Vanda's Kitchen is a short walk from the Old Bailey — drop your bags with us before you go in, since most bags aren't allowed past security, then collect them when you're done. The same kitchen also caters halal-certified, 100% nut-free food for events, meetings and teams across the City.
The Central Criminal Court's security is strict, and for good reason — but it means jurors, witnesses, journalists and visitors regularly arrive with a bag, a laptop case or a suitcase they simply can't take inside. We're one of the closest places to leave it, safely, and pick it back up when the day's finished.
Drop your bags or order catering: see our luggage storage service, browse the shop, or WhatsApp us.
Why you can't take a bag into the Old Bailey
Security at the Old Bailey — like most Crown Courts — restricts what can be brought inside, and large bags, suitcases and certain electronics are routinely turned away at the door. Anyone attending for jury service, as a witness, for a hearing, or simply to watch a trial from the public gallery can be caught out by this if they're travelling from elsewhere in London or arriving before or after other plans that day.
Secure bag drop, steps from the court
Vanda's Kitchen is at 42-44 Carter Lane, EC4V 5EA — a short walk from the Old Bailey and from St Paul's. Drop a bag, a coat, a laptop or a suitcase with us before you head in, and collect it afterwards. Full details on our luggage storage page, including cost and hours.
The same kitchen, for catering too
People who discover us this way are often surprised to learn we're also a full corporate and event caterer — independently halal-certified through the Halal Friendly List, 100% nut-free at the structural level, with over 60% of the menu gluten-free as standard and full Natasha's Law allergen labelling. If you're organising anything nearby — a legal team's working lunch, a press event, a small gathering connected to a case or a hearing — the same kitchen that holds your bag can cater the day.
Catering for chambers, court staff and legal teams nearby
The Old Bailey sits in a part of the City dense with chambers, solicitors and legal support staff, many of whom already order from us for team lunches and client meetings. See our team lunch options or the full corporate catering range for meetings and events.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really not take a bag into the Old Bailey?
Security restricts most bags, suitcases and certain electronics — check current rules before you travel, but many visitors are turned away at the door with items they didn't expect to need to leave behind.
How close is Vanda's Kitchen to the Old Bailey?
A short walk — we're at 42-44 Carter Lane, EC4V, near St Paul's.
Do you only do bag storage, or catering as well?
Both, from the same kitchen — bag storage details here, and the catering shop here.
Can you cater for a legal team or chambers near the Old Bailey?
Yes — halal-certified, nut-free, allergen-labelled catering for teams and events across the City. WhatsApp us with your headcount and location.
Drop your bags or book catering
See our luggage storage service, order catering online, or WhatsApp us. See also our guides to independent food near St Paul's and livery hall catering near St Paul's.