Baguette Express

You’ve probably wandered by here before if you’ve ever been on your way to McColls, or to John Smiths book shop. I’ve had a few decent snacks from this place over the years, and found them to be tasty and reasonably priced, especially when you consider they’re freshly made. They also come in a surprisingly varied bunch of flavours… My first experience (from memory) being along the lines of sweet and sour and lamb. However, as the months went on, I started having less and less food on campus, as it just became too expensive for my meagre student budget.
One day however I was ravenous. I hadn’t had any breakfast, and had been foolish enough to get lost while out on a huge run… I ended up running beyond the Mariner, beyond Brighton, beyond the golf course and into some random village… I ran about 5 miles further than I had planned and had gone 11 in total… I got home, showered and sprinted for the bus to get me to uni. Collapsing in a chair, I conducted myself remarkably well considering and on leaving… I just couldn’t take it any more!
I rushed down the stairs of Bramber and found myself staring Baguette Express full on. Not only that, but they had a small sign saying:
«All bagels and baguettes half price after 2:45»
Beaming from cheek to cheek, I thumbed out a mere £1.17 for a delicious salmon and cream cheese bagel. Sanity restored, and hunger balanced, I went home a satisfied customer. Sadly, I have never been able to get this offer since, and the unreliable opening hours mean I fell obliged to knock off the extra star…
All in all, a good little sandwich store!

I have regularly run from my desk at lunch time in desperate search of a quick and easy way to appease my ravenous hunger. Baguette Express is too often the answer. I have probably spent a small fortune at this place! I always seem to go for a tuna baguette or a hummus bagel but they do have a pretty good selection. Choose from bagels, baguettes, ‘pockets’ and sandwiches filled with all manner of things from beef and horseradish to salmon and cream cheese. There are all the basics, including cheese, tuna, egg mayo and chicken salad. There is also a small heater thing containing pizza slices and pasties. I have never personally been tempted by the pizza– the slices are small and if you ask me, look a bit plastic.
This is probably one of the better places to pick up lunch on the go on campus. The other thing to do is pick up a Bagelman bagel form one of the Union shops, also very yummy! What I wouldn’t advise is buying one of the prepackaged sandwiches or wraps from McColl’s across the way… they just look rank! I too have experienced the ‘half price after 2.45pm deal’, and it was truly great to pay only £1.30 for my baguette! If you can hang on that long, I’d recommend trying your luck.

Baguette Express is well needed in Bramber House — the offerings in McColl’s can look quite miserable, and equally Bramber House Café’s canteen style food often looks a bit dry and sad. In contrast, Baguette Express offers an array of tasty, fresh looking baguettes, rolls, wraps, sandwiches etc… It’s nothing too spectacular but deserves 4 stars just because there’s nothing else nearby and it’s saved me on many an occasion! My favourite is the cheese and bacon melt — a small baguette served hot — very indulgent but delicious!