A survey of over 2,000 junior lawyers exposes a sharp split in law firm canteens, from dining fit for Michelin standards to meals so bad they are called inedible. Food quality has become a key reason lawyers choose where to work, with trainees describing options that range from “a daily dose of food poisoning” to “restaurant quality food available for breakfast, lunch and dinner — completely free of charge”.

The poorest experiences occur at firms without canteens at all. One junior lawyer stated simply, “It isn’t great largely because it doesn’t exist.” Others faced meals so unappealing that one remarked, “Sometimes I wonder whether the London canteen chefs have ever actually tried the food they’re serving.” Complaints about stale biscuits and tiny portions, often met with the justification “we’re cheaper than Wagamama”, led some to buy Tesco meal deals instead.

Despite the food, staff frequently receive high marks. Comments like “Food abysmal, staff wonderful” were common, with baristas and kitchen teams described as “amazing and friendly” or “an absolute gem.” Even when menu experiments were inconsistent, one trainee called them “hit-or-miss”, appreciation for the people preparing meals remained strong.

Top firms offer a different experience. At Winston Taylor, the canteen was praised as “the best part of the merger,” while another firm provided “a high-standard restaurant” with weekly custom menus, though one lawyer wished for evening options. The highest standards belong to Travers Smith and Paul, Weiss, where in-house restaurants rival external dining.

At Travers Smith, Braithwaites was labeled “exceptional” and “the best in the city,” offering “restaurant quality food available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, completely free of charge”. Paul, Weiss’ Air Restaurant earned even stronger praise. One junior lawyer called it “market-leading,” describing a lunch of ribeye, grilled prawns, blowtorched toro sashimi, and a salad “that makes Michelin chefs roll over in bed.” The firm’s personalized service, staff remembering names and preferences, strengthened its standing, overshadowing other law firms and tech companies.