The best two chains are Pret a Manger and EAT. Though everyone no doubt has their own views, these are the two benchmarks by which others are measured. They are quick, offer a good, ever changing range and are always polite. Some people prefer the old-style Italian, where they make sandwiches to order, from little stainless steel platters. Hmm. Not for me. Pret and EAT (It’s an acronym: for ‘Excellence And Taste) can be found anywhere where there are offices nearby. To sit in, carries a slightly higher price.

Spianata – an Italian chain. From the eponymous sandwich using a long, flat ‘golden’ loaf. All bread is baked at their bakery and is used to make their sandwiches – fillings include choice meat cuts such as Bresaola, Mortadella and Proscuitto. Five branches based in the City.For the best sandwiches of all, try - the food hall at Harvey Nichol's, or Fortnum and Mason. Yes they are more expensive, but you’d be hard pushed to find better elsewhere.

Harvey Nichol's: 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ.

Fortnum and Mason: 181-186 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EH.