As RT enters Max’s Sandwich Shop in Crouch Hill, north London, owner Max Halley is there to greet us, glass of riesling in hand. The man who reinvented the humble sandwich, and has published several recipe books celebrating it, has an infectious passion, a booming laugh and swears frequently.
 
His intimate wood-panelled establishment attracts huge queues and features a changing quote on the wall – a recent one read: “The secret to a happy life is a liberal attitude to mayonnaise.” The suggestions box is a shredder.