Glasgow’s best sarnies

You’ve heard of the BLT (which you can get here), now try an ALT (avocado, tomato, mixed leaves, pickled red onion and seeds) and an HLT (the same as an ALT, but with aioli in place of the avo and seeds). Or if you like it hot, order a buttermilk chicken breast sandwich, with baby gem, pickled red onion and zingy spicy mayo. 

Ziques is a bakery as well as an eat-in cafe/restaurant, so you can expect oven-fresh baked on the premises bread as the main ingredient in your sandwich. Ingredients here are of a high quality and very fresh, with herbs picked on demand from the terrace garden. And speaking of gardens, if you want to eat outside, this has one of the nicest and cheeriest patios around, a lovely spot to watch the world go by on your lunch break. 

This eatery may be named after a classic Scottish pud, but it does a stellar line-up of sarnies along with sweet treats. If you or your lunch friend are fussy eateries, you’ll have no issues here, as there are loads of filling choices. Each comes with a house salad, home style crisps and seasonal garnish, with the option to upgrade an add-on of skinny fries, or to swap half your sandwich for a small bowl of soup or dreamily creamy cullen skink.

Along with all the faves of egg mayo, tuna mayo, honey glazed ham, smoked salmon with dill mayo and a club sandwich, there are combos such as mature cheddar cheese and plum chutney, roast breast of chicken with lemon mayonnaise and rocket, roasted vegetables, hummus and rocket and roast Scottish beef with beetroot, red onion and horseradish slaw. Kids can order a cup of soup and half sandwich (cheese, tuna or egg mayo) from their own menu.

Those wishing to experience a refined take on the sandwich can book a table at The Willow Tea Rooms, inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Afternoon teas served on three-tier stands Duchess of Bedford style, include a selection of elegantly cut finger sandwiches. 

Or you can skip the cakes and scones and go for a straight-up sandwich. Brie and grape, Lapsang Souchong infused smoked salmon and cream cheese, a prawn open sandwich and The Willow’s own club are among some of the more sophisticated options. And don’t worry if you can’t have gluten; this place has a super free-from menu, allowing you to indulge in Britain’s pre-eminent lunch food just the same as your mates.

This dedicated sandwicherie may have an authentic Scottish name, but the fillings will take you all over the globe. This deli’s delicacies include the Banh Mi (pulled pork, house slaw, pickled chillies and carrots, coriander, mint, spring onions, soy toasted seeds, Nam Jim and hot sauce; Nottolenghi (hummus, roast cauliflower, pickled red onions, leaves, soy toasted seeds and pickled chillies and Janet’s green sauce); Persian Turkey (hummus, turkey, pickled red onions, pickled chillies and carrots, leaves and Janet’s green sauce)’; and the Cubano (ham, pulled pork, Edam, gherkins, mustard, and garlic mayo). Found in Finnieston and on Miller Street, Piece is open seven days a week until 4 pm, easily recognised by its vibrant neon signage in the window.

Like The Willow, this venue gives you the option of taking your sandwiches via a full afternoon tea or solo. This food type is traditionally served cold, but if it’s something hot you’re after, Art Lover’s Cafe caters to you, with the option of a fried fish sandwich with tartare sauce and a toasted focaccia containing a roasted portobello mushroom, goat’s cheese, truffled honey dressing and flaked almonds — add some truffle fries to beef up your plate even more. There’s also a classic BLT to be enjoyed.