Former rapper-turned-chef Luke Hanson has combined his two favourite loves, hip-hop music and food, to create a New York-style deli serving some of the best sandwiches in the city – and lots more besides. 

The Ecclesall Road eatery, which opened in summer, delivers big lunch flavours in the form of sub-style sandwiches – think meatball marinara, Philly cheesesteak and the Tex’en, which is made with BBQ brisket cooked for eight hours in-house. Luke has also experimented with Eastern spices in Katsu, Korean and Tandoori-style rolls. So far so delicious.

The subs, priced from £6.50, can be served with a selection of dusted fries (£3) – we really liked the smoked beef fat and cajun variety.

If brunch is more your thing, there’s a good selection of filled crumpets, muffins and bagels (from £5.50) as well as supplement smoothies (£5.99) and protein shakes (£4). Luke also make his own juices in-house (£4), which are as colourful as they are tasty – Gorilla Green, made with celery, cucumber, pineapple, spinach and apple, was subtly sweet and refreshing. And, of course, there’s a selection of teas and coffees availalbe. 

“I’ve always loved the idea of having a sandwich shop and thought this was a cool and original way to do it,” said Luke, who worked as a pastry chef in some of Sheffield and Derbyshire’s finest restaurants, including The Milestone, Brocco on the Park, Silversmith’s and the Chequers Inn. 

“We try to keep everything as fresh as possible and make what we can here, including all stocks and sauces. I make the cookies fresh too.”

Grilla Kitchen has that relaxed vibe that you might expect from a New York-style deli, enhanced by a carefully curated soundtrack of instrumental hip-hop classics. There’s plenty of seating inside or if you prefer to enjoy your subs, shakes or bagels at home, Luke works with Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

The deli opens Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm and has a range of ‘Grilla & Go’ offers, delivering great value for money:

• Easy morning – Any bagel + small hot drink £6.50

• Smooth start – granola + any fresh juice £7

• Sub & Sip – Any sub + any small hot drink or can £8.50

• Full fuel lunch – Any sub + any fries + any can or bottle water £10

Verdict: I’ve got 99 Problems but, after a visit to Grilla Kitchen, lunch (or brunch) ain’t one. 

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