People use the phrase “blink and you’ll miss it” a bit too much for our liking, but it’s an apt way to introduce Fat Pat’s. Hidden away down a backstreet just off one of the city centre’s busiest thoroughfares, ignore the old fish & chips sign next to the bright blue paintwork of the unmarked exterior — the queues here have nothing to do with England’s original fast food. Instead, this is arguably the best spot in town for huge sub sandwiches, made fresh to order, overflowing with tantalising combinations of ingredients that put a certain US franchise giant to shame.
“Changing the sarnie game, one sando at a time,” Fat Pat’s tagline speaks volumes about the attitude. 21st Century bites for the hip, well-heeled, down to Earth, and just about anyone else who’s hungry, 8-inch milk rolls are baked on-site each morning, which means first come first served every day. Due to the size of the kitchen, daily options are usually limited to just a few, but one look at online reviews is enough to tell you that everyone leaves satisfied. Hot Honey Fried Chicken, iconic Philly Cheesesteak, and Eggplant Muffuleta, where aubergine meets salad greens and tomatoes, are infinitely popular options, and fundamental reasons why so many flock here on any given lunch break. Add to all this a pledge to give 2.5% of proceeds to charity, and it’s hard to fault what’s happening here, once you find it.