There are different ways to launch into the Christmas season (I’m looking at you mince pies and mulled wine), but this is the first year I’ve started with the all-popular festive sandwiches.

Thanks to Paul Bakery, I jumped into the 2024 season baguette-first, and I was impressed!

Paul has brought French flair to their two Yuletide sarnies, which are both on their signature sage, onion, and cranberry baguette. I take my bread very seriously – it’s the essential foundation for any sandwich – so my first bite was just to taste this outer layer. Paul’s was top quality: freshly baked, delicious, and strong enough to hold all the fillings.

The veggie sandwich is a brie and flaked almond option, which pretty much stole my heart as well as filling my stomach.

Not only are the toasted nuts perfect with the mild and creamy cheese, but the added hint of honey really sweetens the deal. It’s refreshing to have the little leaves of spinach and to NOT have a mass of sweet cranberry sauce overload.

They also offer a classic Christmas club.

This combination of turkey, bacon, stuffing, and cranberry sauce is basically your roast dinner inside bread. There isn’t one element that stands out: it’s more the overall blend of tastes. I enjoyed the way the meatiness balances with the tart/sweet fruit, plus the way that the tasty baguette mirrors all the elements in the filling. Yum! I’m not sure that the spinach adds a lot of flavour, but it looks good and will allow you to feel virtuous about eating your greens.

Paul is playing a strong hand in the Christmas lunch game, so I’d suggest you get tasting.

You can pop into the Oxford branch to get your individual lunch or go all-in with a platter for your office party. Happy holidays!

PAUL BAKERY
138 High St, Oxford OX1 4DN

These items were gifted to Bitten, all views remain our own