Panzer's Delicatessen

"Opened by two refugees from Austria and former Czechoslovakia (Mr. Panzer and Mr. Vogl respectively), Panzer’s in St. John’s Wood quickly became a favourite for Jewish deli goods. Since then it’s established itself as a legendary delicatessen. The smoked salmon is essential and the only question is whether you go dry or oily. We, personally, are inherently oily. Bagel-wise they mix a chewy beigel and an NYC hard crust texture. The seeded options are the ones to go for, especially when you’ve got some of that freshly sliced salmon in the middle." - Jake Oliver, Sinead Cranna

"Sushi Atelier @ Panzer's Sushi Atelier has got what we like to call the holy grail of sushi: high-quality, affordable, and exciting. The sushi and sashimi are solid, although the toppings can get a little theatrical. While we like their OG sit-down restaurant in Fitzrovia, the takeaway counter at Panzer’s Deli in St. John’s Wood is where you can get some excellent value sushi to go, including a six-piece omakase for £21." - rianne shlebak

"Panzer’s has been in St. John’s Wood since 1956. Opened by two refugees from Austria and former Czechoslovakia (Mr. Panzer and Mr. Vogl respectively), it quickly became a favourite for Jewish deli goods and, since then, has established itself as a legendary delicatessen. It’s also a personal favourite of ours for picnic essentials because of its proximity to Regent’s Park (an eight-minute walk). The smoked salmon is a go-to (the only question is whether you go dry or oily) as are the bagels, but there’s also an excellent sushi counter, and all the other bits you could need for a respectable spread." - Rianne Shlebak, Jake Oliver, Heidi Lauth Beasley, Sinead Cranna

"This Jewish delicatessen has changed hands just thrice over its nearly eight decades in existence. Opened in 1944 by Mr. Panzer, an Austrian refugee, and Mr. Vogl, a Czech refugee, it was later sold exclusively to the latter, who ran the operation before passing it down to his son. Years later, David Josephs, a longtime customer who used to frequent the deli with his grandparents most Sundays as a child, decided to carry on the Panzer legacy. Situated in the leafy area of St. Johns Wood, the deli offers a range of delicacies from around the globe, just like the original delicatessens of Eastern Europe. Expect to find everything from caviar to Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers, not to plush challah baked from decades-old secret recipe. Panzer’s is known for its hand-cut lox, cream cheese, and bagels, with expert slicer Stefan at the helm slicing the perfect paper-thin cuts of lightly smoked, melt-in-the-mouth fish for over 25 years. Stop by the counter to ask him to slice you some and choose between the silkier, oilier cuts closer to the skin and the leaner cuts below. The man has certainly honed his craft. Know Before You Go The hampers make for perfect picnic baskets or impromptu brunch spreads. The deli also has a little pavement cafe open in the summer months if you're lucky enough to get a seat." - Snowdrop68, linkogecko, Adrienne Katz Kennedy

"Panzer’s is a legendary Jewish deli in St John’s Wood that delivers things like huge fruit baskets, fresh orange marmalade, and luxury provision hampers that you’ll ghost your four-pack of baked beans for. If that wasn’t enough, they also deliver Sushi Atelier’s excellent sushi platters including a 36-piece set with rainbow rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and lots of nigiri." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing