Sandoochie

This sandwich bar is a balm for anyone still scarred from their soggy school-lunch sandwich days. The menu changes daily, but always offers four or five sandwiches brimming with surprising and delicious pairings. Try poached chicken with celery, almonds and rocket; roasted cauliflower with tahini, cranberries and herbs; and pastrami with apple. Sourdough and focaccia from the nearby Under Bakery seals each “dooch” with a chewy outer layer.

A daily salad accompanies the sandwich spread and is equally creative. For example: fried lentils with cauliflower, radicchio, tahini and pomegranate.

After-lunch desserts are acceptable (and encouraged) here. The serving bench is laden with nostalgic baked goods. Hedgehog slice, caramel slice, cardamom and cinnamon buns, and strawberry butter cakes are reminiscent of weekends at Grandma’s or a CWA bake sale. (Even the most stubborn, recipe-loyal nans would be impressed.)

The corner store is light and airy with floorboards, green and orange tiles, wooden countertops and shelves lined with paper-bagged sandwiches. You’ll find the daily specials written on a brown paper scroll against the wall. On any weekday you’ll also find founder and resident sandwich artist Lucy Holm (formerly of Paperbark, Bar Rochford and Rebel Rebel) personally serving her latest creations.

A couple of tables and stools are available out the front, where you can enjoy lunch on canteen-like metal plates. But it’s mostly a takeaway situation — much like the tuckshop of school days gone by.