This week we celebrate the greatest gift Britain has given to the world (no, not Patrick Stewart's dramatic reading of Taylor Swift lyrics) - the sandwich. From 8th to 14th May it's British Sandwich Week, honouring the delicious and inventive things that Brits have dared to put between two slices of bread.
Since the 4th Earl of Sandwich started with a simple ham sarnie, the UK's chefs have had over 200 years to really push the boat out. We've hunted high and low around our country's gastronomic capital to find the most mouthwateringly, excessive sandwiches available today. From fried chicken and waffles, to cheese and gravy, click through to see what London has to offer this British Sandwich Week.
The Mac And Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
What could possibly make a grilled cheese sandwich better you ask?
Lots of cheese? Naturally.
Artisan bread? Of course.
Macaroni cheese INSIDE the sandwich? Why not.
We have no idea who first had this amazing idea but we can tell you that it works. You can even add bacon or chorizo to your sandwich too for just £1.
Melt Room
26 Noel street, London, W1F 8GY
Tel: 020 7096 2002
@melt_room
The Sweet And Savoury Waffle Sandwich
Ever since the Earl of Sandwich was looking for a snack he could eat while playing cards, the sandwich has been the perfect solution to any problem. Now Bird has created the Waffle Sandwich to answer a problem we didn't even know we had: how do you eat dessert and fried chicken at the same time?
The solution is mouthwatering in it's decadence - two freshly pressed waffles filled with boneless fried chicken. If that wasn't enough, the addition of cheese, maple syrup and hot sauce sets this soon-to-be-classic off to perfection.
Bird
Three Locations Across London - Islington, Shoreditch and Camden
@bird_restaurant
The Jaw Stretching Reuben Sandwich
You know what? You're probably not eating enough sauerkraut in your sandwiches. Change all that with a visit to Maltby Street Market and one of Monty's Deli's true reuben sandwiches.
Two pieces of toasted rye bread, filled to to gravity defying lengths with pastrami, rammed with swiss cheese, drizzled with Russian dressing, topped with mustard and finished with true deli sauerkraut - these sandwiches are a sight to see.
Monty's Deli
Maltby Street Market, 76 Druid Street, Bermondsey, SE1 2HQ
Tel: 07842 913939
@montys_deli
The Gourmet Double Stuffed Ice Cream Sandwich
It's official, Blu Top have now perfected the ice cream sandwich but given us a huge problem. With each sandwich made fresh to order with entirely organic ingredients, how are we supposed to choose?
Which of the hand made, soft baked cookies for a base? Double chocolate fudge or peanut butter pretzel?
Which artisan flavour of award winning ice cream should go in the middle? Cinnamon french toast, lemon butter meringue or strawberry creme anglaise? There's only one solution - order two, or maybe three.
Blu Top
Various Food Markets Across London
@blutopicecream
The Gravy Dipped And Flipped Sandwich
Everyone has had a disappointing sandwich - bland and dryer than sandpaper. Well, the patty melt at Dip & Flip is the opposite of that.
You may think that the burger patty smashed together with melting cheese, slaw and siracha sauce inside wholegrain bread would be enough to crown it a king of sandwiches but this sarnie has a little something extra. Each sandwich is served with a bone broth gravy for dipping, adding an extra amazing kick of flavour with every bite.
Dip and Flip
Three Locations Across London - Battersea, Wimbledon and Tooting
The Super Sized American Sandwich
No-one can dispute that we Brits invented the sandwich, but America deserves special consideration for effort. But if you thought you had a to cross an ocean to sample the best that the US has to offer, think again.
Enter the Philly Cheesesteak - an American classic that can only be found in one location in the UK. If the sound of a freshly baked hoagie roll stuffed with prime rib eye meat and smothered with real cheese "Wiz" made to a secret recipe appeals to you, we know just where to go. You won't even need your passport.
Liberty Cheesesteak Company
Spitalfields Market, Lamb Street E1 6EA
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