- Play Hard
- 14th Aug 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Sandwiches are having a moment – here’s where to level up your lunch
There’s nothing humble about the sandwiches being served across the North East right now.
A new wave of sandwich shops, delis and bakeries are turning what used to be a grab-and-go afterthought into the best part of the day. From queue-out-the-door classics to newer names doing something a little different with their fillings, these are the spots worth rerouting your lunch break for.
The sandwiches to know about in the Toon
Handsome Sandwich
206 Chillingham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5LN
Handsome Sandwich has become something of a Newcastle institution, and with a menu that changes regularly, there’s always an excuse to go back. Stick to the classics with a BLT or get a little more adventurous with the Char Wars. And while the sarnies are the main event, we’d be lying if we said the posh browns weren’t part of the reason we keep coming back.
Lita
271 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1LB
Tucked next to Jesmond Dene, Lita’s sandwiches are the real deal, think proper crusty bread packed to the brim, with a signature chipotle crema that’s become the thing people rave about. Pair one with a speciality coffee or a beer from the fridge, and grab a seat outside when the sun’s out.
Cubanos
Grainger Market, Nelson St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AW
Cuban street food in the heart of Grainger Market. The pressed Cubano is the obvious order, but the Medianoche, packed with slow-cooked beef, cheese, pickled red onions and chargrilled peppers, deserves a mention too. Seating is limited, so grab one to go and consider lunch sorted.
Breadwin
Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QF
Expect a queue, and expect it to be worth it. Breadwin’s sandwiches come stacked with serious fillings, think Philly cheesesteak, chicken Caesar piled high with parmesan, and trending hot honey chicken, alongside a curated run of sweet treats for when lunch turns into more than just lunch.
Dot Bagels
250 Chillingham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5LQ
Newcastle’s biggest bagel success story and a taste of the Big Apple right here in the Toon. Their bagels are handmade daily and packed with indulgent fillings like the NFC, Nashville fried chicken, loaded with ranch and hot sauce. Come hungry, these are the kind of sandwiches that need both hands.
Smoke & Sear
182 Heaton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5HP
A Heaton favourite built around fire and smoke, the filling choices here are unbelievable, and the portion sizes will not disappoint. Serving up a steak sandwich not to be sniffed at, strips of flat iron steak cooked over fire, drizzled in garlic butter and served with burnt shallot mayo. Big, rich and a perfect hangover cure.
The sarnie heroes in and around Sunderland
Fat Unicorn Delicatessen
1A Bridge Street, Sunderland SR1 1TA
Part of the buzzing Mackie’s Corner food scene, Fat Unicorn is a deli stacked with artisan cheese, charcuterie, wine and craft beer. Come for the famous cheese counter, stay for their delicious sandwiches. It’s the kind of place that turns a quick browse into a proper lunch.
Crave
105 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
Also at Mackie’s Corner, Crave is Sunderland’s newest sandwich and salad bar, run by a husband-and-wife team behind the city’s long-loved San Marino. Build your own sandwich on a choice of breads, including in-house-made focaccia. Looking for honest, good food with friendly faces behind the counter, you’ll love Crave.
Banh Mi 179
15B Waterloo Place, Sunderland SR1 3HT
Sunderland’s first taste of authentic Vietnamese bánh mì has arrived in the city centre, where the bread is baked fresh every day, and the flavours do not disappoint. The grilled chicken and crispy belly pork are the ones to know, expect incredible bread and even better filling.
Blacks Corner
1 St Bede’s, East Boldon, NE36 0LE
Part delicatessen, part eatery, part wine bar, Blacks Corner works directly with over 25 British cheesemakers to bring genuine farmhouse flavour to East Boldon. The sharing boards get a lot of the attention online, but the freshly baked sourdough sandwiches are just as worth seeking out, especially paired with something from their seriously impressive wine list.
Ronnie’s Sandwich Bar and Deli
5 Emmerson Terrace, Washington NE38 7LN
A newer addition to Washington’s food scene, Ronnie’s serves artisan sandwiches on fresh focaccia. Their Breakfast Jamwich is a must-try; the chilli jam just takes it to a whole new level. Grab a coffee or iced matcha while you’re there and end lunch right with one of their homemade sweet treats.
Durham’s top-tier sandwich spots
Deli by Coarse
Reform Place, North Road, Durham DH1 4RZ
From the team behind award-winning restaurant Coarse, this modern deli brings the same chef-led creativity to a grab-and-go setting. Handcrafted sandwiches on house-baked bread come with bold, seasonal fillings, think slow-cooked pork with Korean sauce and kimchi, or mortadella with stracciatella and pistachio pesto.
The Picnic Basket
Prince Bishops, Durham DH1 3UL
Durham’s oldest independent sandwich shop, family-run since 1991, and still going strong at Prince Bishops Place. An entire wall is dedicated to sandwich combinations, so get one toasted and go adventurous with the fillings. This place does it all and is guaranteed to please.
Claypath
57 Claypath, Durham DH1 1QS
Yes, there’s a steep hill to climb to get here, but that’s exactly what makes Claypath feel like a find. The sandwiches are big, generously filled and take their inspiration from around the world. Think a pastrami New Yorker and a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi, these sarnies are well worth the hike.
Leonard’s Coffee House
Fowler’s Yard, 1-2 Back Silver Street, Durham DH1 3RA
Tucked away in Fowler’s Yard, Leonard’s rewards anyone who finds it. Offering an extensive sandwich, ciabatta and jacket potato menu, all freshly baked daily, alongside a great coffee selection. Grab a spot on the second floor or outside on the quiet street when the sun’s out.
Northumberland’s sandwich standouts
Marshalls Café
Unit 1, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2QT
A charming, family-run café between Berwick and Scremerston, with cosy indoor and outdoor seating, this find is so much more than meets the eye. Their sandwiches are piled high with parmesan cheese, sauce and chives. Everything is made with locally sourced produce, and they never skimp on the portions. Share a sandwich with a friend and try their take on the famous spice bag – lunch done right.
The Pressed Club
1 New Market, Morpeth NE61 1LA
Alongside its fresh juices, smoothies and vibrant matcha, this bright, modern café also does a wholesome brunch sandwich menu, all a short stroll from Morpeth’s bustling high street. A good stop whether you’re after something light, something indulgent or something that will definitely make your Instagram story.
Breeze Lounge
Unit 1a South Beach Retail Park, Links Road, Blyth NE24 3PL
A beachside cafe, bistro and cocktail venue on the Northumberland coast, where the food does not disappoint. Their BBQ shredded chicken sandwich and Mediterranean vegetable sandwich are both stacked on toasted artisan bread and nothing short of delicious. Grab a table, people-watch, and make an afternoon of it.
The Garden Coffee House
20 Hallgate, Hexham NE46 1XD
Tucked into Hexham’s back streets just down from the old gaol, this quaint café’s known for legendary toasties with an impressive cheese pull, alongside great matcha and a sunny courtyard that’s easy to lose an afternoon in. Walk-ins only, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Molly Ferry
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.