Bring some love back into lunchtime with our pick of Islington’s best sandwich joints. Steering clear of the abundance of tried-and-tested chains that dominate London’s high streets, these independent delis and cafes will soon be your local favourites. The only burning questions are where to go and what to try first.
Forget slithers of bread and barely-there fillings you can often expect from high-street chains; Berni’s old-school sandwich bar serves up delicious, value for money, no-nonsense sandwiches. Pick from a plethora of choices, including the king crab and prawn sandwich or the simple chicken bap. In the mornings, expect queues of hungry workers filling up for breakfast or stocking up for lunchtime. The crowds are a testament to its reputation for great sarnies, so the wait is well worth it.
If you’re in the area and a fan of croque monsieurs — France’s glorified ham and cheese toastie — head to Le Péché Mignon, an independent French cafe and food store within walking distance of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Food is made using high quality ingredients, sourced as seasonally and ethically as possible, for rustic, homemade fare. As well as delicious toasted sandwiches, enjoy their extensive range of baguettes and other savoury treats over the day as you read the papers at their communal dining space.
Stop by Amici Coffee Deli for friendly Italian enthusiasm and a passion for great tasting grub. Situated right across the road from Highbury & Islington underground station, customers can enjoy a sit-in service or take their panini goodness away with them to liven up a weekday desk lunch. The baguette with parma harm, artichokes and rocket is delightful as well as the salt beef sandwich. Don’t forget the fresh egg and bacon muffin that will make you want to skip breakfast at home every day.
This no-frills, local deli does exactly what it says on the tin — sandwiches and lots of them! The staff are friendly and polite, and the menu pleases all diets and features more than generous portion sizes. Indeed, the chicken escalope sandwich feels like its been stuffed with a whole chicken. When visiting, bare in mind there is a lack of seating, apart from a few outdoor tables, meaning Harry’s is one for a lunch take-away.
Bringing the dhaba experience — India’s informal street food canteen — to Islington, Delhi Grill is the place to go to spice up your sandwich game. The choice of flat bread wraps with homemade fillings and fresh chutneys, sold at lunchtime from a cart outside the Chapel Market canteen, varies every day. For around £3, enjoy a traditional tandoori recipe such as their succulent lamb keema roti wrap, slow cooked and marinated overnight for optimum flavour.
