Christoff.ai

We Are Squirrel

restaurants•
London
London

We Are Squirrel

31 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Thurloe Place, We Are Squirrel brings an unexpected dose of whimsy to South Kensington's dining scene. This two-floor health-focused spot combines vibrant grain bowls with authentic Japanese udon, all served up in a space that's as budget-friendly as it is charming.

We Are Squirrel: South Kensington's Quirky Health Haven

Where grain bowls meet Japanese udon in a squirrel-themed sanctuary

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into We Are Squirrel and you'll immediately understand the name – a playful squirrel mural dominates the space, complemented by indoor trees and delightfully quirky bird house cutlery holders. The venue spans two floors, with the downstairs buzzing with energy while upstairs offers a quieter retreat perfect for laptop sessions. The decor strikes that sweet spot between cozy and casual, earning moderate scores for sophistication but high marks for uniqueness. The flexibility here is impressive – whether you're settling in for a quick lunch or planning an extended work session, the space accommodates both. The energy level sits comfortably in the middle ground, neither too sleepy nor overstimulating, making it genuinely conversation-friendly. It's the sort of place that feels refreshingly unpretentious in an area known for its polish, with an atmosphere that's earned it a reputation as a local workers' favorite and student-friendly haven.

Food & Drink

The menu cleverly bridges health-conscious eating with genuine flavour satisfaction. The signature ginger spice warm grain bowl stands out as a testament to how healthy food can avoid the usual bland stereotypes, while the Kitsune udon brings authentic Japanese comfort to the table. The guac 'n' roll bowl – described as a free-form burrito creation – shows the kitchen's playful approach to fusion cuisine. Locals consistently praise the firm smoked tofu and good seasoning across dishes, with hearty portions that actually satisfy rather than leaving you hunting for a proper meal elsewhere. The vegan rocky road with popcorn adds an unexpected sweet touch to the health-focused lineup. What's particularly impressive is how the kitchen manages to deliver consistently good food through what appears to be a relatively streamlined operation, keeping quality steady even during busy lunch rushes when the downstairs fills with nearby office workers seeking their healthy fix.

Service & Experience

The self-service ordering system is something of a double-edged sword here. While it keeps costs down and adds to the casual, relaxed vibe, it has created some initial teething problems that result in chaotic queue experiences, particularly during peak lunch hours. The system seems to work better once you understand the flow, but first-timers might find themselves a bit bewildered. Despite these operational hiccups, the venue has managed to earn high ratings from locals, suggesting that once you're past the ordering hurdle, the experience smooths out considerably. The £1.50 unlimited green tea and infused water service is a particular winner, especially for those settling in for laptop sessions upstairs.

Value for Money

For South Kensington, We Are Squirrel represents genuinely impressive value. Keeping breakfast under £10 in this postcode is no small feat, and the £1.50 unlimited green tea deal is practically unheard of in the area. The pricing strategy clearly targets students and local workers rather than the typical South Ken tourist crowd, which explains its strong local following. The hearty portions mean you're getting substance for your money, not just Instagram-worthy presentation. The combination of reasonable prices, quality ingredients, and generous servings makes this spot particularly appealing for budget-conscious diners who don't want to compromise on food quality. The fact that it's available on Deliveroo from Battersea suggests the value proposition works well enough to expand the delivery radius beyond the immediate neighbourhood.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive upstairs at 11:30am when they open to secure the quiet laptop zone before the lunch rush hits at 12:30pm. The downstairs gets particularly busy with office workers during peak lunch hours, so if you prefer a calmer experience, either go early or wait until after 2pm.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the ginger spice warm grain bowl – it's their signature for good reason. The Kitsune udon offers authentic Japanese comfort, while the guac 'n' roll bowl provides a playful fusion experience. Always opt for the £1.50 unlimited green tea, especially if you're planning to stay a while.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The upstairs seating is your secret weapon for a peaceful work session – most people don't realize it exists. The self-service system works much smoother if you study the menu online via their Instagram before arriving. Despite being currently closed according to the listing, locals know to check their social media for the most up-to-date opening information.

The Final Verdict

We Are Squirrel succeeds where many health-focused cafés fail – by prioritizing flavour alongside nutrition and creating a genuinely welcoming space that doesn't take itself too seriously. The quirky squirrel theme could easily veer into gimmicky territory, but instead adds character to what is fundamentally a solid food operation. Yes, the self-service system needs refinement, and the lunch rush can be chaotic, but the combination of good food, fair prices, and genuine neighbourhood charm makes this a worthwhile discovery. It's the sort of place that grows on you, particularly if you're looking for a reliable spot that won't break the bank in an otherwise expensive area.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Budget-conscious students and office workersLaptop users seeking affordable workspace with unlimited teaHealth-conscious diners who want flavour with their nutrition

Quick Details

1

We Are Squirrel

⭐️ Quirky atmosphere
⭐️ Laptop friendly
⭐️ Playful wellness
⭐️ South kensington value
⭐️ Comfort nutrition

South Kensington's quirkiest health food haven combines vibrant grain bowls with Japanese udon in a two-floor space decorated with indoor trees and squirrel murals. The ginger spice warm grain bowl and guac 'n' roll bowl creation demonstrate that healthy eating doesn't require taking yourself too seriously. The £1.50 unlimited green tea and infused water create laptop-friendly sessions that justify the modest pricing. Upstairs seating provides refuge from the bustling downstairs area, while the self-service system keeps costs reasonable for the South Kensington location. The authentic Kitsune udon alongside vegan rocky road with popcorn proves this kitchen understands both comfort and nutrition. This isn't wellness culture,it's playful, satisfying food that happens to be good for you.

What's Great

✓ £1.50 unlimited green tea perfect for laptop sessions

✓ Kitsune udon and grain bowls avoid healthy food stereotypes

Keep in Mind

× Self-service ordering system creates chaotic queue experience

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Spawn upstairs at 11:30am opening for quiet laptop zone before the lunch rush hits at 12:30pm

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Currently closed"
📍31 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7589 0018

Featured In My Guides

We Are Squirrel has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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