Max's Sandwich Shop

"Nothing says we’re-friends-but-we’re-not-quite-share-a-carafe-of-wine-and-three-courses-friends quite like a sandwich, does it? Max’s is an ideal casual dinner spot that’s full of friends and couples popping in for a quick and delicious meal. The sandwiches here are proper plates of food between two slices, so don’t be concerned about going home hungry. It’s impossible not to feel at ease here, and that’s just what you want." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"If you’ve ever looked at a main course and thought, “yeah, but it’d be better between two slices”, then you’re really going to like Max’s Sandwich Shop. This cult, good-times restaurant in Stroud Green serves many-ingredient and multi-condiment meals between two slices of homemade focaccia. The classic ham, egg ‘n’ chips remains the best, but the chicken caesar with garlic croutons is a close second. And yes, that is bread in bread." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"When you think of Finsbury Park, what do you think of? Is it the the reds and greens of enormous trees in the park? Or the old rush hour pile ups outside the station at 7am on a Wednesday? Maybe it’s hoardes of Arsenal fans skipping to the stadium and trudging back. We think of all these things, to be honest. But we also think of Max’s sandwiches. Big, pavement-slab-sized focaccia whoppers, filled with ham hock, gooey egg, piccallilli and shoe strong fries, or roast guinea fowl and tarragon salsa. Yeah, that’s probably the thing we think of most." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"At Max’s, the atmosphere is set by the name on the front. The sometimes frenetic, always friendly, and totally infectious owner of this Stroud Green sandwich shop-cum-hangout is the one who sets pace. And that’s one of the reasons this is one of London’s most fun neighbourhood restaurants. Friends wander up from Rowans bowling, groups tumble in after the pub, and families divide gargantuan creations. Start with a few deep-fried jalapeño mac and cheese balls and then weigh up what’s on. The lasagne sandwich, packed between two wedges of homemade focaccia? Or the legendary ham, egg ‘n’ chips?" - Jake Oliver, Daisy Meager, Sinead Cranna, Rianne Shlebak

"Nothing says ‘we’re here for a good time, not a long time’ like an eff-off sandwich filled with ham hock, piccalilli, and shoestring fries, alongside a couple of beers and a stroll back to Finsbury Park. That’s what will happen if you go to Max’s Sandwich Shop in Stroud Green, an ideal focaccia and fun-filled venue for someone you think could be a second-tier or more friend. Now you just need to break some bread (and a few glasses) with them to find out." - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Jake Oliver, Sinead Cranna