Restaurants

By Jenni Muir

The problem with trying any new sandwich bar is figuring out the routine. To whom are you supposed to give the order? Do you have to wait by them or move down the counter? When do you ask for a hot drink? Who takes the money? Where are the spoons?

Wrap It Up! does a pretty good job of easing confusion with a sign pointing you through its simple corral system. We still weren't sure when to order the coffee, but survived the experience sufficiently unscathed - and rather envious, for Wrap It Up! is substantially better than most of the lunchspots near Time Out's office.

In a prime position right opposite Liverpool Street station, it offers high-quality wraps freshly made to order, with recipes based on flavours from around the world. We liked the 'Mediterranean' marinated peppers with rich, smooth goat's cheese and sun-blush tomatoes in a spinach tortilla. Our 'Cajun' crayfish salad wrap had loads of plump shellfish and a healthy portion of greens; the chipotle mayo was not as smoky-tasting as hoped for, but gave a fiery kick.

A mix-up in the chiller cabinet saw us walking out with creamy strawberry cheesecake rather than banoffee pie. The desserts are on the rich side. Crêpes filled with Nutella, lemon and sugar and so on are planned but were not yet available on our visit. The health-conscious can go for pieces of fresh fruit and fruit salad; we'd like to have seen a cake or two, perhaps some flapjacks.

Once the place is fully operational, breakfasts of scrambled egg on ciabatta and crêpes will be available from 7-10.30am and if you don't fancy Fairtrade tea or coffee there are RDA juice blends and Belvoir soft drinks. A couple of lunchtime package deals will help you save some pennies. In fact, when it comes to grabbing a quick snack, Wrap It Up!'s founders seem to have most things covered.

Time Out London issue 1868: June 7-14 2006