Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Bickley, Bromley, South East London, lies Mustard, a sandwich shop that has become an unexpected internet sensation. Its rise to fame began in November when the owner’s daughter, Maisie Harrison, posted a TikTok video showcasing the shop’s delectable offerings. The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and likes, and propelling Mustard into the spotlight. Foodies from far and wide now queue around the block, eager to sample the mouthwatering hot meat sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of online viewers.
Upon entering Mustard, customers are greeted by a large counter overflowing with a tantalizing array of freshly prepared meats: pulled pork, beef brisket, jerk chicken, and an assortment of sausage rolls. Owner Nicola Willy-Harrison, the driving force behind Mustard’s success, presides over the counter with a warm smile. The shop is adorned with photographs of Nicola’s father, a butcher whose passion for food inspired her to open Mustard as a tribute to his legacy. Nicola’s commitment to quality is evident in her approach: the meat is cooked on-site daily, prepared with a unique blend of herbs and spices. The menu, regularly updated with seasonal and daily specials, offers a diverse range of options to cater to every palate.
The popularity of Mustard is undeniable. Customers often drive miles to experience the sandwiches they’ve seen lauded online. The shop has experienced a surge in business since going viral, with Nicola and her team working tirelessly to meet the demand, selling out every day. The phone rings constantly, taking collection orders in the brief moments between preparing each sandwich. The bustling atmosphere is a testament to the quality and appeal of Mustard’s offerings.
One of Mustard’s signature creations is “The Big M,” a beef brisket sandwich piled high with salad, burger sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, gherkins, and crispy onions. This sandwich, one of Nicola’s earliest creations, is a symphony of flavors and textures. The soft tiger bread provides the perfect canvas for the tangy BBQ sauce, the kick of jalapenos, and the savory beef brisket. While priced at £13.50, the generous portion size ensures customers receive excellent value for their money. Another crowd favorite is the Crispy Pork Belly sandwich, a delightful combination of tender pork belly, apple sauce, stuffing, and crispy onions. This sandwich, priced at a reasonable £9, offers a comforting and satisfying meal, almost akin to enjoying a roast pork dinner between two slices of bread.
Another standout sandwich is “The Big Philly,” featuring beef brisket, caramelized onion chutney, Monterey Jack cheese, nacho cheese sauce, jalapenos, and crispy onions. The sweet caramelized onion chutney complements the spicy jalapenos, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. Even those who aren’t typically fans of cheese sauce will likely be impressed by how well it complements the other ingredients. Beyond the sandwiches, Mustard’s sausage rolls are equally noteworthy. The traditional sausage roll, seasoned with warming spices, offers a delightful combination of tender sausage and flaky pastry. For the more adventurous, gammon and maple syrup or caramelized onion flavors are also available.
The viral success of Mustard can be attributed to Maisie Harrison, Nicola’s daughter. Maisie, a former Selfridges employee turned full-time content creator, began posting TikTok videos about the sandwich shop in November. Her videos, showcasing Nicola in action and highlighting the quality and size of the sandwiches, quickly gained traction. One video, describing the pork belly as “the best you’ll ever have,” garnered over 161,000 views and 11,000 likes. The online buzz generated by Maisie’s videos has translated into real-world success for Mustard, with customers flocking to the shop and sharing their own positive experiences online.
Mustard’s offerings extend beyond the physical shop. Customers can order their favorite sandwiches through delivery platforms like Just Eat and Uber Eats, or by calling the shop directly. Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (closed on weekends), Mustard has become a lunchtime haven for those seeking a delicious and satisfying meal. From the generous portions to the freshly cooked meats and homemade sauces, Mustard’s commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every bite. This small, unassuming sandwich shop, tucked away in a quiet corner of South East London, has proven that sometimes, the best things come in small packages – or, in this case, between two slices of bread.
