Shoreditch, Sandwiches, Cakes, Etc Restaurant Guide

“Damn fine coffee! Nuff said!” – “complex and expertly made” – is the focus at this “super-cool spot” in Shoreditch (the offshoot of an NZ original). The beans are “roasted downstairs” with wonderful aromas floating up from the big machines in the basement, while upstairs a “funky crowd enjoy food and drinks” from the “best breakfast” to late-night cocktails. A second London branch is scheduled to open in Bethnal Green in late-2019.

This epic, “super-cheap” Jewish deli (nowadays “obviously in overseas guide books given the numbers of tourists in the line”) has been famous forever, thanks to its “delicious home-made beigels” and “incredible salt beef”, plus its 24/7 opening (and queue). Staff “can be very rude”, but “the brutal service is part of the charm”. Top Tip – “forget the beigel and have salt beef in a superb onion platzel – at £4.50 it’s one of London’s culinary bargains”.

This June 2019 newcomer opened too late for any survey feedback, although Ben Chancellor and Gaz Phillip’s brand is well known to street-food aficionados for its brilliant US deli-style rolls, having operated out of various locations over the last five years. Its first forever-home is in the City, a short walk from Mansion House tube.

After a long residency at Street Feast, Rola Wala (in Leeds since 2014) is growing permanent London roots in Sptialfields, serving up their spicy street food, sodas and craft beers. There will be low-calorie, low-carb and gluten-free options, plus an added feelgood factor thanks to their charitable partnership with One Feeds Two - for every naan roll sold, a school meal is provided to a child living in poverty.