If you’re not familiar with the cheese toastie revolution, it’s likely that you’re wondering just what all the fuss is about. After all, it’s probably been a long time since your mum brought out her trusty Breville, and that 2am combo you whip up with Warburton’s and corner-shop cheddar can hardly be considered inspired. But in recent times, that melted mess that’s seen you through countless snack times over the years has undergone a seriously gourmet overhaul. And believe it or not, it’s come out as the hottest bit of gastro-grub since the sliced bread it’s sandwiched in between.
As the city continues its love affair with all things Americana — clogging up the capital’s arteries with everything from pulled pork to a rack of ribs — the humble grilled cheese sandwich is the next tasty treat to steal the spotlight. Greasier, gooier and considerably more calorific than its British counterpart, the addition of new toppings, high-end cheeses and artisan breads have made it the undisputed toast of the town. With that in mind, we’ve hand-picked London’s best places to get your grill on…
Morty & Bob's, King's Cross
Starting in Netil Market (just round the corner from the more famous Broadway Market), Morty & Bob's is now based in Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross, with a new Hackney venue due to open in 2019. They set themselves the mission of transforming the humble toasty into the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with the best of British produce. We love their classic Straight Up, a three-cheese blend served on sourdough with mixed onions and their top-secret sauce.
Morty & Bob's, 49 Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
Kappacasein, Borough Market
South of the river, you’ll find Borough Market’s Kappacasein who’ve been serving fromage fans since 2000 with their very own cheese. Brave the crowds and indulge in their toasty made with Montgomery cheddar, Ogleshield and Comte cheeses, and five types of onion all served on the staple sourdough.
Kappacasein, Borough Market, SE1.
Sager and Wilde, Hackney
Attracting wine-lovers from across the capital, Sager and Wilde have expanded their menu since opening to include a couple of gourmet grilled sandwichs to soak up some of that Sauvignon. Made with the chef’s secret blend of cheeses, enjoy it at their glass brick bar with a cheeky charcuterie plate on the side — and if you're feeling really brave, go for the jalapeno option.
Sager and Wilde, 193 Hackney Road, E2. Second venue at Paradise Row.
The Cheese Truck
Another grill on the go, The Cheese Truck can be found occasionally at Camden Town Brewery and at Maltby St market on the weekend. Roll up to their retro-inspired van and sink your teeth into their top-selling cheese and onion on buttered Italian sourdough, made with Keen’s cheddar, Montgomery’s Ogleshield and sliced red and white onion. It's the older, more mobile sibling of the permanent Cheese Bar in Camden Market, which as you'd imagine, also does an excellent line in all things cheesy. Probably the best place to get your cheese fill in London, tbh.
The Cheese Truck, see Twitter feed for locations