Having been filling the rumbling tummies of hungry Londoners since the August 2, 1900, Paul Rothe & Son is thought to be the oldest sandwich shop in the city. Run by the same family for over 120 years, the business is currently in the dependable hands of Paul Rothe (the grandson of the shop’s found) and his son, Stephen. And the Marylebone institution is the tastiest time capsule in town, whisking customers back in time the very moment they step through the doors.
Paul Rothe & Son originally set up shop as a German delicatessen, stocking groceries and provisions for the nearby residents. After World War II, the vibe of the neighbourhood started to shift – becoming less residential and far more commercial. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, the shop started serving lunch to the ever-growing number of local workers. And – well… the rest is history, really.
Today, the menu sticks to the classics, confirming that if you do something well, you need not add all of the extra bells and whistles. Their pastrami sandwich continues to reign supreme as the standout item on the menu, but there are plenty of other delicious fillings to tuck into. Serving as a trip back in time, the eatery has barely changed in the past century. There’s a central serving counter, old-school tables and chairs dotted around, and walls that are stacked with pickles, chutneys, and jams of all varieties imaginable.
Whilst the shop serves a steady stream of loyal regulars, it has also attracted a fair few famous faces in its time. Madonna, Harry Styles, and Anthony Hopkins are among the notable names that have visited Paul Rothe & Son over the years. And to be quite honest with you, it’s certainly not too tricky to see the appeal.
đź“ŤYou’ll find Paul Rothe & Son at 35 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2NQ.
🚇 Nearest station is Bond Street.
