Located just minutes from 1 Waverley Place, St. John’s Wood High Street is a very popular spot for students. The street’s convenience makes it a go-to destination, especially for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal between classes or a place to hang out with friends. The shops and restaurants offer a wide variety of lunch options that cater to different tastes, making it a daily challenge to decide where to eat.
Panzer’s
Panzer’s offers a delightful selection of freshly baked bagels, gourmet sandwiches and poke bowls. Yet, this great selection comes with its setbacks. If you find yourself craving a Panzer’s meal during the lunchtime rush, you will be waiting longer than expected — the store is almost always packed. Furthermore, Panzer’s fails as a sustainable everyday meal in terms of price, with their sandwiches being quite costly. For example, a panini will run you £6.50. While this poses a major con, once the food arrives, all is forgotten. The chicken pesto mozzarella sandwich is the best sandwich at the store. The rich blend of grilled chicken, creamy pesto and stringy mozzarella combine perfectly. The meal is served on freshly baked bread that is toasted to perfection, adding the right amount of crunch to every bite. To put it simply, it isn’t just a sandwich, it’s an experience.
Our Rating
Price: 3/5
We feel the prices for a meal at Panzer’s are too high for what they are.
Taste: 5/5
Panzer’s truly understands how to produce a large variety of high-quality food.
Ambiance: 3/5
The shop is big and payment is easy, however, the lines to get food are long and the store can be too crowded.
Maido
The large array of seating options offered by Maido is incredibly appealing to High School students who want to eat with their friends on the high street. The outside tables are often packed with students, and the food is just a bonus. Their Japanese bowls and fresh sushi are a meal choice that cannot go wrong. However, there is one setback. Should you visit Maido, be prepared to burn a hole through your wallet. The prices are well above your everyday meal, with a crispy chicken bowl will run you about £10.50 — this is the one thing stopping us from being regular customers.
Our Rating
Price: 1/5
Though it is to be expected for a place with high-quality sushi, we feel the prices at Maido are outrageously high.
Taste: 4/5
Taste is definitely no issue. The sushi tastes amazing and the bowls are a big hit within the High School community.
Ambiance: 4/5
Maido’s seating area is great for enjoying your lunch in the fresh air while socializing with peers.
Who wins?
Maido: 1 – 4 – 4 (9/15)
Panzer’s: 2 – 5 – 3 (10/15)
Based on our combined rating accounting for ambiance, taste and price, Panzer’s just edges out Maido as the superior High Street destination. However, both Panzer’s and Maido have their unique charms and cater to different preferences. If you’re looking for a gourmet sandwich and are willing to work through the crowds, Panzer’s is for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more spacious setting with exquisite sushi, then Maido is a must-go. Ultimately, the choice depends on what you value more: taste and quality of food, or the overall dining experience.
