Ashby’s Deli, Slaithwaite
This modern cafe and deli in the village of Slaithwaite has a welcoming, down to earth feel. Ashby’s opened in 2007 and has been providing the people of West Yorkshire with its signature sandwiches ever since. These include cold options such as the Caesar Club, which is stuffed with warm chicken, bacon and mixed leaves, topped with melted cheese and a Caesar dressing. There’s also the Hot Beef Sop – a winning combination of roast beef, onions and rich gravy that’s served in a soft teacake with skin on potato wedges. Each of Ashby’s sandwiches comes on your choice of white or granary bread and can be accompanied by a hot drink, a local craft ale or a moreish Saddleworth brownie. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘[Ashby’s] food is fresh and of great quality [and] the menu is extensive with hot and cold sandwiches available. The deli range [are] far superior to top end Supermarket sandwiches for roughly the same price. If you haven’t been- try the Godfather!’
Sandwich prices: from £4.95

Brød, Leeds
Located on Great George Street, Scandi-style sandwich bar Brød is a popular Leeds lunch spot and you’ll often see people queuing in the street outside. Brød offers its customers the opportunity to fully customise their sandwich, choosing their own bread, fillings, trimmings and sauces from the cafe’s well-stocked counter. If you’re stuck for choice, or need some inspiration, you can also opt for one of the regularly changing specials here. These include options like the Cheddar Crunch, with mayo, celery and red onion, or a classic Club featuring chicken, bacon and avocado. Seafood fans might also like to sample the cafe’s zingy Crayfish, Lime and Coriander sandwich. Brød has fillings to suit all dietary preferences and those avoiding bread can choose to have these as a salad or with pasta instead. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘[Brod offers] a really good range of fillings with a wide range of different breads. Definitely one of the best sandwich shops I’ve been to. Friendly staff make it even better.’
Sandwich prices: from £3

Bakery 164, Leeds
Serving gourmet sandwiches and coffee since 1994, Bakery 164 is one of the best places to call if you’re looking for reasonably priced street food in Leeds. This little bakery makes its own bread every night ready for the morning rush, and its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired sandwich fillings are packed with flavour. These include the likes of roasted grilled halloumi with sweet potato pakora, or goat’s cheese with pear. If you’re planning a picnic at home or work, Bakery 164’s sandwiches can also be delivered by Just Eat or Deliveroo. A Google review says: ‘Freshly baked ciabatta and focaccia as well as fresh and creative sandwich fillings. This place is a Leeds cult classic for amazing sandwiches every time without fail. Always ask to get yours toasted too! It’s so worth it!!’
Sandwich prices: from £3.50

Cafe Solo, Hebden Bridge
Situated on Market Street in Hebden Bridge, this artisan coffee shop has a cosy yet creative feel with paintings by local artists on the walls and a wide range of nutritious dishes on the menu. Among the many scrumptious sandwiches sold here, you’ll find breakfast options such as an English muffin filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese and accompanied by poached eggs. You can also choose a crisp ciabatta roll like the Herbivore, which is stuffed with a tantalising combination of avocado, hummus, grilled yellow peppers, homemade tomato chutney and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Gluten-free bread is available and, if you have room left afterwards, Solo’s bakery counter is always filled with tempting sweet treats. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘[Cafe Solo is] friendly and comfortable [with a] warm atmosphere. I had the best fish finger sandwich ever with quality bread and salad garnish. The macaroons, cakes and custards went down a treat [and] the music was quality but not too loud.’
Sandwich prices: from £6.50

Pride & Provenance, Halifax
Run by husband-and-wife team, James and Melanie, this award-winning restaurant and shop in the Piece Mill celebrates some of the UK’s best artisan produce. The couple take traceability seriously. All the cheese and charcuterie sold here can be tracked from farm to fork, and can be enjoyed in the form of a delicious sandwich to eat in or take away. On Pride & Provenance’s menu, you’ll find enticing toasties such as The Bikini – a delectable combination of Lishman’s Air-dried ham, manchego cheese and Sublime truffle, parmesan and black pepper butter. A more adventurous option is The HOT One, which features Lishman’s Nduja, Mozzarella and Honey. Pride & Provenance has a stylish interior that adds contrast to its industrial setting with luxurious touches of velvet, marble and polished metal. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘We had a lovely lunch here today. We took shelter from the snow falling outside and we were served with a range of delicious cheesy sandwiches. Service was quick but not rushed and [the] staff were very helpful. Most importantly, the food was very yummy. My sandwich (Kick Ass Cheddar) was the best cheese sandwich I’ve ever had. [We] would definitely go back again when in Halifax.’
Sandwich prices: from £7.50

Arcade Coffee, Huddersfield
Residing in the back corner of Huddersfield’s Byram Arcade, this bijou brunch spot has a smart, old fashioned feel with a gorgeous tiled bar that works perfectly in its Victorian surroundings. Arcade Coffee’s sandwiches and bagels come with imaginative fillings such as Korean fried chicken with rocket, kimchi slaw, gochujang sauce, spring onion and sesame. They also make a wonderful crispy halloumi bagel, which is enlivened by a rhubarb salsa and sriracha mayo. On the cafe’s drinks list, you’ll find fresh coffee from local roaster Dark Woods, along with craft beers, ciders and wines. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘[Arcade Coffee’s food is] inventive and delicious. I had a pastrami, gherkin, mustard, rocket and Emmental sandwich, definitely a combination I will now be eating at home.’
Sandwich prices: from £11

Coffee Evolution, Huddersfield
Now more than twenty years old, Coffee Evolution has a cool, arty vibe that keeps its regulars coming back and helps it to appeal to new cohorts of Huddersfield University students year after year. This independent cafe offers fresh coffee made with its own blend of beans. You can also call here at lunchtime for bagels or a hot or cold sandwich. These come with your own choice of bread and there’s always a gluten-free option available. Fillings include such delights as bacon, feta and pesto, or melted smoked cheddar and Swiss cheese. A Google review says: ‘[Coffee Evolution’s] bagels and paninis are delicious, and I really recommend a mocha with a shot of hazelnut. It’s one of the best places to relax and drink good coffee in Huddersfield, and the prices aren’t too bad for an independent.’
Sandwich prices: from £2

Edward St. Bakery, Saltaire
Run by a group of five baker friends, the Edward Street Bakery takes its name from the residential street in which their business began. This indie bakery serves seasonal sandwiches, with a menu that changes each day and features lots of choice for vegetarians as well as meat eaters. Past offerings have included a sandwich stuffed with burrata, pesto and basil and topped with crispy panko-fried tomatoes, lemon and oregano mayo. The talented team here aren’t afraid to experiment with new and unusual flavour combinations. They’ve previously made a Vietnamese spring roll sandwich, and a Masala Chip Sarnie that transforms the humble chip butty into an aromatic delight with spiced chips, coconut dahl, tamarind ketchup, lime chutney and tomatoes. A Google review says: ‘The produce at this bakery is always fresh, inviting and interesting. It’s a delight to arrive and see what is available today although their website is always kept up to date. The main issue we face is arriving in time to see and buy the food, as it goes fast – a sign of a good bakery.’
Sandwich prices: from £4

Tambourine Coffee, Saltaire
Located next door to the Edward St Bakery, Tambourine is a specialty coffee shop that also serves delicious, plant-based toasted sandwiches and bagels. This friendly shop has a light, inviting interior to relax in and the smell of its North Star coffee really helps to whet your appetite. Tambourine’s toastie fillings change all the time, but you can try specials such as tomato, basil and onion chutney here, or start the day with a sourdough breakfast toastie featuring vegetarian sausage, egg and cheese. Tambourine also sells cakes from local bakers Sift and Layer’d and Brown & Blonde brownies. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘I pop into Tambourine Coffee on a regular basis. The coffee is always fantastic and the bagels and toasties they do always come out very well. I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Saltaire.’
Sandwich prices: from £3.70

Images: @edwardstbakery @prideandprovenance @brodsandwichbar