Our lunchtime feast out in the sun at Mardy's
So what do we need to know about Mardy's
This is London's hot new sandwich shop. The man behind it is Dan Koukarskikh. Dan was one of the people behind opening Michelin-starred Lita in Marylebone. But this is a solo project for him and is something he's been thinking of doing for quite a while. A homage to the heritage of British sandwich making with a new modern twist," is how he explained it to us. Think high-end ingredients executed properly. He admits it might seem pricier than other sandwich shops, "but that's because we use such good ingredients."
Where is it?
You'll find it in Medici Courtyard, a new development just off the west side of Hanover Square where one of the Elizabeth line Bond Street station entrances is. In charge of the look of the place, designer Jobe Burns has given it a mix of old and new elements, including old Victorian wooden panels reclaimed from a chapel in Birmingham.
Can you sit in?
Nope. This is very much a grab and go affair, but the good news is that they have access to a load of benches, tables and chairs out in the leafy courtyard outside, so you can go and eat your sandwiches there.
There are loads of tables in the shady courtyard that are perfect for eating whatever you've bought at Mardy's.
What's on the menu?
For their launch menu they have seven sandwiches, a Chicken Caesar wrap, and they're doing specials too. That was a tuna avo spicy on sourdough when we went. There's a short range of cakes and pastries and a plan for a breakfast menu is already in the offing; expect that to be on in a couple of weeks.
Here's what we tried to give you an idea.
Beef brisket, slow-cooked for 12 hours with gochujang paste, chilli kimchi mayo and house pickles on focaccia (£15.50). This was, hands-down, our favourite of the three we tried.
Black truffle toastie with whipped butter on pressed sourdough with house chilli jam (£13)
Chicken Caesar wrap (£13) - after CZER turned these into a viral must-try it feels like every sandwich shop worth bothering about now has to have its own take and we particularly liked the crunchy house croutons in this one.
What is there to drink?
You've got a range of hot and cold soft drinks, including their own ice tea and lemonades and, as is de rigeur these days, several matcha options.
Our matchas - the one on the right was supposed to be a cherry matcha with cold coconut foam, but we think they forgot the cherry syrup.
Room for dessert?
There are a few pastry options but after three sandwiches we only had room for one treat. We tried one of their banana bread muffins, which was very good and not too sweet.
Banana bread (£3.50).
Overall thoughts:
It's pretty easy for sandwich shops to go fully viral in London these days, such is this city's obsession with the sandwich. But, from what we tried, Mardy's has the substance to back up the style. If you're looking for a really well-made sandwich in central London with its own secret-ish garden to enjoy it in, you can't do better than this place.
More about Mardy's
Where is it? Unit 5, Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, London W1S 1BR
Can you pre-order? Yes, they take orders online.
Find out more: On their website or follow them on Instagram @mardys.co.
Hot Dinners were guests of Mardy's. Prices correct at time of publication.
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