Bread and Butter: London's best sandwiches

[Celerity]

https://www.themodernhouse.com/journal/residents-guide-londons-best-sandwich-shops/



You just can’t beat a good sandwich. No longer relegated to the grab-and-go office lunches of yore, the sandwich has risen the ranks to artisanal status. And where New York’s delis have historically reigned supreme with their full-to-the-brim subs, London’s playful pioneers of the sandwich genre are meeting them with experimental fillings, all manners of bread and new takes on old classics. From a humble bacon sarnie made at a London institution to a fiery Thai baguette coming out of Hackney Road, here’s our guide to the best sandwiches in the city.











1. Max’s Sandwich Shop

Started by self-confessed ‘professional sandwicher’ Max Halley, Max’s Sandwich Shop is a firm favourite for both visitors and locals to Crouch Hill. There’s nothing ordinary about this place: Max likes to riff on the classics with big and bold flavours, from a spring roll-inspired number laced with kimchi, honey and MSG mayo, to a lasagne sandwich stuffed with deep-fried macaroni. A crowd-pleaser is the Et Tu Brute?, an elevated caesar, filled with tender poached chicken, tarragon salsa and crusty garlic croutons. True fans can even grab themselves some merch, too.













2. Sons and Daughters

Think of all your childhood favourites, taken to the next level. Don’t expect your average prawn mayo: here they’re adding prawn crackers, crunchy napa cabbage and hot jalapeños to the mix. There’s umami miso mayo tossed through egg salad, which has the added luxury of truffle crisps. A simple mortadella and taleggio focaccia is spiked with Thai basil and cider vinaigrette. And if you’re looking for something even more experimental, opt for the merguez sausage sando, where a gentle, building heat is paired with salty French fries and tart-pink pickled onions.









3. Common Ground

Sustainably minded cafe Common Ground in Stroud Green champions vegetarian dishes, which means its epic sandwiches are all the more interesting. On its rotating menu of toasties you might find kimchi and gochujang offering some heat or, for a dairy-free delight, there’s one with smoked tempeh, chilli jam and vegan cheese. Sandwiches range from crunchy focaccias to soft brioche subs stacked high with seasonal fillings. In our opinion, park picnics are amiss without the sandwich that bursts with burrata, purple sprouting broccoli and wild-garlic pesto.

snip