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    Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar

    3.9 (48 reviews)
    ModerateSandwiches, Delis
    Closed 11:30 am - 6:00 pm

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    Salted beef sandwich

    the salted beef is stringy and rubbery. most of it would up in my napkin bc I could not swallow it. I asked the server if that was how it was supposed to be and he said yes. the matzo ball soup is decent. servers are friendly and the food came pretty quickly. however once the sandwich was delivered i had to flag someone down to order soup and more water. not A recommend.

    half sandwich on rye + gherkin + apple juice
    Sam M.

    This place has been around forever and even though I come to Selfridges every time I visit London, I've never eaten here before. The menu is simple and so are people's motives - the salt beef sandwich. I take a wooden tray and walk up to the lady behind the counter, standing with her knife poised and ready to cut into huge slabs of salt beef. I look up at the menuboard and prepare myself to place my order. Q1: Should I get the half, the regular or the large sandwich? Generally, bigger is better, but on this occassion, I wasn't very hungry. I'll settle for half a sandwich Q2: Out of wholewheat, rye, foccacia and bagel, what should I get? This one is easy, I'll go for rye. Q3: Meat. The menu board says: "Choice of Salt Beef, Tongue, Pastrami (or a mix)" I ask the lady behind the counter for a mix because I'm indecisive. Q3a: The lady then asks me: "What mix would you like?" Oh god, this was more thinking than I thought I'd invest in a sandwich. "Could I do all 3?" *crosses fingers* She lets me. *sigh of relief* Q4: Mustard. English or American. I live in America but I go for English mustard. It tastes better. Q5: Gherkin? Hell yeah gherkin. I freaking love gherkins! So here I am, two slices of soft rye bread stuffed with 6 layers of juicy meat. I don't care if other people are judging me for being a fatass and getting all 3 kinds of meat in my sandwich - this is beef sandwich heaven. The meat is tender and was a perfect mix of salty beef, tender tongue and peppery pastrami. Each bite was just as wonderful as the last. I may or may not have closed my eyes after each bite, to savor the flavours running amuck in my mouth. I'll be dreaming of this sandwich tonight in my sleep.

    from the queue.
    Nik T.

    flashforward is back and this is my tribute to the tv series:) "on oct 6 2009, the planet blacked out for two minutes and seventeen seconds the whole world saw the future........." in my flashforward, i was queuing up for a salt beef sandwich fix. the queue was long but the service was fast. they cut and assemble made to order salt beef sandwiches with japanese style just in time precision. you get a choice of bread, cut of meat(salt beef, pastrami or tongue) , type of mustard and extras like gherkin. i chose a combination of all the meats with english mustard on white bread. the meats are so juicy, tender and yet full of texture. the bread though soft, yet held the sandwich together well. the mustard is a must for that extra kick up and down your orifices! if you saw the same future that i saw, it is definitely in your interest to check them out asap!

    Agi K.

    If I was a vegetarian (which I am not) I would revert to my carnivorous or is that omnivorous ways to be able to eat here. Damn tasty Salt Beef sandwiches!! Pricey though..two salt beef sandwiches + two gherkins and two diet cokes (not all for me) at £19....maybe I am just cheap.

    Salt beef sandwich
    Sam J.

    Great salt beef (aka corned beef sandwich)! Fresh rye bread and tender beef, just wish there was more of it. Also they need spicy brown mustard and kosher pickles to make this sandwich next level.

    Dave S.

    The Brass Rail is the salt beef 'bar" at the Selfridges Food Hall. There is always a massive queue of people eager to get a large sandwich of sliced salt beef. I don't really agree with all the 5 star reviews. The brass rail is overrated if you ask me. As someone who has had his fair share of salt beef bagels, there are many a place that serves better salt beef (Reuben's in Marylebone, Beigel Bake on brick Lane, and even the stingy old man who carves it up occasionally at the exmouth market). Now don't get me wrong the sandwiches come with generous portions of meat and the requisite strong english mustard and are perfectly edible. However, If you also come later in the evening, the beef and bread can taste a bit stale. I've also had mixed experiences with the meat---the pastrami can sometimes be overly peppery. Note that the meat is not kosher. The atmosphere is also lacking. Yes, there is a brass rail, but the dining area is rather cramped and is no nicer than any other food court. 3 stars---it's not a bad sandwich per se, but only worth going to if you are already in Selfridges.

    Killer trio: meantime lager, salt beef and pastrami on rye
    Pat R.

    So after a little scouting on the Yelp London chat, a few people suggested that a "must eat" while in London was a good salt beef sandwich. Somehow I ran out of time and proper meals to get one on my first trip so I made it a priority on this trip. I first had some hesitation about trying this place because of the fact that it is located inside a department store but the doubt that I had quickly subsided when I started walking around the lovely food hall. If you you only have one stop to shop for all food that is British, this I the place but that's another review... After being lost in jaw dropping awe in the food hall, I finally made it to the Brass Rail about half seven. Upon walking up to the counter I saw the attendant pull a behemoth of a sandwich out of the oven. I asked him what it wa an he said it was a Reuben. I told him that I'll have one of those! He denied my request as the bloke in front of me got the last bun for it.. Sad and Dejected I opted for the largest half pastrami and half salt beef on rye on the menu. The pastrami was a big miss for me. It was thick cut (we are accustomed to thin sliced) and was extremely dry and had to be drowned in mustard to be palatable. The salt beef.... Where do I start... First off it was thick cut just like the pastrami but unlike the pastrami was moist and even a little juicy. The sour/salt bite you get when bite into it is something else... Not like any other cured meat I've ever tired up to this point.. I devoured the half of my sandwich like a starving Marvin and was tempted to get another but I wanted to try some of the many other stands in the hall... Quick tip for dining here: They sell camden town brewery and meantime beers in the food hall! Grab one or two as well as a bag of Guinness crips (chips for Americans) and take it to eat with your salt beef.. You'll thanks me later... Cheers and enjoy

    Salt beef sandwich on rye bread with mustard, a dash of horseradish, and the obligatory accompanying pickle. Perfection.
    Manav M.

    The Brass Rail (Selfridge's) - What Katz deli in NY is to pastrami, the brass rail is to salt beef. It's the perfect texture and consistency. Soft, tender, you can effortlessly peel off bits of it to sneak a bite without the bread for maximum pleasure. It manages to do this while still having enough texture to allow you to bite and chew while giving that feeling of almost melting away. Order on rye bread with mustard and a pickle and enjoy.

    Sally K.

    So, I caved in and had the salt beef sandwich instead of the miserable salad disaster I had the last time around. After my last visit I concluded that they really have to hate greens here with the treatment they're giving them. But with friends raving about their sandwiches I took a day off my meat-free diet to try one out. Seriously, it's like two different worlds! This. was. divine. I had the regular size sandwich, rye bread with cumin (oh joy! cumin!), salt beef, French mustard and gherkin. It just went perfectly together. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 is that the meat could have been a tad more juicy - and I prefer shredded beef rather than slices. But it's all a matter of taste. When it comes to beef sandwiches, the quality is high, good service, fast - really good. But avoid all other food items, you're just gonna get depressed.

    Salt Beef on Brown: £8.75
    Paul V.

    Here's an example of a conversation that would really stress me out: Friend: Hey I just got back from London and I got one of those Salt Beef sandwiches that you rave about! Me: That's wonderful! Where did you go? Beigel Bake? Pickle & Rye? Friend: Oh no I went to Brass Rail - in Selfridges You won't have a bad Salt Beef sandwich at Brass Rail, but know that it's the equivalent of paying $20.00 for a Philly Cheese steak sandwich or a tener for a kebab - it just isn't right. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? In contrast to what you might find at a more industrial, working class mom and pop shop like Beigel Bake, Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar has acclimated to its higher end surroundings. You can pay with a credit card and take a seat while your sandwich is brought out to you. The folks are friendly, but I did feel a bit odd chomping away at a Salt Beef sandwich while the global elite were strolling about me sampling luxury short breads and artisan chocolates. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? You know what's probably not cheap? Ample floor space in Selfridges. You know what you probably have to do to effectively put that pricey floorspace to work? Charge eight pound seventy-five for a medium sized Salt Beef sandwich on brown. I'd pay five pounds less for the exact same sandwich at Beigel Bake, and while I understand the economics off it all, you've just got to understand that you're being charged to eat in Selfridges. No Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Was my Salt Beef sandwich (on brown with British mustard) bad? No, it wasn't bad, and to be entirely honest the meat was of extremely high quality as you can probably tell by the picture. Was it great? No, it wasn't great. Sure the meat was fine, but the bread was plain, cold, and the whole sandwich just seemed like something I could pretty easily dish up at home. Yes, the menu at Brass Rail is significant and I'm partially to blame for my order, but I've had some Salt Beef sandwiches that truly blew me away - and this one didn't. Single Star Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? There are better options for Salt Beef sandwiches in London. No Star Granted.

    Mac n cheese with pastrami
    Sarah S.

    Somewhat of an institution at Selfridges from what I can gather. Came here on a Friday just as lunchtime was starting so we missed any large queues. Lots of comfy seats to choose from. Rather than a sandwich I went for their mac n cheese and added pastrami with a lemonade. It was SOOOOOOO good!!! I ordered the small rather than a large but that was more than enough. The pepper on the pastrami was v nice. Also got to try a bit of the salt beef - which was also really good. Would I go back? Hells yes!

    salt beef / pastrami on rye
    Daniel N.

    Not a big fan of Brass Rail's smoked/cured meats. Ordered a pastrami/salt beef on rye. I liked the ability to choose the type of mustard I wanted. English mustard still makes me tear up every time, so I chose the American mustard from a squeeze bottle. Both of the meats were on the dry side and very one-dimensional. All I tasted was saltiness. Neither the mustard nor the pickle were able to cut through the salt. I might be spoiled from having lived in NY with access to Carnegie/Katz/2nd Ave, but I think that even in London, your best bet for salt beef are the bagel (beigel) places on Brick Lane.

    On the left Salt Beef, center and right Pastrami. With whole grain mustard on the side.

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    Not cheap but great quality deli food in convenient location. Service was good. Good menu plenty of tables

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    Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar

    I have tried it with English mustard, which was too strong for me and overpowered the sandwich.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Camisa & Son - Camisa & Son on Brewer Street.

    Camisa & Son

    4.3(20 reviews)
    0.9 miSoho
    ££

    Stopped by this place today (20.10.11) after a workmates recommended that I switch up my Deli of…read morechoice. You see my local was Lina Stores (notice how I used was). So upon entering the store, I was immediately expecting the classic 'deli snobbery' experience. You know when you go to an authentic Deli where the staff give you the cold stare if you take too lon to order or don't know exactly what you want. Much to my surprise, I was welcomed in a very warm manner. I asked for a selection of meats, and seriously thought this would be the point where they'd start snapping, but nope, again the lovely lady offered a range of sample slices for me to try! Woohoo! To cut a long story short, I came out a happy girl! Lina Stores can keep there over-priced food, along with their moody staff, I'm sticking with my new bestie Camisa & Sons...! P.S. Could have sworn I spotted the 'Son' of Camisa & Sons working in the back room...

    I was inspired by my visit to Little Italy in New York. Lots of amazing delis with fresh food…read moreserved by authentic Italian families who had been running the place for generations In London, there isn't any equivalent Italian area but Camisa on Old Compton is a deli straight out of New York. I love the '& Son' on the sign - gives the place a sense of continuity and history The sight of all those hams hanging up as you enter the store is enough to set the cookery brain and the stomach going. There is then the main counter with Italian cheeses galore and some deli items and home made pasta. There is also the full range of tinned and dried goods. The dry pasta from here is better than the fresh stuff from supermarkets. In Italy, they believe the pasta is the star of the dish and the sauce is just there to coat it, not drown it but for that philosophy to work, you need high quality ingredients I left with some pancetta, ham and mini mozzarellas

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    Camisa & Son
    Camisa & Son - Ventrecina

    Ventrecina

    Camisa & Son - Napoli

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    Napoli

    David's Deli

    David's Deli

    4.4(18 reviews)
    3.1 miHampstead
    ££

    Very nice little place. Run by middle easterners with an eclectic choice of food and drink. From…read moretea to Hummus. Cappuccino to kebabs. Outside covered patio too.

    First off, this place gets 10 stars for being run by THE most helpful, welcoming and friendly…read morepeople! Oh my giddy arm, I cannot believe that a place in London exists where they would let me order food, eat it and then let me leave without paying (due to not having enough cash on me), trusting me to come back later after I had run my errands and gotten to a cash point!!!! Even when I offered up the change that I did have, they said I could just hang on to it and then pay the bill in full later if I wanted to! Set right on the corner of West End Lane and Mill Lane, David's is a family run business in the perfect location, with lots of seating, both inside and outdoors, with an awning to cover it, and plants surrounding the front area, separating you from the street a little. This would be the perfect place to come for breakfast/brunch on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The menu is extensive, with lots of meze options, as well as sandwiches, bagels, salads, pies cakes and cupcakes (the woman next to me ordered a small meze selection with pitta - I can't imagine how big the large option would have been!). I opted for a salt beef bagel (which came with a pickle and coleslaw), which if I am completely honest, didn't really do it for me, BUT I should have known this from the start, as this place just didn't look Jewish enough to satisfy my salt beef bagel standards... My cappuccino was good - nice and frothy. I was also pleased that they have the option of skinny or regular. It's nice that they have a big pile of newspapers and magazines to browse too - handy if you are on your own and don't have any reading material with you. In all honesty, I probably would award this place 3 stars for my bagel (and the fact that at £4.50 I think it was too expensive), but for overall service, atmosphere and enjoyability of experience it gets full marks. David's is Deli(ghtful) and I will be back!

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    David's Deli

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    Salumeria Dino

    Salumeria Dino

    4.4(22 reviews)
    0.8 miFitzrovia
    £

    This was my one and only official meal in London, and I totally adored it. The shop is tiny but the…read moreselection man and woman making the sandwiches were super pleasant, and the selection was great. My friend got ketchup which the woman readily accomodated for, albeit after some chidding (ketchup on a sandwich is an afront to British culture, apparently). We were able to snag one of the only tables outside and had a lovely time catching up over a great sandwich. Will certainly be back next time I'm in the neighborhood.

    Like many who have worked on Goodge St, Dino was my lunch saviour. I have had Italian sandwiches…read morehere so often that if you knock me down and cut me open I'll bleed Dino. I'd be there everyday in the short queue looking up and down at the freshly made arancinis, pastas, chicken cutlets and other Italian classics but never deviating from the sandwich menu and never choosing anything other than "No.1 on ciabatta, not toasted" Recipe: 1. Cut a slab of fresh ciabatta about the size of a Sony PlayStation 2. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil 3. Layer with slices of wet mozzarella 4. Layer with fresh cut prosciutto 5. Layer with handfuls of fresh basil leaves 6. Give it to Tom E Sounds amazing, right? It is. And Dino charges you less than many of the plastic-encased sandwiches at Pret or Eat for so much more. You won't need crisps or anything else to complete your lunch. One Dino's sandwich should suffice, but I bet you'll still be tempted to get some of the other Italian goodies in his shop. It's hard not to.

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    Salumeria Dino
    Salumeria Dino
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    Brass Rail Salt Beef Bar - sandwiches - Updated June 2026

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