucks every day for their name to be written incorrectly on a mass-produced cup, they should acquaint themselves with the charm of small businesses that put heart into their menu.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused restaurants like Harry Morgan and Chicken Shop & Dirty Burger to close. These restaurants were beloved by the community and frequently visited. By not supporting local businesses post-pandemic, we risk the closure of many more.
Supporting local businesses must also extend beyond our conference time or lunch break. This will not only direct more money to local businesses but also contribute to the well-being of our community.
Ultimately, lunch is the perfect time to try something new. Pick up a pastry from that bakery you have always wanted to try and challenge your taste buds by indulging in new cuisines, such as Turkish food from Fora or a panini from London Coffee Bank.
