An aristocratic new flavour has been given to growing foodie hotspot just across the border.
Discerning gastronauts can now enjoy a delicious and filling treat thanks to the newly-opened Montagu’s Sensational Sandwiches at Provenance Food Halls in Westhoughton.
Named after the fourth Earl of Sandwich, originator of the eponymous treat, Montagu’s is already proving a success, despite having only just opened.
“Although it is part of Provenance, it has got its own identity," explained food hall operations director, James Bretnall-Bennett, a former Radcliffe High School pupil.
“We were saving sandwiches at the upstairs restaurant but decided to flip it and start selling them downstairs and business just exploded. We were sold out by 1pm on the first day,” said a delighted James, who has worked as a chef for 20 years and has previously owned two high-end restaurants in Devon.
“Customer feedback has been great, and most of them don’t finish their sandwiches because they’re so big. People usually end up taking them home.”
Fittingly, being under the Provenance umbrella, Montagu’s uses locally sourced ingredients.
James said: “Sandwiches are on trend and people are fed up of poor quality and mass-produced versions. People’s pallets are more adventurous and they want good quality, fresh products.”
There’s no risk of grey and disappointing egg mayonnaise sandwiches, thanks to freshly-made approach at Montagu’s
“The eggs are cooked in front of customers, then smashed and seasoned to order. We don’t use pre-prepared pots of egg mayonnaise,” he said.
Another traditional favourite is the cheese sandwich.
James said: “It’s inspired by the cheese sandwiches which was all I could afford for lunch when I was a pupil at Radcliffe High School.”
This being Montagu’s though, the locally-sourced cheeses, along with the care and attention, are a definite upgrade of the humble cheese sarnie.
“Traditionally, sandwiches were never that exciting, so it’s nice to see customers being pleasantly surprised by what we create for them,” said James.
“We have a menu but, as long as we’ve got the ingredients in the fridges, we’re happy to offer taylor-made sandwiches for customers.
Alongside the regular sandwiches available, James said there will also be two specials every week.
Buoyed by the initial success, he is already planning to establish a Montagu’s presence on food delivery platforms
“I’m very excited and I can’t believe how quickly it’s taken off. We’ve not even been open for a week yet and we’ve already had regulars coming in every day.”
Vicky Oakes took advantage of an early work finish to sample the new eaterie and was spoiled for choice.
Friends Carol Foster and Denise Ince were also firs- time visitors and took a table to have a catch-up over lunch.
“I’m impressed and the sandwiches are very good,” said Carol, whom opted for a turkey sandwich.
“Westhoughton needed something like this, somewhere to eat that’s a bit more upmarket”
Denise, who opted for a chicken and chorizo sandwich, said “We’ll definitely b coming again.”
Montagu’s Sensational Sandwiches is open 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.
Provence Food Hall also features also features high class butchers, an award winning patisserie and an artisan baker, as well as a range of foods and ingredients from across the world.
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