At long last Worksop has a Subway – but don’t get too excited, I’m not talking about a road running underneath the Carlton Road level crossing.

It is in fact a sandwich shop and, in the interests of a fair review I filled my boots this week.

My first trip there was a traumatic experience to say the least. The staff were just finding their feet, and the customers seemed even more baffled. By the time I’d managed to get myself and a colleague a lunch-time sarnie, I could have lovingly roasted half a side of venison and baked my own bread.

During a later visit I saw a customer really cover herself in glory.

“What would you like madam?” asked the polite and friendly Subway sandwich assistant person.

“One of them subs and a pastie mate!” said the lunch-time luddite.

It seems that some people have a lot to learn about Worksop’s newest eatery.

But before the likes of Greggs, Birds and Cooplands rub their hands with glee, a word of caution.

The new kid on the block brings some stiff competition. It won’t take long for people to cotton-on to the fact that five different people handle your sandwich along a production line before you get it.

And word will quickly spread that Subway doesn’t do Cornish pasties.

What it does do is ‘the world’s best sandwich’ according to its own press.

It also does a selection of salads, coffees, teas, cakes, cookies and a variety of soft drinks, and what look like some mean breakfast baps.

But for anyone who hasn’t sampled a Subway, here’s an idiots guide:

They call sandwiches ‘subs’. These so-called subs come in either six inch or 12 inch varieties. You can choose from a variety of breads such as Italian herb and cheese, plain white, honey oat and more.

Then comes the fun bit. What to stuff in your sub.

In my test-week I have tried, for the benefit of Guardian readers, a meatball marinara and a steak and cheese melt – both of which were on six-inch subs.

Then it’s a case of what to have with your filling of choice. After some considerable deliberations over the smorgasbord of fresh ingredients before me, I decided I was way too confused to select individual elements, and my mouth blurted out ‘everything, I want the lot!’

That consists of lettuce, cucumber, peppers, carrot, sweetcorn, olives, jalapeno peppers, tomato, onion and just about anything else your heart should desire.

And the end result? Well, I think it’s fair to say the end result is something to behold.

In foot-long guise the sandwiches are bordering on a two-man lift. ‘Elf and safety’ nannies would probably insist on sending you away on a two-week course before you’re allowed to touch them, and you must wear a hard hat and hobnail boots, just in case.

Already I have noticed old and young enjoying the luxury of the seating area at Subway.

I have also noticed Greggs and Birds have responded with a few special offers. Let the competition price war begin.

by James Mitchinson

Star rating HHH