Long before the high street invasion of sandwich chains, a top quality deli was the place to grab a unique sandwich. Luckily, the Atlas Delicatessen serves up a delicious array of fresh creations free from the sour taste of global branding.

The Venue
The phrase good things come in small packages may as well be plastered on Atlas’ door. They certainly cram a whole lot into their quaint Pelham Street home, serving the people of Nottingham the world on a plate.

High chairs and counter-tops fill the wings of the oblong-shaped cafe while the middle aisle exhibits a range of fine foods from olives to hand-made jams to imported delicacies. As with most delis the prices are often inflated, but it adds an extra sense of quality to this chic, modern diner.

The People
There’s something quintessentially New York about a lunchtime trip to the deli. Rumbling stomachs out number the seating available, and everyone literally falls over themselves, not only to order, but to do anything. If supermarket checkouts and Boxing Day sales aren’t for you then perhaps you might be doing yourself a favour to give Atlas a miss.

For the rest of us however, the constant mind-your-elbows buzz simply adds to the atmosphere. The staff are extremely helpful and more than happy to serve up any concoction you care to imagine. Your time spent queuing will fly by as you try to decide between the tantalising choices on the colourful chalkboard menu above the counter.

The Food
A simple yet exciting menu offers a wide range of breads and toppings that can be served heated or cold. You’d struggle to find something that the Atlas staff can’t create and because they make it fresh, you actually see them create a sandwich as opposed to passing your lunch through a human conveyor belt programmed to ask if you’d like extra cheese.

With such a simple formula, it would be hard for Atlas to put a foot wrong and the dishes don’t disappoint. With prices hovering around the £3 mark for a fancy sandwich, often more when eating in, expectations are high, but you won’t hear any grumbles of discontent from the hungry hordes.

The Drink
Ultimately, the deli experience amounts to little more than a dolled up cafe and as such you don’t expect to find any drinks here other than standard fare for your typical coffee shop. Cola, lemonade, freshly squeezed juice and bottled water or a slightly wider range of teas and coffees more than suffice.

The Last Word
Everyone has their own perfect sandwich, now at last everyone has the perfect place to order it.

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