Londoners have hit an unexpected lunchtime crisis. Thanks to a temporary cornichon shortage, Pret A Manger has pulled its iconic Jambon Beurre from shelves, and honestly, people are feeling it. The simple but perfect combo of ham, butter, and sharp little pickles has long been a staple across London, so its sudden disappearance is kind of a big deal. It just goes to show how even the smallest ingredient can have a major impact. No cornichons, no sandwich. And no sandwich means a lot of confused office workers staring blankly at the fridge section.
Why Pickles Are Having a Moment
If there is one silver lining, it is this: pickles are officially trending. From gut health benefits to bold flavour, pickled foods have been quietly climbing the food ranks for a while now. Think less sad side garnish and more main character energy.That tangy crunch brings balance to richer dishes, and more Londoners are actively seeking out fermented foods as part of a feel good, flavour packed diet. So while Pret’s pickle problem might feel like a setback, it is also shining a spotlight on a much bigger food trend.
Farmer J Steps In With The Ultimate Fix
Enter Farmer J, which has very conveniently just dropped a brand new spring menu across all 18 sites. The real stars? A lineup of vibrant pickled sides that are basically here to save the day. We are talking pickled red onion, pickled cucumber, and a pickled sesame cucumber with wakame seaweed that feels a little bit fancy but still totally craveable. They are designed to slot perfectly into Farmer J’s Fieldtrays and Fieldbowls, adding that sharp, fresh hit that so many lunches are missing right now. Beyond pickles, the new menu is giving serious spring energy. It is all about bright flavours, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that look as good as they taste.
One standout is the Butter Beans Avo and Feta Egg Pot, created with Bold Bean Co. It is hearty, wholesome, and very on trend given the current obsession with beans. Even better, 10 pence from every pot goes to Action Against Hunger, so you can feel a little smug about your breakfast choice.
The Mains and Drinks
The main menu is just as strong. Think Isle of Wight tomatoes paired with butter beans and fennel for something light but satisfying, plus J’s Niçoise which gives a fresh update to a classic.There are also plenty of veggie led sides like sesame broccoli and cavolo nero, and finally, the arrival of J’s Hot Sauce which people have clearly been waiting for. Expect to see that on everything. It is not just about the food either. The new drinks menu is very in tune with what everyone is ordering right now. Matcha is having a major moment, so options like matcha and yuzu fizz and mango and matcha coconut lassi feel right on cue. There is also hojicha and maple iced latte and a peach and lemongrass iced tea that sounds like spring in a cup.
And Yes, There Are Dips Now
In news that will excite anyone who loves a little extra on the side, Farmer J has also launched dips for the first time. Smoky aubergine baba ghanoush and chunky butter beans hummus are leading the charge, and honestly, it makes total sense. More flavour, more texture, more reasons to keep going back in for another bite. So yes, Pret A Manger might have left a pickle shaped hole in London’s lunch scene, but it is not all bad news. With spots like Farmer J stepping up and putting bold, punchy flavours front and centre, there are still plenty of ways to get your fix. If anything, this little cornichon crisis might just push Londoners to branch out and try something new.
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