Our frantically busy and interchangeable daily lives usually involve eating on the run. Hence the successes of the proliferation of eat-on or take-away sandwich shops. Bendini & Shaw are no exception, and even bear the name “The Sandwich Specialists”. Success within a franchise usually results in expansion, and this popular pit stop can now be located on Lower Pembroke Street, Upper Baggot Street, Upper Fownes Street in the heart of Temple Bar, as well as its original store at St. Stephen’s Green.

I have mentioned before that I’m a sandwich-holic and the discovery of this store has done nothing but increase my longing for a tasty munch. My friend Sheilagh, who works in the shopping centre, has never even noticed this shop until I introduced her to it. She was as impressed as me, but has yet to return, as the interior lacks the sense of relaxation she craves during her lunch hour – preferably away from the bustling crowds. I agree that the Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar branches, the only ones I gave visited, bear the trademarks of a retro American diner, and are not designed for mulling over a coffee in. However, tables and comfortable chairs provide an adequate location in which to enjoy a tasty bite and hot coffee. A full range of coffees are available, not to mention soft drinks, fresh juices and American Snapple. All food is prepackaged, so you choose what you fancy from the fridge, pay and eat in or get out!

Variety leaves you spoilt for choice, and I’ve been known to make 2 purchases, one for ‘later’. The great thing is the quality at a very reasonable price by Dublin standards, especially as all food is made freshly on premises that morning. Here is a small selection of what’s on offer, starting with those I have personally tried: chicken tikka, peppers and onions on baguette (2.10); Irish smoked salmon, dill mayo, watercress and tomato on wheaten bread (2.10); coronation chicken salad on walnut and rye (1.95); supreme turkey, brie and salad on triple grain baguette (2.50); goats cheese, cucumber and lettuce with herb mayo on New Orleans rye (1.95); humus with lettuce and tomato on ciabatta (1.95); prawn and mozzarella with salad on tomato bread (2.10); julienne of chicken, red onion, mixed peppers and lettuce with mesquite sauce in a spinach wrap (2.10). And this is just a selection! Soup of the day (1.30) is also available, as are a range of salads; feta and olive pasta (2.50); cottage cheese and waldorf salad (2.50); tuna/prawn/poached salmon/garden salad (2.50-2.95); roast/coronation chicken pasta salad (2.50). If you have a sweet tooth or are not fully satisfied, try finishing with a slice of homemade carrot cake (1.85), Dutch apple pie (1.00), English bake well tart (1.00), fudge cake (1.85), 6 different cheesecakes (caramel toffee, NY lemon, Baileys, choc/white choc/triple choc, classic strawberry-1.75) or a good muffin (1.00). Perhaps some fresh fruit salad (1.50) or Greek yoghurt with fruit/muesli and honey (1.50) is more your thing.

Would you blame me for deciding on what I want before going in? But get there early if you have your sights set on something in particular, as who is to say there will be any left! Free delivery is available on orders of 5.00 or over in the Dublin 2 area.