Nestled away on Lawrence Street, in the middle of SK1, is RACK. The home to some of the finest butties this side of the Atlantic. They’re not here to try & reinvent the wheel, simply injecting a bit of creativity into the much-loved lunchtime staple, the sandwich. After starting up a food truck and touring markets and festivals to hone in on their sandwich skills, they opened their first shop in 2021. At heart, it’s based on the classic butty shop. But one that’s been dragged firmly into the 21st century. There’s no orange Toastie in sight here, just fresh focaccia, sourdough & white bloomer; with some top quality fillings, that are wrapped & sliced through some greaseproof paper.
A bona fide British lunch. levelled up. What more could you ask for?
Across their three locations in Stockport, Sale, & Arndale Market, you’ll find differing menus, with uniquely changing monthly specials. On this occasion, I went for Stockport’s February special: Shawarmageddon.
Slow-cooked, tender pork shawarma: chilli mayo; thin-ly-sliced, lemony sumac onions; marinated cucum-bers; fresh tomato & peppery rocket, between two slabs of springy focaccia. This one hit the spot. Fresh & flavourful, but without being too heavy.
A properly grand take on the ubiquitously mundane British lunchtime classic. They’re not shy on the fillings either. I ended up having to spoon the fallen remains out of the tray. As Rack says themselves: Life is better with sandwiches (someone get that on a cushion). Also on our order was the French Onion toastie, & the Chicken Caesar focaccia.
Starting with the latter. It’s literally everything you could want out of a butty.
Generous shavings of nutty. parmesan; crispy streaky bacon; fresh lettuce, with an indulgent level of chicken in a creamy caesar sauce. It’s a rich 10/10 & will probably convince you that focaccia will solve all of your life’s problems. Or it did with us at least. As for the French Onion toastie, a load of rich, slowly-cooked caramelised onions; gruyere; provolone; swiss cheese. A gooey. comforting & sweet mess, between two crispy & crunchy slices of toasted sourdough. Divine.
Something that has lived long in my memory since our visit are their hash browns. Little pockets of warming tater-totty goodness, available in different styles with various toppings. I’ve got it on good authority that the Salt & Pepper ones are to die for. but we opted for the Queso variety on this occasion. With its thick, creamy Mexican cheese sauce; fiery jalapenos & crispy onions, it’s a perfect accompaniment to literally any of the menu’s sandwiches. The drink selection doesn’t let the experience down either. Whether it’s a coffee from the Peak District’s wonderful Kickback Roastery, a lovely cuppa from Brew Tea Co, or one from their cold drink selection, there’s something top notch for everyone to wash down their lunch with.
If, somehow, all of the above hasn’t filled that midday hole in your stomach, then focus your eyes onto Rack’s sweet treats. The first thing that caught my eye was the box of humble Tunnock’s teacakes sitting proudly on the countertop. A grossly slept on chocolate-mallow treat, if you were to ask us.
Next, a tray of Pastel de Nata & Honey Nut Crunch flapjacks – any of which would satisfy the sweetest of tooths, and top of your lunch handsomely.
To be honest, I’m gutted I hadn’t tried Rack out earlier, just thinking of all the butties my stomach has missed out on. So if there’s one takeaway from this, the next time you’re on your lunch break – or just out & about nearby – ditch vour humdrum, beige meal deal for one of these master classes in sarnie finery.
You’ll thank yourself, we promise. And if you’re working from home, get on Uber Eats (other delivery apps are available) & treat yourself to a spot of lunch
