A YouTuber with 472,000 subscribers has described Harrogate’s Thug Sandwich as “the biggest 10 I’ve given so far, just outstanding”.

Danny Malin, the man behind Rate My Takeaway, visited Harrogate on Wednesday.

Mr Malin has reviewed over 200 takeaways and isn’t afraid of giving an honest opinion but he raved about Thug, rating it the “number one takeaway”. He said:

“It’s slipped into number one for me. I don’t think I’ve tried something so tasty in a while. It’s the biggest 10 I’ve given so far because I can’t stress to you how gorgeous these flavours are.”

Thug Sandwich, on Albert Street, is a popular lunch spot in Harrogate. After calls from his followers to visit, Mr Malin decided to find out what the fuss was about.

He ordered an onion bhaji scotch egg, a pig in duvet, lamb belly fingers and the Reuben and KFCaesar sandwiches.

The much-loved KFCaesar sandwich is the shop’s best seller. After just one bite, Mr Malin said:

“This sandwich is what dreams are made of, I can see why it’s the most popular. It’s so tasty. That is how fried chicken should be.”

The KFCaesar sandwich. Photograph: @thugsandwichco, Instagram

Describing Albert Street as having a “New York feel”, he said the small, independent takeaway was leaps ahead of its big brand neighbours, including Yo! Sushi and Pizza Express.

In just 16 hours the video has had over 67,000 views and in usual Danny Malin style the majority of it is shot with him sitting outside the takeaway at a folding table and chairs.

After finishing his £23 haul, he said:

“If I’m honest, dare I say it, that homemade scotch egg is absolutely outstanding. The sauces are gorgeous and the lamb belly fingers are a dream. I’m dribbling — it’s that good. I must have the best job in the world sampling this food.

“The pastrami in the Reuben has better flavour than the pastrami bagel places in London. It just hits you. Do not let the name deceive you. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this.

“Get down here and try it out.”

Read more:

• New restaurant to open at former Bistrot Pierre site in Harrogate
• Sneak Peek: Cheese, wine and charcuterie bar opens today in Harrogate

Daniel Bell, owner of Thug Sandwich, said:

“I thought that Danny and the Rate My Takeaway team might pay me a visit at some point with him only being from Leeds. But that still didn’t stop me from being a little starstruck when he walked in after regularly watching his videos for several months.

“To my surprise he said we were the best takeaway he’d ever visited.

“It makes it worth it to hear from someone who has ‘eaten it all’ that we’re doing it right.”

A Harrogate sandwich shop has been overwhelmed with support for its free school meals pledge.

Thug Sandwich, on Albert Street, set up a donations board at the weekend. Just a few days later it is filled with “free packed lunch” notes, all paid for by customers.

When someone is in need of a free school meal, they can use one of the notes as payment. The shop has asked people to get in touch beforehand.

Daniel Bell, one of the owners at Thug Sandwich, told the Stray Ferret:

“We set out to foot the bill ourselves but there were so many people who wanted to help. So far we have the equivalent of more than 200 packed lunches. It should not be businesses stepping up to do this, but we are happy to do our bit to help people.”

A packed lunch from Thug Sandwich can vary but will include a sandwich as well as a range of flapjack, fruits and fruit shoot drinks. So far the sandwich shop has handed out just over 20 of the free school meals.

If there are any donations left over at the end of the week, Thug Sandwich will take the monetary value to Harrogate District Food Bank.

Read more:

• Harrogate restaurant serves first free school meals
• Harrogate shops raise money with ‘Giraffle’ for food bank
• What is the situation in the Harrogate district on free school meals?

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed it will continue to support vulnerable families using its existing funds.

Neil Irving, assistant director, policy, partnerships and communities, said:

“We have targeted funds that are available not just to children entitled to free school meals, but to anybody who is suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic or anything else. We have extended the fund during the pandemic and we may review that in future.”

How many other places do free school meals?

(Please make sure to check how long the offers are available for as some may vary.)

• Art from the Heart, Harrogate is offering to drop off a parcel of essentials – message them on Facebook here.
• Caffe Tempo, Ripon is offering a free lunch – message them on Facebook here.
• Estabulo Rodizio Bar and Grill, Harrogate is cooking 100 free meals each day – collection is from the restaurant between 4-5pm.
• Harrogate Fisheries is offering a free kids sausage and chips lunch meals between 11.30am – 1.45pm this week – ask for the deal when ordering inside.
• Harrogate Tea Rooms is offering a free lunch – just head into the Tea Room for its no judgement offer.
• Hazel House Guide headquarters is offering free, pre-booked meals – call April Martin on 07855802373 to book.
• Indulge Deli Bar, Harrogate is offering a free hot or cold lunch – ask for the Marcus Rashford deal when ordering inside.
• Konak Meze, Harrogate is offering free hot meals or essentials – message on Facebook here.
• Major Tom’s Social, Harrogate is offering free kids pizzas between 12-4pm – find out more here.
• Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms, Knaresborough is offering a free packed lunch – ask for the deal when ordering inside.
• Thug Sandwich, Harrogate is offering a free lunch – message on Facebook here.
• The Forge Sandwich Shop, Ripon is offering a free packed lunch – message them on Facebook here.
• The Harrogate CBD Company has joined forces with Mrs Smith’s Cafe in Jennyfields to provide a free lunch – go to the cafe or message them on Facebook here.
• Ash Grove Guest House on Kings Road in Harrogate is offering free warm breakfasts – call them on 01423 569970

Please get in touch using contact@thestrayferret.co.uk to be added to the list