Saturday Morning television star James Martin has conducted an extensive "taste test" of bacon sandwiches from four prominent high street chains, ultimately declaring his definitive favourite while sharing his professional insights into creating the perfect bacon butty.
The Celebrity Chef's Bacon Sandwich Quest
The 53-year-old celebrity chef, who recently became engaged to 39-year-old Kim Johnson over the Christmas period, embarked on this culinary investigation with his new fiancée. The happy couple, who began dating just two years ago, have been exploring their shared passion for the classic British breakfast staple.
James Martin, known for presenting shows including Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's Midweek Menu, revealed on the Routes podcast that his partner is "obsessed" with Gregg's bacon sandwiches, prompting their comprehensive taste comparison between multiple high street offerings.
The Great High Street Bacon Battle
"We had to have a taste test the other day between a Pret bacon sandwich, bacon sandwiches from four different stores," Martin explained during his podcast appearance. The chef conducted this informal but thorough evaluation of the popular high street options available to British consumers.
While Martin personally favoured Pret's offering because it was "properly buttered," he acknowledged that his fiancée remained loyal to Gregg's, describing its bacon as having a distinctive "sweaty" quality that appealed to her particular taste preferences.
Celebrity Sandwich Dilemmas
The television personality highlighted the practical challenges of being a recognisable public figure when craving simple pleasures like a bacon sandwich. "If I queue for one, I'm going to get my picture taken," Martin remarked, imagining the potential headline: "James Martin's queueing up for a bacon sandwich."
This visibility concern has created an amusing domestic arrangement where his partner must enter certain establishments herself when they desire particular high street bacon sandwiches during their travels together.
The Art of the Perfect Bacon Sandwich
Beyond evaluating commercial offerings, Martin shared his professional expertise on creating an exceptional bacon sandwich at home. The chef, who trained at prestigious establishments including the three Michelin-starred Maison Troisgros in France, declared it a "national disgrace" when bacon sandwiches are prepared incorrectly.
Essential Ingredients and Techniques
Martin emphasised several crucial elements for sandwich perfection, beginning with the bacon itself. "The bacon has to be a certain thickness as well, it's got to be smoked, it's got to be the right thickness, and crispy," he specified, outlining his exacting standards for this breakfast centrepiece.
Regarding bread selection, Martin revealed his preference for traditional white sliced bread with butter rather than more artisanal options, stating firmly: "He may be the best baker in the world from France but he's not having it on sourdough."
Secret Professional Tip
The celebrity chef disclosed a special technique he employs to elevate his homemade bacon sandwiches. "Then you take the fat from the pan and put that into a container and then pour that onto the bread before you put the bacon on it," Martin suggested, sharing this flavour-enhancing method from his professional repertoire.
While acknowledging that ketchup remains "optional" for many enthusiasts, Martin personally prefers using Isle of Wight tomatoes, which he slices and grills alongside the bacon to create a fresher, more refined accompaniment to his sandwiches.
Culinary Credentials and Morning Routines
Martin's authority on this subject extends beyond television presenting to substantial professional kitchen experience. Having worked in some of the world's finest restaurants during his career, he brings genuine culinary expertise to this discussion of everyday British fare.
The chef offered insight into his hospitality approach when fellow culinary professionals visit his home, explaining: "You wake up in the morning, you've got 10 chefs staying at your house, what do you cook them? A bacon sandwich." This simple yet perfectly executed dish represents his go-to offering for discerning guests, including acclaimed chefs like Gareth Ward and master baker Richard Bertinet.
Through this combination of high street evaluations and professional insights, James Martin has provided British bacon sandwich enthusiasts with both practical recommendations and expert guidance for enjoying this beloved breakfast classic to its fullest potential.
