The ‘hidden’ sandwich bar
I TRIED THE ‘HIDDEN’ SANDWICH BAR WITH THE BEST SIGN IN HULL
being based on one of the busiest junctions in Hull, surprisingly few people know that there lies a tucked-away shop that has been serving up sandwiches, paninis and specials for the last 30 years.
Benedicts on Cottingham Road was established back in 1994, even though not many people even know of its existence beyond its local reach.
The independent sandwich shop, which staff have described as “hidden away”, seemingly prides itself on giving a side of sarcasm with its sandwiches.
For this reason, Hull Live decided to head down to Benedicts to try it out.
Admittedly, even I was unaware of the sandwich bar’s existence, despite having to commute past the inconspicuous shop every day heading to University. Walking up, the place looked spotless and closer to three months old rather than 30 years old.
In the New Year, the sarnie shop put up an Est. 1994 sign in the window as a tongue-in-cheek response to customers walking in and asking if they’re newly opened. The satirical sign is seemingly on brand, with the neon lighting saying that they serve “Salad, Sarcasm
Sausage rolls”.
Salad and sausage rolls aside, the menu also includes paninis, pizza paninis, and of course sandwiches - with breakfast served daily and a weekly special. This week’s special was a rather impressive-looking Hot & Sticky Pizza Panini judging from social media.
Opting for a brekkie wrap, I couldn’t resist trying out a chorizo & sausage roll. With a grand sum of £5.30; £3.60 for the wrap and £1.70 for the roll, I couldn’t help but think if I were in the city centre it would be at least a few quid more. Zero complaints, and I can see it acting as a good hangover cure for the neighbouring students in Ashcourt accommodation.
The card reader was on the blink for a minute, and when I mentioned Greggs closing temporarily for widespread IT issues, I was told “Ooft, can’t say that name in here!”, on-brand for the served-up sarcasm, which has been so popular that Benedict even sells tote bags and T-shirts embroidered with “Salad, Sarcasm and Sausage Rolls.”
The wrap - consisting of egg, sausage, bacon, cheese and hashbrowns, was toasted to give it an extra bit of crunch. The cheese was evenly spread out so every bite had a decent cheese pull.
The bacon added a decent amount of salt, not enough to be overbearing but enough for me to regret not getting a coffee in my order. Being a healthy-sized Brunchy option, I think for the price I paid, it was a steal.
Filled up from my brekkie wrap, I held on to the sausage roll for a few hours. Although I’m not a fan of cold sausage rolls, this was an exception. The spice from the single wafer of chorizo gives it a good kick. While not as long as other sausage rolls some might say, the taste and price outweigh the length.
Benedicts can be found at 42 Cottingham Road (not far from the Beverley Road junction).
The sarcasm extends to Benedicts’ Facebook page, which is well worth a browse, not least for news the regular specials.