There’s no slowing down for Jack Macrae and Viggo Blegvad – the childhood pals who founded Mondo Sando back in lockdown, then opened a pub residency, a permanent cafe in Camberwell, and most recently, Mondo to Go in Deptford Market Yard.
On Mondo to Go’s opening weekend in March, the pair were met with queues stretching down Deptford High Street – and for good reason. Macrae and Blegvad have grown a cult following around Mondo’s generously filled subs and sandwiches with globally inspired fillings. Favourite subs include the Mondo Frango (grilled chicken thigh, pea salsa verde, matchsticks) and the Latke Frango; popular sandwiches include the Club Tropicana (sliced turkey, pineapple hot sauce) and Chickpea Caesar (a vegan take on the salad).
Running a bourgeoning sandwich empire doesn’t leave a lot of downtime – but where does the pair go to relax, shop and dine on their days off? Broadsheet spoke to Macrae and Blegvad about their favourite spots, and the local characters that make south east London so unique.
Hi Viggo and Jack. How would you describe yourselves and what do you do?
We’re the directors of Mondo Sando, a small independent sandwich business in south east London. We’re also couriers, gophers, handymen and emotional support animals for Mondo Sando, a small independent sandwich business in south east London.
What do you love to do on a day off?
VB: I’m trying to train my cat to go for walks on a lead but at the moment he just cowers in the bushes. So I’m doing a lot of cowering in bushes.
JM: Depending on what’s happened the night before: either a delicious fry-up at Mary’s Cafe, Walworth Road – or a nice long run through the most crowded part of London.
What’s your favourite London restaurant (apart from Mondo Sando?)
Yi-Ban is an incredible dim sum parlour overlooking London City airport. On Sunday it’s rammed and buzzy, and the food is incredible. Plus, you can face the glass and cheer as the planes take off.
Where are you taking someone you want to impress?
Fine Foods – Locanda del Melo in Borough is a favourite date spot. It’s a 10-seater Italian restaurant in the back of a beautiful deli. Incredibly silky pasta, wonderful service and a room-dominating artwork depicting a beautiful Pyrenean valley [that’s] entirely made out of sliced deli meats.
Where do you shop?
Deptford High Street!
What is one of the strangest things you’ve ever seen occur in London and where did it happen?
The huge snaking queue just to buy a sandwich, opening weekend, Mondo To Go, Deptford Market Yard, 2026.
If you need a break from London, where do you head?
We both like to head for the coast if we can. We’re big fans of Hastings, and its Jack in the Green May Day Festival is a big brother to the Deptford festival down our end.
What or who is making London a better place right now?
Local community saunas! Yes they are everywhere, but there’s nothing better than a cheap sweat.
What (in your opinion) is the essential play, TV show, song, book or film about London?
Got to give it to Eastenders. Who shot Phil Mitchell?
Give a shout-out to one of your favourite Londoners.
Stardog is a local legend who has been cycling about south east London selling CDs of his music and merch for years and years. He’s relentlessly positive and charming and it’s always a better day when he swings by.
And where in London do you visit if you’re looking for creative inspiration?
Deptford Market! Peckham Carboot! Lei Loi Oriental Stores! Myatt’s Fields Park Costumed Dog Show!
