When lunchtime beckons, the humble sandwich is hard to beat. Whether you’re the tuna mayo type or can’t wait to sink your teeth into a BLT, this classic foodstuff has something to satisfy everyone. And where better to devour a delicious sandwich than in the UK’s bustling capital?
No matter what you’re looking for in your sarnie, we’re here to help you find it in time for British Sandwich Week. From good-to-go sandwiches to devour at your desk to Instagrammable artisan specialities that you won’t resist snapping a quick picture of, here are the best sandwich spots in London.
Borough Market is easily among the best food markets in London, and Maria’s Market Café is the place to be if you’re craving a sarnie. This unassuming little spot is much loved by local workers and has been run by the same family since 1961. Expect tantalising meat-stuffed baps that will get your tastebuds tingling, including mouth-watering lamb, rump steak, liver, bacon and onion.
How to get there: The café is just shy of 20 minutes’ walk from London Waterloo. Alternatively, hop on the Jubilee Line eastbound at the station and get off at London Bridge, then walk for around five minutes.
Colourful and quirky, the intriguing interior of B Street Deli is almost just as appealing as the deli’s delicious eats. Each sandwich is made with fresh, organic bread and stuffed with only the best quality produce, whether creamy, artisan cheese or a range of delicious deli meats. Take your sandwich out on the go with you or enjoy it from the cosy setting of the deli’s café area.
How to get there: Take the Jubilee Line at London Waterloo and get off at London Bridge station. The deli is then just nine minutes’ walk away.
With their food promising to be as “fresh as a Highland breeze wafting up your kilt,” Deeney’s brings Scottish roots and a sense of humour into their Leyton-based sandwich shop. With the ‘Macbeth’ haggis toastie fast becoming the talk of the town, it wasn’t long before Deeney’s established themselves into a pretty large, 50-seater restaurant. Planning on visiting Exmouth Market on a Saturday? Head straight to Deeney’s stall before their popular sandwiches sell out. They now offer a vast range of delicious sandwiches influenced by their Scottish roots.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee Line eastbound to Stratford, then hop on the 158 bus outside the station and ride for around eight minutes until you reach Stop N. You’ll be dropped off almost directly outside.
Looking for an end of the week treat? Then get yourself down to Borough Market’s Kappacasein. Trading on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this cute market stall sells cheeses made just up the road in Bermondsey, but it’s the magic they work between two slices of sourdough that’s the stuff of legend. Kappacasein’s cheese toastie is a local lunch favourite, combining Montgomery cheddar, Ogleshield, London raclette, comte, onions and leeks – and the result is a revelation.
How to get there: From London Waterloo it takes around 25 minutes to walk to Kappacasein. Alternatively, jump on the Jubilee line eastbound until you reach London Bridge. The walk from here is a more manageable four minutes.
Ready for sandwich flavours like no other? Then your best bet is Panadera. This charming Filipino café matches its stylish décor with some of the very best sandwiches in the UK, from breakfast sandos right through to egg and truffle options ideal for a big lunch. Don’t forget to try the coffee – theirs is among the best coffee shops to be found across the city.
How to get there: Starting at London Waterloo, take the Northern Line northbound until you reach Camden Town. The restaurant is six minutes’ walk onwards from there.
Something of a Soho staple, the charming Lina Stores is among the best delis in London. Now across five sites in the city, there are some seriously fresh flavours on offer here, not least if you’re searching for a scrumptious sarnie. Take your pick from a range of paninis stuffed with Italian cured meats, cheese, antipasti and fresh veg.
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line northbound for three stops, getting off at Piccadilly Circus. Lina Stores is then around a five-minute walk from there.
This local legend of a sandwich joint needs little introduction, with its wacky and off-script combos always tasting just as good as they look. The menu’s refreshed regularly, but expect to see plenty of eyebrow-raising recommendations, including lasagne sandwiches and Asian-inspired ingredients at Max’s sandwich shop.
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee Line westbound at London Waterloo, then change for the northbound Victoria Line at Green Park. Hop off at Finsbury Park, then walk for around ten minutes.
With a whole menu dedicated to breakfast sandwiches and wraps, your morning commute just got better with Munchies. Choose from the classics like bacon, sausage and eggs to healthy and veggie eggs and avocado, or treat yourself to a good ol’ cheese toastie. Commuting later in the day? Munchies’ lunchtime menu is even bigger – find everything from Piri-Piri chicken to falafel, spinach and hummus.
How to get there: Catch the 381 bus directly outside London Waterloo. Get off at the Southwark Street/Southwark Bridge stop, then walk south for a few minutes.
Seriously fine sarnies at perfectly fair prices? Sons + Daughters have you covered. The offering at their takeaway van right outside the restaurant is ideal for scooping up and taking back to your desk. Think Paul Rhodes Bakery bread, meat fresh from Swaledale and salad leaves plucked at a sustainable underground farm in Clapham. Whatever your tastes, Sons + Daughters won’t be beaten on exciting flavour combos.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, use the Northern Line to get to Euston. Sons + Daughters is just 16 minutes’ walk from outside the station.
Great bread is key to mastering the art of the sandwich – something they take rather seriously over at Gail’s Bakery. This spot south of the river serves up a selection of mouth-watering bagels and baps. Pick from New York-style pastrami and pickles or any one of several flavoursome veggie options.
How to get there: Gail’s is right outside London Waterloo. As you leave the station front entrance, take a left down York Road and walk for a minute or two. Additional locations include Soho, Southbank and Bloomsbury.
If you seek a sandwich with a twist, Dom’s Subs certainly fit the bill. With two takeaway only sites – one in The City and another a little further out on Hackney Road – there are few better lunches to take back to your desk in all of London. With fresh bread baked daily, you’ll have your pick from exciting and flavoursome fillings like cold cuts, provolone and vinegar peppers, roast aubergines and spicy Thai ground chicken.
How to get there: Arriving at London Waterloo, take the northbound Northern line before changing for an eastbound Circle line service at Embankment. Get off at Aldgate, then Dom’s Subs is just four minutes’ walk away.
With so many delicious sandwich shops and so little time, all that’s left is to plan your journey. Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your trip. Make the most of cheap train tickets to your chosen sandwich shop by going off-peak, and those with a Railcard or travelling in a group could save even more.
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