Historical version 2 of Category Sandwich Shops (view current version)

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Don't go to Pret a Manger. They're bad and wrong, 1/3 owned by Maccy D's (not that I have anything against Maccy D's personally, they do what they say on the tin, but Pret claim to be good and wholesome and enviromentally friendly whilst having sold their soul) and their sandwiches are flavourless goop, over seasoned (ROCKET DOES NOT GO WITH EVERYTHING) and then forced into a cardboard box and chilled beyond redemption. They make their staff wear stupid bandanas round their necks and these irritating baseball caps and they over charge. And their sushi is crap; the veggie sushi at least is overchilled like everything else, and (currently) has gari in the red pepper maki, which is just wrong (although they do keep changing the recipe).

They do however do a vegan hummous and salad sandwich which is actually marked as vegan, and isn't bad once you let it warm up a little after taking it from the over-enthusiastic fridges. And they do nice "vegetable crisps" for not too much money.

Instead go to a local sandwich shop and get them to make one for you freshly. There are good ones on Charlotte Street, just off Oxford Street. And also a fantastic one on Battersea Square which is nowhere near Oxford Street but I'll mention it anyway. Remember Kiddies, beware branding, it's usually hiding something. Fight homogenisation, go to a deli. MMmmkay.

Of the chains out there there are some good ones, specifically, Benjy's which does ridiculously cheap sandwiches in a range of non wanky fillings including a cracking selection of bacon and sausage stuffed baguettes for next to nothing. BEWARE, they are of the school of thought that says that when selling you a cup of tea all they have to do is provide you with hot water with milk in an a tea bag. CAVEAT EMPTOR! For those of the vegan persuasion, Benjy's have informed me (Kake) by email that the "humous and peper sandwich and vegetable crunch sandwich / salad would be suitable" for vegans.

Another is Quiznos which make suprisingly good sub sandwiches. They're quite expensive (just under 5 quid for a foot long, although it's enough food for a main meal) but they are freshly made and taste *SO* much better than Subway. There is a branch located inside the Plaza, on Oxford Street, half way between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road station. Subway, of course, are identical the world over, and offer nothing particularly interesting to the gourmet of sandwiches, barring of course the gorgeous Subway Melt which is ace, especially with jalapeno peppers. (YMMV.) - Earle

A recommended chain of delis in the City is Chapters Deli. They are part of the Mithras group. Besides sandwiches, baguettes, ciabatta, etc. they do a good range of salads and hot food. The hot food portions cost �5.60, but the portions are quite large - easily enough for two to share, though this may be difficult to achieve. The delis are run by Italians, and have pasta dishes on; they are also adventurous in putting on Thai, Chinese and Indian dishes, though I would hardly describe the recipes as authentic - still, the food is fresh and wholesome. I use the Chapters at 50 Bishopsgate regularly as my office is round the corner. --IvorW

[Coffee Matters, WC1B 4AA]? near Holborn Station is worth a visit, particularly for those of the vegan/wholefood/organic/hippie persuasion. They do a large range of very nice freshly-juiced juices.

Cafe Fresco, just next to Goodge Street Station, does a very nice toasted BLT ciabatta (without mayonnaise). Peruginos, just around the corner, also do good sandwiches and sit-down meals. --Rjp


This is version 2 (as of 2003-06-15 14:30:16). View current version. List all versions.