Nothing can beat a good ol’ sarnie! Although maybe not one that’s been kicking around in your bag for a little too long, oozing out of the cling film. But it just goes to show that the beloved sandwich is too often taken for granted. Well now the lunchbox staple is back to redeem its rightful throne as the king of the perfect midday treat. And luckily for us, there’s sarnie shops a’plenty popping up all over the city with everything from katsu sandos to the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese. So get your baps out, here’s our recommendations for the best bit of dough!

TŌU by TĀ TĀ Eatery

You’ll have seen this one knocking around on the ‘gram. TŌU is the new dining concept by TĀ TĀ Eatery, famed for their stray āçćėñtš and their katsu sando and it’s easy to see why. Think toasted brioche, slow-cooked and then deep-fried Iberian pork neck and shredded cabbage, all slathered with raspberry brown sauce and xo shallot sauce. Gosh, it’s heavenly. These guys have recently opened up at the all new Arcade Food Theatre which brings together London’s top food and drink concepts in one place. Um, we know where we’re headed!

Where: Arcade Food Theatre, 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB
Website: Find them on Instagram...

Morty and Bobs

More cheese Gromit!

Cheese the day with a little help from Morty and Bob’s and their seriously gouda grilled cheese. We, at The Handbook, cannot get enough of all things truffle flavoured so it’s no surprise their roast mushrooms and truffle toast is a hit over here! And if you think you’ve missed your chance to hit up Morty and Bob’s on your lunch break, then hakuna matata as they’re open for dinner too, brie-utiful!

Where: 49 Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, N1C 4DQ
Website: www.mortyandbobs.com

The Dusty Knuckle

We’re making a bee-line for The Dusty Knuckle because just look at their sarnies! The bakery themselves state that they don’t believe in cutting corners which it comes to serving up grub. So you know the dough’s been fermented properly, produce is always in season, and meat is responsibly sourced. Their menu changes depending on the season but we can guarantee you’ll enjoy gobbling one down no matter the flavour!

Where: Abbot Street Car Park, Dalston, E8 3DP
Website: www.thedustyknuckle.com

Eggslut

You need to get your mitts on one of these eggy baps! I mean, who knew eggs could look so darn good? Eggslut has flown the nest over the Atlantic ocean launching their very first London venue. It’s basically an upscale McMuffin but with bougier fillings. We’re certainly hoping their ‘gaucho’ bap with seared wagyu tri-tip steak, cage-free over medium egg, chimichurri, red onions and arugula is going to make an appearance on the Brit menu!

Opening 7th August

Where: 185 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 2ED
Website: www.eggslut.com

Quo Vadis

When you fancy a sandwich, it’s probably not because you’re craving a filling of smoked eel. But being a Londoner’s staple, there’s a sarnie at Quo Vadis which serves just that. Head Chef Jeremy Lee brought his famed recipe to the restaurant. Here, you’ll find two buttery grilled squares of sourdough filled with smoked eel, horseradish cream and Dijon mustard. So if you’re still yet to gobble down London’s delicacy, now’s your chance…

Where: 26-29 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3LL
Website: www.quovadissoho.co.uk

Deeney's

Famed for bringing Londoner’s a splash of Scottish cuisine, Deeney’s has been serving up their ‘Macbeth’ haggis toastie since 2012. And oh boy, has it gone down a storm. Having gained respect from fellow Scots making their name in the big city, tourists and, of course, born and bred Londoners too, Deeney’s now has a permanent residency in Leyton (yippee!). Head on over and order the Hamish Macbeth – haggis, bacon, cheddar, caramelised onions, rocket and mustard will all be making an appearance! (Veggies don’t threat – there’s both a veggie and vegan version on offer too!).

Deeney’s also do regular pop-ups at Broadway Market on Saturdays 

Where: 360 High Road, Leyton, E10 6QE
Website: www.deeneys.com

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor has built itself a bit of a reputation, and although it’s a chain, we couldn’t not include their famous lobster rolls at their Knightsbridge branch. There’s three delicious rolls to choose from depending on your fancy. Their Tokyo roll has a fiery kick made with yuzu, kewpie mayo and sriracha, while the Wiscasset takes inspiration from the rich rolls at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine, using melted butter rather than the usual mayo version. Or try their spin on a Singapore chilli crab but made using lobsters obvs.

Where: Various venues across London
Website: www.thehawksmoor.com

Monty's Deli

Does Monty’s Deli serve up the best Ruben in the city? Hell frickin’ yes. Having opened up as a food vendor in 2012, Monty’s Deli has grown into a lunchtime staple for busy workers amongst London. If you’re going to indulge in a glutenous lunch, you might as well go fully out with their reuben special filled with pastrami, salt beef, Swiss cheese, mustard, Russian dressing (Big Mac sauce to you and I), and sauerkraut, all toasted on light rye (or bagel if you’re at their Old Spitalfields branch). And, of course, we can’t forget the whopper of a gherkin it’s served with – we just hope you like pickles!

Where: Market Hall Victoria, 191 Victoria Street, Victoria, SW1E 5NE
Website: www.markethalls.co.uk/montys-deli

Sub Cult

Think American deli-style sub rolls, premium meats, and quality veggies, and your nose will lead you to Sub Cult. They’re on a mission to serve up London’s best subs, and oh boy have they achieved this goal. Having started out in their little ol’ van ‘The Soul Roller’, Sub Cult has since grown into a sub making beast fuelling city goers from the back of their van, and now in their new permanent residency on Watling Street.

Where: 82 Watling Street, EC4M 9BX
Website: www.subcult.com