Walking through Leeds and deciding where to go for lunch is an exciting decision with so many options to choose from. But, it can be easy to fall into the trap of going to popular chain brands every day and not buying from independent businesses.
But one independent sandwich shop in the city which proves to be more popular than any chain, is Brod Sandwich Bar in Great George Street. I keep walking past the eatery mid week and seeing queues of people waiting to order their lunch.
From businessmen wandering down in their suits, to building-site workers, and families, the spot always has a variety of customers waiting in line. I heard whispers of people even pre-ordering their lunch and thought 'what is so good about this place?'.
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I went to see if the food was worth waiting in the long queue for. I went to get my lunch about 1pm, and people were lining up outside the front door.
Glancing through the window I could see a large board offering a variety of sandwiches, and salads, and plenty of baked goods on offer too. Surprisingly I only had to wait in the queue about four to five minutes, and then walked into the crisp scent of fresh bread, and sweet sound of jazz-style music playing in the background.
The staff looked rushed off their feet, and a number of people were stood waiting outside for their orders. Ocourse I went for a sandwich in the sandwich - opting for a brown seeded bread accompanied with 'All American' herb chicken, rocket, chilli jam, and red onion.
The great part about the spot, aside from being extensively rated five-star on review sites, is that you can cater the sandwich to what you like - substituting different meats, fish, vegetables, and sauces in your sandwich. There was a lot of variety to choose which works well as you think 'I'll do that combination next time' - who doesn't love to get creative with their food, right?
I also ordered a Diet Coke and a sweet treat - a colourful blondie. The total price was £7.80 which I felt was reasonable.
I had to wait about five minutes for the sandwich which was so quick as by this point the queue grew bigger and bigger.
Taste test
Opening the sandwich wrapper I didn't know what to expect. A monstrous sandwich was revealed with the ingredients oozing out of it - I couldn't wait to dive in as it smelt delightful.
I actually originally asked for ciabatta bread but Brod had already run out by 1pm. I was a bit disappointed but this just goes to show how popular the business really is.
My second option of the seeded brown bread was soft and tasteful. The lightly spread chilli jam was gorgeous and complimented the chicken beautifully.
You could really tell everything was homemade and the flavour combinations were thought through well. The salad and onions added a nice crunch to the sandwich, and the chicken bits were full of flavour and made my eyes roll to the back of my head.
Can you marry a sandwich? Asking for a friend.
I think it might be the best sandwich I have ever had. And the fact I was super hungry and the staff made it quickly made it all the more enjoyable.
What's more the sandwich was really substantial for a lunchtime. Usually if I get a sandwich from elsewhere I would by some fruit and/or crisps to accompany it, but the Great George Street spot's sandwiches are filling enough on their own.
Despite being full, I had to give the sprinkle blondie a taste. Despite looking super cute, and festive for Pride month having being named the 'Pride Blondie', it tasted amazing.
I wouldn't usually have such a snack at a lunchtime but I now would go back just for the blondie itself. It would be nice with a cup of tea or coffee, or an afternoon snack for workers.
There was also millionaire shortbreads and other cakes I would love to try. What's more if you are getting sandwiches for the whole family, or the office, there is a buffet menu on offer.
Customers can enjoy three different buffet selections ranging from £5-£9 with a selection of sandwiches, fruit platter, selection of cakes, and still or sparkling water.
The only thing I cannot understand about this sandwich shop is that it is closed on a weekend. They would make an even bigger profit, and bring in different customers.
But I guess like proven with the no ciabatta is that this spot is high in demand and there's a limited time to get, what I think is the best sandwich in town.
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