Video: We try to find the best sandwich in Birmingham & find a pretty spectacular option

As British Sandwich Week kicks off, we're celebrating this tasty tradition by heading to Anderson & Hill to uncover the ingredients that make a great sandwich. We also take to the streets of the city to discover what makes a sandwich the best, according to Brummies.

Alice, Store Manager at Anderson & Hill, shares: "Today we're going to be making a Roman sandwich. It's one of the most popular ones on the menu. It has Napoli & Milano salami, sunblush tomatoes, and taleggio."

As Alice assembles the popular Roman sandwich, she recounts how changing demands in Birmingham have shaped Anderson & Hill’s current business model. "Initially, this business started as a deli, and it still is primarily a deli.

“The sandwich trade was always secondary to the deli trade—during Christmas, we do loads of cheeses and stuff. We used to make around 20 sandwiches in a week sometimes. But post-COVID, the sandwich trade really started to get insanely busy. Nowadays, we can sometimes do 170 sandwiches in a day. For a shop this size, it's pretty crazy."

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This surge in demand hasn't just changed Anderson & Hill’s day-to-day operations; it has also highlighted a clear local favourite. Alice elaborates: "Yeah, we sell all sorts of sandwiches, salads, and toasties, but the Bavarian is the most popular. A lot of new customers come in, and we often suggest they start at the top of the menu and work their way down. The Bavarian is at the top, so I think they just get stuck at the top."

The result of Alice's craftsmanship is a mouth-watering triumph. Yet, it appears that Brummies have their own insights into what makes the perfect sandwich.

Des says: "It’s got to be the bread first. Plain white bread just doesn't cut it. The smell from a good bakery can make you crave a sandwich."

Damon believes: "The main thing is getting the amount of stuff in the sandwich more than the actual bread. It needs to be slightly more than the bread. If it's too bready, you just feel like you're eating a loaf of bread instead of a real sandwich. You’ve got to get the right proportions between the two. Another key thing is a good balance between moist and dry."

Birmingham's love affair with sandwiches is abundantly clear. Quality ingredients and careful preparation are key to a great sandwich. But what truly makes it perfect? It's knowing that someone has taken the time and effort to create a satisfying and comforting, quick and easy meal just for you.