Homemade Sandwiches & Paninis in Bankside London | Fresh Salads & Heated Patio at Uncommon Café

Uncommon London’s deli café has built its reputation on freshly made sandwiches, paninis and salads that are perfect for a relaxed lunch near the Tate Modern. Their menu focuses on quality ingredients and homemade comfort food, from classic baguettes and bagels to generously filled paninis and colourful superfood salads. Lunchtime here feels casual but considered: you can grab something to go, sit inside with an artisan coffee, or linger outside under the new patio heaters and large umbrellas that keep the terrace warm and dry whatever the Bankside weather is doing. It’s the kind of place where locals pop in regularly and visitors quickly feel like regulars.

Homemade deli-style sandwiches and Paninis

The homemade sandwiches are the star of the show, with combinations that balance familiar flavours and deli‑style creativity. Think Italian‑inspired fillings like salami, mozzarella and roasted peppers on crusty sourdough; roasted chicken with basil pesto and rocket; or a Mediterranean veggie option with hummus, grilled aubergine, courgette and a tangle of leaves. Paninis are pressed to order so they arrive with perfectly melted cheese and warm, crisp bread – goat’s cheese with caramelised onions and spinach, mozzarella with tomato and basil, or spicy nduja with provolone and roasted vegetables are the sort of satisfying options you can expect. These are generous, proper meals in a bun, not sad supermarket sandwiches.

Light and healthy, freshly prepared snacks

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Uncommon’s salads are designed to be both healthy and filling. Superfood‑style bowls loaded with quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, chickpeas, seeds and leafy greens sit alongside more classic mixes like chicken Caesar with plenty of crunch, or a roasted beetroot, feta and walnut salad with a citrusy dressing. Many options are naturally vegetarian or can be made vegan, and it’s easy to build a balanced lunch by pairing a salad with a half‑sandwich, a slice of quiche or a bowl of soup. Everything is prepared on site, so the vegetables stay vibrant and the dressings taste fresh rather than mass‑produced.

What makes Uncommon Tate Modern different?

One of the things that makes Uncommon London such a pleasant place to eat is the way it blends its food offering with a comfortable, neighbourhood atmosphere. Inside, the café feels warm and contemporary, but the outdoor seating is where it really comes into its own on bright days. The addition of new patio heaters and large umbrellas means you can enjoy your sandwich or salad al fresco even when the weather is changeable – stay cosy on cooler evenings and dry during those unpredictable London showers. It’s ideal if you’re meeting friends, taking a break from the office or refuelling after a gallery visit and want that European pavement‑café vibe without the discomfort.

What customers are saying

Recent customer feedback on its business listings highlights just how popular the place has become with locals and visitors alike. Diners often praise the friendly, welcoming service and the quality of the homemade food, particularly the sandwiches, salads and daily specials, describing the café as a cosy spot with a great neighbourhood feel. Many reviews mention coming back repeatedly for lunch because the options are both tasty and reasonably priced for the area, and several people pick out the outside seating as a real bonus in good weather. Taken together, these comments paint a picture of Uncommon London as exactly what it aims to be: a dependable Bankside local serving fresh, thoughtfully made sandwiches, paninis and salads in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

Fresh, good-quality ingredients all year round

Uncommon puts a real emphasis on fresh, good-quality ingredients throughout its lunchtime menu, which is a big part of why its sandwiches, paninis and salads taste so vibrant. The team works closely with independent London suppliers and trusted producers to stock the deli counter with artisan breads, carefully sourced meats, cheeses and charcuterie, and fruit and vegetables that arrive in peak condition rather than looking tired or mass‑produced.

Locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers

This focus on local and specialist suppliers means your baguette, ciabatta or salad bowl is built from ingredients chosen for flavour first, not just convenience. It also allows Uncommon to keep its menu feeling seasonal and dynamic – think crisp leaves and bright dressings, properly ripe tomatoes, generous layers of quality ham or roast chicken, and deli‑style additions like olives, pickles and house dressings. The result is a lunchtime offer that feels more like eating from a well‑stocked neighbourhood pantry than grabbing a generic grab‑and‑go sandwich.