World-famous sandwich chain from Florence opens in London: what they're serving.

Famous sandwich chain opens in the UK

According to The Sun: The internationally renowned sandwich chain, famous for its delicious "Face-sized" panini, is finally opening its doors in the UK.

All’Antico Vinaio will open on Old Compton Street in Soho this weekend.

Opening Details

Owner Tommaso Mazzanti will open the first store in the UK on Saturday, September 20. The first 500 visitors will receive a free schiacciata - a traditional Florentine bread.

“I am really excited to open our first location in the UK, especially in such an important city as London,”

Mazzanti said.

“This is an important event for the growth of All’Antico Vinaio, and we hope to replicate the success we have achieved in the USA.”

“This is the seventh country where we open AV, motivated by our passion to share a piece of Italian culinary tradition with the world.”

Menu and Popularity

The opening in London will be the 48th worldwide, with another 10 new stores planned by the end of the year, including in the UK.

London's menu promises delicious favorites, including their classic panini: La Favolosa, La Schiacciata del Boss, and La Toscana.

La Favolosa - with the liquid Sbricola, homemade pecorino cream, artichoke spread, and lightly spicy roasted eggplant - was named one of the top 5 sandwiches in the world by Saveur magazine.

Exclusive dishes for London will also be added to the menu.

History and Influence

All’Antico Vinaio was founded in 1991 by the Mazzanti family under the walls of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

It was their signature schiacciata that brought them success, and they bake it fresh every day for 30 years.

In 2014, this restaurant was the most discussed in the world on TripAdvisor.

Tommaso Mazzanti joined the family business at the age of 16 and opened his first location outside of Florence in Milan in 2020.

He is recognized as one of the best young restaurateurs in Italy.

Other Restaurant News

The UK is witnessing a wave of new American fast-food openings that are generating great interest among restaurants.

In recent years, the British have embraced popular chains like Wendy's and Shake Shack.

Now, eight American fast-food chains are planning significant expansions in the UK.

Among them is Chick-fil-A, which is preparing to open locations in Leeds, Liverpool, and London as part of a £74 million campaign.

The most popular items include the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, as well as nuggets and waffle fries.

However, restaurants across the country are still feeling the effects of the pandemic, as well as rising energy tariffs and inflation.

One popular restaurant with a Michelin star announced last week its closure after six years in operation.

Also, a burger chain with 12 locations in the UK is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy.

The opening of All’Antico Vinaio in London is an important event not only for the chain but also for the British culinary scene, which is actively developing and suffering from the pandemic's repercussions. Concurrently, the expansion of American fast-food chains indicates a growing interest in new culinary formats in the British market.