There are cult eateries, and then there’s Max’s Sandwich Shop.
Yes, I know the word cult gets bandied about a lot, but some places truly deserve the moniker. One such place is Crouch Hill’s famed sandwich cafe, where the sarnie creation game is pumped up to epic levels. For Max’s Sandwich Shop isn’t just the best thing since sliced bread, but it might also the best at putting deliciousness between sliced bread.
As sandwich-slingers go, owner Max Halley is the perfect blend of devoted foodie and free-spirited genius. For instance, the classic ham sandwich gets a makeover of Pimp My Ride proportions, and is reborn as the Ham, Egg, ‘N’ Chips. Slow cooked ham hock, piccalilli, a fried egg, shoestring fries, and malt vinegar mayo combine for a spiffing riff on the dinner classic – and having had some delivered to the office this week, we can confirm it’s as delicious as it is filling (props to the folks at Longbottom & Co for setting that up).
Joining this marvellously meaty creation on the menu at Max’s Sandwich Shop are witty delights such as Et Tu Brute? Murdering The Caesar. This time, roasted chicken thighs, pickled grape and tarragon salsa, baby gem chicory, garlic croutons, and anchovy mayo combine, deftly balanced between two delicious slices of focaccia.
Indeed, it all starts with the bread; there’s no place for sagging slices of wholemeal at Max’s Sandwich Shop. Focaccia is the only game in town, toasted and salted to perfection, and – crucially – sturdy enough to hold an avalanche of fillings.
The menu changes on the regular, with recently departed creations such as This Is How We Spring Roll (pickled spring rolls, MSG & black bean mayo, kimchi) and Mutton Bloody Tikka Mate (mutton tikka, lime pickle yoghurt, Bombay Mix) have proved popular. Given Halley’s penchant for experimenting, you can rest assured that a new sandwich is never far off, which just begs you to make a repeat visit.
As you might have twigged by now, it’s all about that sandwich life here at Max’s Sandwich Shop, but sides and starters will help you fill up the edges. Deep fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls, crushed fried potatoes with pomegranate molasses, and soy and vinegar chicken wings all feature, and there’s always a sinfully sweet dessert option to consider. Yes, I know you might be full by this point, but starter-sandwich-dessert really is the only way to sandwich your meal…
Location: 19 Crouch Hill, Stroud Green, N4 4AP. Nearest station is Crouch Hill. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: 6-11pm (Weds, Thu), 6pm-midnight (Fri), 11am-midnight (Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Price: sandwiches are £9.50, sides begin at £4.50.
More information: on their website.
Featured image: @platesoftate and @fernandherfood