THE JOURNAL
Photograph by Mr Jamie Orlando Smith, courtesy of Taberna do Mercado
Celebrate British Sandwich Week by sampling the finest sandwiches London has to offer.
A British institution worth £8bn a year to our cash registers, the celebrated subject of broadsheet long reads and the lifeblood of our office workforce, the sandwich sits at the business end of the nation’s culinary canon. And in London they arguably make them better than most.
Changing tastes and a new wave of domestic producers bringing artisanal breads, British cheeses, charcuterie and salad crops to market have increased quality far beyond the Earl of Sandwich’s original vision, or a supermarket ham and cheese. Meanwhile, testament to the city’s outward-looking dining scene, chefs from as far afield as Lisbon and Lima have put a global spin on the sandwich’s simple format to keep the concept fresh. Find out which side your bread should be buttered – and mark British Sandwich Week, which runs until 27 May – with our guide to London’s very best sandwiches.
For the glutton
Photograph by Mr Jonathan Perugia/Time Out/REX/Shutterstock
Ham, egg and chips sandwich, Max’s Sandwich Shop
A man fully dedicated to the art of the sandwich (his aptly titled tome, Max's Sandwich Book, hit shelves earlier this month), Mr Max Halley's wood-panelled diner might lie north of Finsbury Park, but the journey is more than justified. Among his inventive fillings is a gutsy, yolky twist on British pub classic ham, egg and chips that – pairing piccalilli, ham hock and shoestring fries – is sure to lure you back to the N4 postcode.
19 Crouch Hill, N4 4AP
For the traveller
Photograph by Ms Issy Croker, courtesy of Andina
Sloppy José, Andina Bakery
Peruvian pioneer Mr Martin Morales has introduced his Andean cuisine to west London with the recent launch of two neighbouring venues in Notting Hill – a baker and a restaurant. The former offers a vivid range of Latin American sandwiches, with the playfully titled Sloppy José earning special mention. Ground mince, amarillo chilli paste and melted cheese are served in a pillowy pan frances roll, guaranteeing Peru remains in the hearts of hungry Londoners.
155 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS
For the meat eater
Photograph by Mr Jamie Orlando Smith, courtesy of Taberna do Mercado
**Beef prego sandwich, Taberna do Mercado **
Mr Nuno Mendes’ laid-back Portuguese diner recently switched sites within Spitalfield Market, but his mastery of the humble sandwich remains. Grab a seat at the counter and opt for this red-blooded creation, which pairs rare rump steak cuts with paleta ham from Alentejo, sorrel and chive in a flour-dusted round of Madeiran bolo do caco bread.
Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6AA
For the clean eater
Photograph courtesy of Sub Cult
Since entering the fast-food fray last year with a permanent premises in the City, Sub Cult’s deli-style sub rolls have caught the attention of the Square Mile’s lunchtime rush and the founders have successfully tapped into the burgeoning vegan market. Each week a plant-based special is served in the form of the Sub Conscious sandwich, which has – in recent weeks – featured jerk tofu with pink pickled onions, courgette and chickpea fritters and wholebaked celeriac with truffle oil.
Whitecross Place, EC2M 2PB (Monday to Friday)
Brockley Market, SE4 1UT (Saturday)
For the gourmand
Photograph by Mr Steve Joyce, courtesy of Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Posh Madame, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
As elevated a sandwich as you’d expect from the London outpost of the acclaimed Parisian snacks. Amid the charcuterie, salads and squid ink risottos on the menu is an update on the croquet madame that features truffle-infused ham and quail egg to result in a masterful sandwich that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
8-10 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP
For the bon vivant
Photograph courtesy of Hawksmoor
Although Hawksmoor made its name with crowd-pleasing steaks and cocktails, the City favourite has another string to its bow with its standout take on the lobster roll. The all-American classic is given the high-end treatment with piles of tender, just-cooked British lobster within a toasted demi brioche with enough garlic butter to ensure you’ll need to reach for the napkins once you’re done.
10 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5BQ
