For something as simple as two slices of bread and a filling, the sandwich has a surprisingly interesting history. It's also one of those foods that almost everyone has an opinion about. Some people stick to the classics, others enjoy trying something different, and then there are those who believe there's no such thing as too much filling.
Sandwich Day falls on 3 November, and although the celebration itself has American roots, the name has a rather famous British connection.
John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is generally credited with giving the sandwich its name in the 18th century. According to the familiar story, he was so engrossed in a game of cards that he asked for meat between two slices of bread, allowing him to eat without putting down his cards.
It's a good story, although historians aren't entirely convinced that's exactly how it happened. People had been putting food between pieces of bread long before the Earl came along. What we do know is that his name became attached to the idea, and more than 250 years later, we're still using it.
The sandwich has certainly come a long way since then.
Britain has developed some particularly familiar combinations over the years. Cheese and pickle, egg mayonnaise, ham and mustard, and chicken salad have all earned their place among the classics. But the sandwich has also proved remarkably good at adapting to changing tastes, with new ingredients, flavours and influences finding their way between slices of bread.
And then there's the bread itself. White, wholemeal, granary, baguettes, rolls and wraps all bring something different to the table. Even the same filling can feel like a completely different lunch depending on what surrounds it.
At Masons Kitchen, we spend a considerable amount of time making sandwiches, so we know that the little details matter. The balance of ingredients, the contrast between flavours and textures, and how everything comes together can turn something very simple into a really enjoyable lunch.
There's also something particularly practical about sandwiches when you're feeding a group. They're easy to share, don't require much fuss and can offer plenty of variety without everyone needing to order something individually.
That's why our sandwich selections remain such a familiar part of office lunches, meetings and events. From classic favourites to different fillings and dietary choices, there's usually something to tempt everyone.
Of course, sandwich preferences can be surprisingly personal. Some people have been ordering the same filling for years and wouldn't dream of changing it. Others will happily try whatever looks interesting.
And after celebrating Crisp Sandwich Day in October, we've already established that people are quite capable of taking matters into their own hands when it comes to fillings.
Perhaps that's part of the sandwich's enduring appeal. It's familiar without being boring, simple without being limited, and endlessly open to interpretation.
Not bad for something that may have started with an Earl who didn't want to interrupt his card game.