Birley’s Sandwiches

I was a fan of Birleys ever since I first encountered it in my former workplace. Now, I’ve become a bigger fan of one of its other locations.
I’m not a salad person in general, but Birleys salads fill me up in a healthy way like none other. I always get mixed greens and pasta with a selection of meats and other deli toppings with honey chili dressing. The dressing is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. After a bowl of salad, I’m content even past dinner time at times.
What I like about this location is it’s fast service as well. There’s usually a long line during peak lunch time, but it moves by fast enough as things are run efficiently.
The only downside is that this location has limited eat in space. Hence, expect to get a take away and if for eat in, be sure to come early or late past the peak hours.

I’ve worked on the Wharf on and off for 12 years and I only just tried Birley. They are fabulous! Well worth a visit if you like sandwiches!

Sometimes a sandwich from Birley’s hits the spot unlike anything else. When I am feeling slightly under the weather in the morning, a sausage and egg sandwich from Birley is exactly what I need. Equally at lunch, if I am starving, one of Birley’s many sandwich choices is perfect.
The prices are fairly high — it is a little more expensive than Pret for example — but I think that the quality of the end product is worth it and, as I have said, sometimes only Birley’s will do.

Hungover someone suggested I go to Birley’s for a breakfast sausage sandwich. I knew that this would either kill me or cure me… I was in bad shape and didn’t have much of a choice so I went for it. Amazing, great sausage sandwich defiantly cured my hangover. I would of gone back if i wasn’t leaving to go back to the states then next day.

Once upon a time there was this great place called Birley. I used to fantasize about it before going to work… I’m going to have the pork belly sandwich for lunch and have some crackling and a pickle on the side. I was a happy man. I went earlier this year thinking the same. The crackling was chewy and the portion sizes were scaled down. Sigh, even service was kinda rush rush not asking if I wanted mustard or apple sauce they just put whatever in. I miss the old Birley. 3 stars goes to the past Birley with hope for a future improvement.

Let’s start with some disambiguation. There are actually 4 different Birley’s in the enclosed and underground malls of Canary Wharf. There are two Birley’s Sandwiches, one in Cabot Place and one in Canada Square. Next, there is a Birley’s Soups and Salads in Cabot Place, which is pretty much next door to the Birley’s Sandwiches there, and right behind and under the escalator on the main level. Finally, there is a Birley’s Salt Beef Bar in Canada Square.
The first two reviews posted on the business you are currently viewing are actually reviews of the Birley’s Salt Beef Bar in the Canada Square Mall (See that business and my review here:
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The Birley’s currently under review is one of the standard Birley’s sandwiches. By standard I mean pretty much the same as the rest of Birley’s sandwiches, however these joints are a definitely a cut above something like a Pret or an Eat. This location has no seating (the only Birley’s in Canary Wharf with seating is the Salt Beef Bar), but it’s a great place to grab a sandwich if you’re on the go (or going back to your desk).

An acceptable place for sandwiches. Not a huge creative variety, but their tuna melt came out very tasty on nice, crisp bread. A little over-​priced against the marketplace unfortunately (more than £4 for a sandwich).

So, if you are around this area of London, and it’s before 3pm (as they normally sell out of salt beef by then) you should definately check out this place.
Although brick lane is supposed to be ‘the place’ for salt beef — I have to disagree — this place is amazing — and you’d never expect the best salt beef (and regular beef) to be here. With starbucks and pret and other ‘chains’ around the area this place just blows them away.
Ok, so it’s a little expensive, and being where it is in the heart of ‘city boy’ territory, you’d expect to pay a little over the odds — but as soon as you take a bite — you’ll remember to tell all your friends about it!

Canary Wharf has a big shopping centre. Which you might think is great, but it’s virtually impossible to get a good sandwich.
I guess it’s part of being modern — all the food is pretentious and lightweight. It’s like «oh, you’re hungry? Give us £5.60 and we’ll give you a quarter of a Biscotti». So, often I have found myself wondering around Canary Wharf in a daze, virtually crying out to be fed.
But Birleys is the exception to that rule. They do something amazing, which I’ve never seen before. Once they’ve sliced up a generous portion of meat and slapped it onto your bread… they do it again. A nice extra chunk of meat. And then a little bit more. You won’t believe your eyes — I thought the days were long gone where I’d actually get fed at lunch.
But Birleys, although arguably a bit expensive is completely and utterly worth it. Whether you want turkey, or Scottish beef, or salt beef or sausage; you are spoiled for choice, to say nothing of the sauces they have to offer.
For those who like a good traditional sandwich, packed full of meat and not just a piece of lettuce and a hint of salmon, this is the place for you. An absolute delight.

IMHO the best sandwich shop in the City (I go to their branch on Moorgate). Not the cheapest, but it’s always busy, which tells you something.
Fresh ingredients and good bread, ciabattas and pretzel. Everything from Chicken and chilly filling to smoked salmon and cream cheese. Soups too, which are rather good.
Worth taking a visit to hear the chap at the back offering hot specials! in an excited slightly shrill voice.

Great place for salads and soup! I really like the spiced corn chowder and the moroccan chicken soup! Not too expensive, they are £2.95 and £3.25 respectively for a small portion! The roast beef, roquette and parmesan salad is really delicious as well and it is only £2.50!
I highly recommend to anyone! Great lunch option for anyone in Canary Wharf!