Mardy’s only opened just off Hanover Square a couple of months back, but the tiny spot serving made-to-order sandwiches with plenty of British charm is already pulling crowds.
The name is northern English slang for grumpy or moody. “[Mardy] is like an old sandwich clerk,” owner and restaurateur Daniel Koukarskikh (who is also behind Lita in Marylebone) tells Broadsheet. “He’s a bit moody, a bit grumpy, but relatable. If the weather’s not great, he’s like, ‘ah, this again.’” The name is intended to reflect the approach to sandwiches: “unapologetic, but with proper fillings”, made with locally sourced ingredients.
Every sandwich is assembled “à la minute”, on either 48-hour-fermented sourdough or focaccia from Seven Seeded bakery. Staying true to British sandwich heritage, there’s a coronation chicken with dried mango standing in for raisins, alongside a caesar (nodding to the sandwich’s current viral moment) and the shop’s bestseller so far: the club, with sous-vide chicken and harissa mayo.
For a toasted option, there’s beef brisket that’s brined in gochujang and slow cooked for 12 hours, layered into grilled focaccia with chilli kimchi mayo, mozzarella and house pickles. The menu also rotates through weekly specials, and any sandwich can be finished with jalapeños or crisps, and a side of dip: Koukarskikh’s favourite? The green goddess.
Alongside the sandwiches, you’ll find cups of bone broth from Spring, a producer Koukarskikh came across one Sunday at Marylebone Farmers’ Market and became hooked on – so much so that he decided to stock it permanently rather than wait for the weekend.
Coffee comes from Special Guest, and is the result of a six-month collaboration between Koukarskikh and the roastery on a house blend of two Brazilian beans and one Ethiopian. Since opening, the house-made coconut-and-vanilla cold foam has become a hit.
The tiny space was designed by British designer Jobe Burns, mixing new and salvaged materials, including 100-year-old Victorian wooden panels from Birmingham and a custom-built metal counter. “It looks kind of retro and new at the same time,” Koukarskikh says, “and that’s the whole idea of Mardy’s.”
Mardy’s
Unit 5, Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, W1S 1BR
Hours:
Mon to Fri 7.30am–6pm
Sat & Sun 10am–5pm
