Fancy a delectable journey to the charming town of Sandwich? Here, the simple pleasure of enjoying a sandwich takes on a whole new meaning! As the namesake of the iconic culinary creation, the destination offers a unique opportunity to indulge in this beloved meal at its birthplace.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Kent, England, Sandwich boasts a rich history dating back centuries. This makes it a delightful destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.
The history of Sandwich is as rich and varied as the layers of a well-crafted sandwich. Founded in the medieval era, the town flourished as a bustling port and market hub, playing a significant role in England's maritime history. Today, remnants of its storied past can be found in its charming streets, historic buildings, and ancient churches, providing a captivating backdrop for exploration.
But the town's history isn't the only thing that makes it a must-visit location; it's also the source of many delicious gastronomic experiences. Sandwich offers a wide variety of dining establishments where guests may enjoy delectable sandwiches prepared using traditional methods and locally produced ingredients, ranging from charming tearooms to cozy cafes. Sandwich has something to please every palate, whether you're in the mood for a gourmet creation with artisanal ingredients and unusual sauces or a conventional ham and cheese on freshly made bread.
In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating history of Sandwich, exploring its medieval roots and maritime heritage. We'll also shine a spotlight on a few of the town's standout sandwich shops!
Table of Contents
History of Sandwich (The Town)
The town of Sandwich boasts a rich tapestry of history dating back over a thousand years. Founded during the early medieval period, Sandwich flourished as a bustling port and market town, its strategic location on the River Stour contributing to its prosperity and importance in England's maritime trade network.
The origins of Sandwich can be traced back to the 7th century when it was established as a Saxon settlement. By the 9th century, Sandwich had become a thriving port, attracting merchants, traders, and seafarers from across Europe. Its strategic position at the mouth of the river made it a vital hub for shipping and commerce, facilitating trade between England and continental Europe.
Throughout the medieval era, Sandwich continued to prosper, its bustling market and busy harbor attracting wealth and investment. The town's maritime connections played a crucial role in shaping its identity, with shipbuilding, fishing, and trade driving its economy.
In the 12th century, Sandwich received its first royal charter, granting it special privileges and freedoms as a corporate town. This charter laid the foundation for Sandwich's development as a self-governing municipality, with its own mayor, council, and legal jurisdiction.
During the Middle Ages, Sandwich emerged as a significant player in England's maritime affairs, contributing ships and sailors to the royal navy and participating in naval expeditions against foreign powers. The town's strategic importance was further underscored by the construction of defensive fortifications, including town walls, gates, and a castle, to protect against potential threats from the sea.
Today, remnants of Sandwich's past can be found throughout the town, from its medieval streets and historic buildings to its ancient churches and maritime heritage. As one of England's best-preserved medieval towns, Sandwich continues to captivate visitors with its rich character, charming architecture, and scenic beauty.
If you're interested in learning more about city's history, I highly recommend visiting the Sandwich Medieval Centre. While small, this place is a wealth of information with truly lovely and passionate volunteers. We spent about two hours reading the material posted, speaking with the volunteers, and watching the authentic forge in action.
Keep a lookout for a full post about our experience at the Sandwich Medieval Centre soon!
History of Sandwich (The Food)
The sandwich, a ubiquitous culinary creation enjoyed by millions around the world, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. While its precise origins remain the subject of debate among historians, the concept of placing filling between two pieces of bread has been documented in various cultures throughout history.
One popular theory traces the origins of the sandwich back to the 18th century in England, where John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is said to have popularized the dish. Legend has it that the Earl, an avid gambler, requested his servants to bring him slices of meat between two pieces of bread during marathon gambling sessions, allowing him to continue playing without interruption for meals. This convenient and portable meal soon caught on among his peers, who began ordering "the same as Sandwich" when requesting the dish.
However, the concept of combining bread with filling predates the Earl of Sandwich by centuries. Ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans are known to have eaten flatbreads filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables, while Jewish communities in Eastern Europe developed the concept of the "hillel," a sandwich-like food made with matzo bread and various fillings.
While sandwiches likely existed well before John Montagu's time, it's still fun to eat one in the place where the modern day term may have originated. After all, who doesn't want to be able to say, "I ate a sandwich in Sandwich!" Personally, I think it's well worth making a special trip to the town just to enjoy this novel experience.
Top-Rated Eateries
Sandwich, Kent, boasts a plethora of dining establishments, ranging from quaint tearooms to restaurants (many of which serve sandwiches!). There's no shortage of options to satisfy every palate.
While I haven't had the pleasure of sampling them all firsthand, some of the town's top-rated eateries promise a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're craving a hearty lunch or a light snack, exploring Sandwich's food scene is sure to delight.
The Sandwich Shop serves a wide variety of cold and hot sandwiches freshly made using local ingredients, as well as delicious tea, coffee, and cake.
This British bar offers delectable cuisine with picturesque views of the charming town and tranquil riverside.
Owned by three local Sandwich residents, The Crispin is warm, welcoming, and proudly sources ingredients from local producers.
A cozy 16th century inn offering accommodation, food, and drink.
Originally built in 1446, this restaurant and pub offer a variety of British classics.
A quirky bar and restaurant with a fun atmosphere serving tasty food and drinks.
Papa's Fish and Chips
Looking for something quick? This shop sells some of the best fish and chips in the area!
The Haven Restaurant
A traditional British café serving various popular dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Other Things To Do In Kent
There's plenty more to do in Kent, England, in addition to visiting (and eating a) Sandwich! The area is absolutely brimming with diverse attractions and activities to suit every traveler's interests.
While any of the above-mentioned activities are sure to be fun, here are a few of our favorite things to do when visiting Kent:
Visit the Sandwich Medieval Centre
Experience medieval life firsthand at the Sandwich Medieval Centre. As mentioned above, the Sandwich Medieval Centre is an absolute treasure for those interested in history! Located right next to the Quay Sandwich car park, access is easy and (best of all) free!
Explore the Streets of Canterbury
Stroll through Canterbury's charming streets lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and bustling cafes, soaking in the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral
Marvel at the grandeur of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and rich religious history.
Walk Along the White Cliffs of Dover
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover, with panoramic views of the English Channel and the French coastline.
Tour Dover Castle
Explore the majestic Dover Castle, steeped in history and offering breathtaking views of the English Channel and the iconic White Cliffs.
Visit the Shell Grotto in Margate
Discover the mysterious Shell Grotto in Margate, adorned with intricate seashell mosaics, its origins shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Wander Through Walmer Castle & Gardens
Experience the historic charm of Walmer Castle in Kent, once home to the Duke of Wellington, with its beautiful gardens and coastal views.
My Experience in Sandwich
My husband and I have visited the town of Sandwich a few times. On all occasions, we've both really enjoyed it.
Our first trip there was solely for the purpose of eating a sandwich in Sandwich. We ordered take-away from The Sandwich Shop, which is located in the main square, and literally ate in the car with our dogs because it was raining. Not the most glamorous, but we were thrilled to check the experience off our travel to-do list!
My husband and I recently made another trip to Sandwich for sandwiches with my nephew and ate at The Sandwich Shop again. The small café is well-named but, unfortunately, seems to have mixed reviews on Google.
Personally, I think some of the feedback they've received is a little unfair. The service and food were both very good, as are the prices. I like their toasted tuna melt, but can also recommend the Earl of Sandwich cold roast beef sandwich with horseradish. Were they the best sandwiches I've ever had? Probably not; but they were still enjoyable. Sadly, I think some patrons visit with unrealistic expectations and their comments are negatively skewing the shop's overall rating.
On another occasion, we stopped in at the Crispin Inn for dinner and drinks. This is a delightful little pub with traditional English fare, as well as a good selection of seafood and burgers. Definitely worth a drop-by if you're in the area. Booking is available online.
We also traveled to Sandwich to spend the weekend staying in a unique Airbnb listing I found. Michael had been wanting to rent a house boat and there happens to be one available in the town. You can see the listing here.
Unfortunately, it happened to be storming on the weekend we chose for our trip. And I mean truly bad weather, even for England. It was pouring rain and intensely windy when we arrived. Although the accommodation was quite lovely, it didn't really suit the situation so we spent the entire day hopping between local pubs and restaurants. Not quite the vacation we had in mind, but fun none-the-less!
We were particularly impressed with The Toll Bridge Restaurant and Bar. The drinks were delicious and well-priced. The variety of food available and service were both exceptional. I really liked the their jugs of Pimms! And yes, they do sell sandwiches! If I had to suggest a sit-down restaurant in Sandwich, it would be The Toll Bridge for sure.
General Recommendations
Don't miss the Sandwich Medieval Centre! Seriously, this was a highlight for us. Even if you're short on time, it's well worth a quick visit.
As I've rarely visited Sandwich when it wasn't raining, I encourage bringing along weather-appropriate gear. I think it's just bad luck on our part, but I've needed my rain jacket every time!
Along this same vein, I recommend bringing wellies (rain boots) as well. We recently purchased these unisex Dunlop boots for my nephew; they're very inexpensive and, according to him, quite comfortable.
Check out other activities in Kent! This is a charming region of England, full of exciting prospects.
Be prepared to take a LOT of pictures. This area is truly stunning, especially on sunny days. As I've mentioned before, I use the Nikon D7000 digital SLR with either a 18-55mm lens or 55-200mm lens. If you're looking for something comparable but less expensive, check out this Nikon D5100 digital SLR camera with 18-55mm VR lens. It's renewed, but mine is too and I've never had an issue.
Buyers in the United States may want to consider this Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, which comes with two lenses and a carry bag.
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