In search of London's best sandwich since sliced bread
What would we do without sandwiches? They are the food stuff that keeps London ticking. But, all too often we buy them from chains where the bread is flaccid, the fillings are stingy and the word fresh is an afterthought. We like sandwiches that have been prepared in front of us, by someone with passion using fresh ingredients.
When we were informed that it was National Sandwich Week we were excited, but quite shocked at how large the sandwich industry is. The British Sandwich Association seems to be designed to support the manufacturers of sandwiches rather than the independent sandwich shops that the Londonist prefers. So we decided we'd use the excuse of National Sandwich Week to showcase the best of London's independent sandwicheries by inviting London's premiere food bloggers to tell us about their favourite sangers.
Su-Lin's Beef and Rucolo sandwich from Raison d'Etre - from Tamarind and Thyme
Su-Lin from Tamarind and Thyme, and fellow Londonista, pulled out all the stops by reviewing two sandwiches, somewhat controversially from French cafe, Raison d'Être, in South Kensington. To Su-Lin's eternal credit, her roast beef sandwich looks like a show stopper. Rammed full of rare beef, rucola and the tomato topping you find on bruscetta, it's one of our favourites and certainly one of the prettiest.
Su-Lin's second sandwich from Raison d'Etre
The second sandwich of Napoli salami, mozzarella, rucola and pesto looks mouthwatering as well.
Lamb and feta sandwich from The Larder from Eating Essex
Dan from Eating Essex is a huge fan of the Larder in Clerkenwell's roast lamb, feta, mint and salad sandwich which was made with bread that was still warm from the oven and a huge wedge of lamb. It looks like an absolute monster and the phrase "gastro porn" isn't out of place.
Ham and mozzarella sandwich from Alford's in Farringdon, courtesy of Food Urchin
Food Urchin intended to go for a classic British sandwich but owing to a haslet disaster reviewed Alford's of Farringdon's roast ham, mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwich on focaccia. Although not the most British, it sounds like an belter and was so good it almost got devoured by London's pigeon population. So it must be good.
Smoked salmon and creme cheese sandwich courtesy of Dinner Diaries
Kerri from Dinner Diaries stumbled across Kastner and Ovens in Covent Garden where she had a fabulous smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber sandwich in bread that went crunch for only £3. Apparently, it is also a great place to go for cakes and other naughty treats.
Bacon bap, from Family Styles's visit to the Breakfast Club
Amazing BLT from Family Syles's trip to the Breakfast Club
Family Styles raised the bar by reviewing what looks alarmingly like the world's best bacon sandwich and BLT from The Breakfast Club in Hoxton Square.
Toasted cheese sandwich from Kappa Caesin - courtesy of Family Styles
But the "sandwich-fest" from Family Styles didn't stop with bacon... "You're looking at what i feel quite comfortable saying is one of the best sandwiches on the planet. Behold the toasted cheese sandwich from kappacasein, a small stall with a big reputation in London's famous Borough Market."
Ham and cheese sandwich from Caradell, reviewed by With Knife and Fork
With Kife and Fork had an old fashioned ham and cheese sandwich from Caradell (Red Lion Road, W2), made with Cumberland sauce squeezed between two slices of bloomer. Sometimes there's nothing better than ham and cheese. That's why it's a classic.
Eat Like a Girl, Pork Belly Sandwich from Konstam
Niamh, AKA, Eatlikeagirl, is as passionate about Konstam's sandwiches as we are. Niamh's experience with a pork belly sandwich is almost too porno to read. But we agree with her. Oliver Rowe's sandwiches give us goosebumps too.
Beef and horseradish sandwich from the Chiltern Rooms
At the Londonist we love the Castle Sandwich Bar's steak sandwich and have a very soft spot for the Chiltern Rooms in Marylebone who blew our socks off with a roast beef, rocket, horeradish and parmesan baguette that is arguably on a par with their sensational crayfish and chorizo sandwich.
Pan Bagnat from Food Stories Helen
Other bloggers chose to submit the sandwiches they have tenderly made at home. At the more gastronomic end of the spectrum is Helen from Food Stories spectacular Pan Bagnat which is nothing short of astonishing. It's a sandwich that takes a good hour or so to craft, so isn't for the impatient, even though it is well worth the wait.
Charlie Nelson's bacon, sausage and egg sandwich
Whereas, at the dirtier more spontaneous end of the spectrum is the bacon, egg and sausage sandwich from Charlie Nelson. The oozing yolk is so graphic it should be censored.
National Sandwich Week is, sadly, now at an end, but our passion for independent sandwich shops will endure forever. We hope you've been inspired to avoid pre-prepared sandwiches from big chains and instead embrace the variety, quality and passion of London's independent stores.
