Christoff.ai

Panzer's

restaurants•
London
London

Panzer's

13-19 Circus Road, St John's Wood, London NW8 6PB. Historic Jewish deli near Regent's Park, established 1944

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Since 1944, Panzer's has been serving St John's Wood with the kind of authentic Jewish deli experience that feels increasingly rare in London. This isn't just nostalgia though – recent refurbishments have created a space that honours its heritage while embracing contemporary dining expectations, complete with terrazzo floors and that unmistakable NYC deli influence.

Panzer's: Where 1944 Meets Modern St John's Wood

A sophisticated local's guide to London's most enduring Jewish deli institution

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Panzer's and you're immediately struck by the bustling food hall energy that scores a solid 7.5 for liveliness. The recent refurbishment has done wonders, introducing terrazzo floors that give the space that authentic NYC Jewish deli aesthetic without losing its neighbourhood charm. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 6.5 – upscale enough for special occasions but relaxed enough for daily visits. What makes this place genuinely special is its dual identity as both grocery and dining destination. You'll find yourself navigating between locals picking up weekend provisions and tourists discovering what proper deli culture looks like. The covered terrace offers something rare in London's deli scene – proper outdoor dining space where you can actually enjoy your salt beef sandwich al fresco. The atmosphere manages to feel both historic and refreshingly modern, a testament to how thoughtfully the renovation has been handled.

Food & Drink

The claim to fame here is absolutely justified – watching staff slice Scottish smoked salmon to order while serving fresh bagels is theatre worth the price of admission alone. The bagels themselves have earned serious recognition, and at £7.25, they represent the kind of quality that justifies the premium positioning. Salt beef sandwiches at £9 follow the traditional template, while the menu expands beyond deli classics to include rotisserie chicken, sushi, and pizza – an eclectic mix that somehow works in this bustling environment. Breakfast offerings range from £6.50 to £12.50, covering everything from simple items to more substantial plates. The grocery side reveals the commitment to quality, with artisan cheese, charcuterie, and premium produce that includes those infamous £25 mangoes. Counter service means you're getting everything fresh, and the kosher deli items maintain the authentic standards you'd expect from a place with this heritage.

Service & Experience

Professional service defines the Panzer's experience, with staff who understand both the grocery and dining sides of the operation. The counter-service model works well here, allowing for interaction with staff who clearly know their products – particularly evident when they're slicing that Scottish salmon to order. The team manages the dual demands of takeaway customers and those dining in with apparent ease, maintaining efficiency even during busy periods. Given the bustling nature of the space and its popularity with both locals and tourists, the service maintains a good balance of friendliness without being overly familiar.

Value for Money

This is where Panzer's requires honest assessment. With a price level of 2 out of 4, you're paying premium rates for premium products, but those £25 mangoes and £9 salt beef sandwiches will definitely impact your wallet. The question becomes whether the quality justifies the cost, and largely, it does. You're paying for hand-sliced salmon, fresh bagels, professional service, and the experience of dining at a genuine institution. The grocery prices reflect the upscale nature of the neighbourhood and the quality of sourcing. For special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to proper deli food, the value proposition works. For everyday dining, it's definitely a considered purchase rather than a casual drop-in.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive at the 8am opening for the freshest bagels and to avoid the tourist rush that builds throughout the day. Daily hours of 7am-8pm give you flexibility, but mornings offer the best selection and most relaxed atmosphere.

What to Focus On

The hand-sliced Scottish smoked salmon on fresh bagels is non-negotiable – this is what Panzer's does better than almost anywhere else. Salt beef sandwiches represent classic deli fare done properly, while the breakfast items offer good value within the premium pricing structure.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The salmon slicing happens at the counter – position yourself to watch the mini-theatre of proper deli service in actionThe covered terrace offers rare outdoor deli dining in London, perfect for warmer daysCatering services and hampers are available, making this a solid choice for special events or gifts

The Final Verdict

Panzer's succeeds in being both neighbourhood institution and destination dining, a balance that's harder to achieve than it appears. The 8.5 uniqueness score reflects just how rare this kind of authentic deli experience has become in London. Yes, you'll pay premium prices, but you're getting genuine quality, professional service, and the chance to experience a piece of London's culinary history that's been thoughtfully updated for contemporary tastes. The combination of grocery shopping and dining creates an experience that feels both practical and special.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Deli enthusiasts seeking authentic Jewish cuisineSt John's Wood locals wanting a sophisticated neighbourhood spotVisitors looking for a genuine London food institution with outdoor seating

Quick Details

1

Panzer's

⭐️ Upscale deli
⭐️ Nyc influence
⭐️ Salmon specialists
🌿 Terrace dining
⭐️ Premium experience

This St John's Wood institution brings NYC Jewish deli sophistication to London with staff who slice Scottish smoked salmon to order and terrazzo floors that create the perfect aesthetic backdrop. The covered terrace offers rare outdoor deli dining in London, while the recently refurbished interior balances upscale grocery shopping with casual counter service. Their bagels earn Financial Times praise as 'indisputably the city's best,' justifying the premium pricing that includes £25 mangoes alongside everyday items. The bustling food hall atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists seeking that authentic Jewish deli experience with a British twist. What sets Panzer's apart is the theater of service,watching salmon being sliced to your specifications while browsing premium produce creates an engaging shopping experience.

What's Great

✓ Staff slice Scottish smoked salmon to order with expert precision

✓ Covered terrace provides rare outdoor deli dining in London

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing includes £25 mangoes that'll seriously impact your budget

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 8am opening for fresh bagels before tourist crowds discover this gem

Vibe check scores

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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 7am-8pm"
📍13-19 Circus Road, St John's Wood, London NW8 6PB. Historic Jewish deli near Regent's Park, established 1944
💷£££
📞+44 20 7722 8215
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Panzer's has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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