By Giovana De Almeida Cortes
Walking down Holloway Road, there is food everywhere. From fired chicken shops to small cafes and takeaway counters, there are plenty of places to grab something to eat.
But with prices going up across London, many people are trying to spend less. So the question is: can you still get a good meal in Holloway for under £10? For a lot of people living in the area , the answer is yes.
Photo by Giovana De Almeida Cortes
“Since I’m a student , I try not to spend more than £10 when I eat out,” says Sophia Smee, 20, who lives near Holloway Road. “There are a few places I always go to because I know It’ll be cheap and filling.”
Students especially rely on budget-friendly food. With rent, transport and other costs adding up , eating out can quickly become expensive.
“It just makes sense to find cheaper options,” says Livvy Cohen, 25.
A lot of cheaper food options in Holloway are takeaways. Walking past places like Chicken Cottage or Morley’s, it’s easy to see how popular they are, with people constantly going in and out.
“It’s quick and you get a good amount for your money,” says Smee. “Sometimes, I even save some for later.”
These kind of places have become part of people’s daily routines. Whether it’s lunch between classes or a late-night meal, they offer something fast and affordable.
Cafes and coffee houses
But it’s not just takeaways that offer good value. Some smaller cafés and independent places also have meals under £10, and many locals say these are worth trying.
Places like Coffee Jar or Bun and Bar offer cheaper options while still feeling a bit more relaxed than a takeaway.
Video by Giovana De Almeida Cortes
“I actually prefer the smaller places,” says Cristiano Escorcio, 22, a local. “I feel like I’m eating healthier somewhere like a cafe, rather than eating at a chicken shop where it feels dirty and unhealthy.”
For Cristiano, it’s not just about price, it’s about getting your money’s worth.
“I don’t mind spending more than £10 if the food is fresh and fills me up,” she continues. “I just want to eat somewhere healthy.”
Value for money
The idea of value for money came up a lot when speaking with people. It’s not just about finding the cheapest option, but finding something that feels worth it.
Local business owners say they understand this and try to keep their prices reasonable, even though their own costs are going up.
Millie Hicks, 33, Rua Coffee shop manager says: “People are definitely more careful with money now. We try to keep some options affordable so customers can still come in regularly. For example, our coffees are all under £4 , and our toasties are £8. “
Running a small food business is not easy at the moment . The cost of ingredients, rent and energy has increased, making it harder to keep meals cheap.
“We have to find balance,” Millie continues , “ We want to keep prices down , while still giving costumers a decent portion.”
At the same time , social media is playing a bigger role in where people choose to eat. Platforms like TikTok and instagram have made it easier for people to discover new food spots.
“I’ve gone to places just because I saw them online,” says Cohen. “If it looks good and affordable , I’ll try it.”
Word of mouth
Even with social media, word of mouth is still important.
“If my friends recommend somewhere, I trust that more,” says Nobrega. “Especially if they say it’s good and cheap.”
Angel Raych , who has a degree in Hospitality, explains: “People are much more aware of what they’re spending now. They still want good quality food , but they’re thinking more carefully about price.”
Interview by Giovana De Almeida Cortes
According to Raych , areas like Holloway are a good example of how high streets are changing to match what people need.
“Affordable, quick food options are becoming more popular because they fir into people’s daily lives.”
Even though many people appreciate having lots of cheap options, some feel that the high street is becoming a bit repetitive.
“There are a lot of similar places,” says Cristiano. “It would be nice to see more variety.”
Others see it differently.
“I think it’s good,” says Smee. “You always have options, and you don’t have to spend loads.”
For many, this is part of what makes Holloway such a convenient place to live.
“It’s easy,” says Cohen. “You can always find something quick and affordable.”
Even though London is often seen as expensive, Holloway shows that it’s still possible to eat out without spending too much.
From quick takeaways to smaller cafés, there are plenty of places offering good food at reasonable prices. And for people trying to manage their budgets, that makes a real difference.
As prices continue to rise, these affordable food spots are likely to stay an important part of daily life. They’re not just about saving money—they’re about convenience, routine and knowing you can always get a decent meal when you need one.
For now, one thing is clear: in Holloway, £10 can still go a long way.
Photo by Giovana De Almeida Cortes
Leave a Reply