The Salad Project, Victoria

What is it?

Former pizza delivery guy Florian de Chezelles and his business partner James Dare founded The Salad Project in 2021 with the aim of making eating well into a lifestyle. The Salad Project currently operates seven outlets across London, in Bank, Bond Street, Fenchurch Street, Mansion House, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.

After a new branch opened in Victoria, close to my workplace, I visited with my colleague after hearing the hype about it. Each Salad Project location looks slightly different but the concept is the same. You can either build your own salad from the selection of ingredients at the counter, or you can order one of the set creations on the menu. The Salad Project had been running a promotion to buy the salad half price but we had missed it, therefore we paid the full price. Seeing as that’s currently £13.95, this was pretty pricey for just a salad.

The Salad Project’s location meant that it was in a prime location for office workers and tourists to swing by. It was fairly busy, but we didn’t have long to wait to be served. This would work well if you were on a deadline.

What to eat?

There’s quite a lot of choice, but I chose The GOAT (goat’s cheese and chicken). The food is served in a Subway-style fashion. The service wasn’t a particular standout- it had the feel of a takeaway. The portions were generous, though I managed to finish mine in one sitting since nothing was too heavy.

The goat’s cheese was delicious- creamy and smooth. The chicken was well cooked and tasty. The ingredients felt fresh, giving me the sense of eating the rainbow. Unfortunately, the cheese and chicken were scarce, leaving me with mostly lettuce leaves. The main proteins were overwhelmed by the abundance of greens and vegetables. Despite the quality ingredients, I couldn’t help feeling this was a salad I could easily make at home or find somewhere else.

My colleague got a cookie as she heard that they were meant to be very good (which it was). With a drink included she paid nearly £20. Quite expensive for lunch!

My salad was decent but unremarkable, especially considering the hefty price tag. I wondered if other menu options might offer better value or more substantial portions. Despite this curiosity, I’m hesitant about returning to try something else.

Is it any good?

Would I recommend the Salad Project? I’m not sure the salad warranted spending nearly £14 and I’m sure I could have got something cheaper and of a similar standard elsewhere. It’s a nice idea but I’m not sure if I’m convinced by The Salad Project yet.

https://www.saladproject.co.uk