Good Boy

Overview

We're sure you'd agree with us on this: the importance of a good neighbourhood sandwich shop can't be overstated.

James Paul and Alexander Green know there's nothing like an ace tasting sammie on your lunch break, so they created Good Boy — Newtown's newest hole-in-the-wall sandwich and coffee shop. With catering experience and a love for the neighbourhood (the two mates are locals), they've created a lowkey, sociable spot where you know those good carbs are always on offer.

Good Boy is right in the middle of Riddiford Street. Blink, and you seriously might miss it — the shop looks like it was constructed from a hallway. It's a neat little fitout that serves its purpose well — handing out sammies over the counter to the good people of Newtown. There are a few antique foldout chairs for perching while you eat, but beyond that it's a pretty minimal set up. But it works well, and keeps the focus firmly on the excellent food.

Alex is also a chef, and is the brains behind the flavours. He creates a new duo every fortnight, one vegan and one non-vegan option. When we visited, James was behind the counter slicing up the newest creations: a pastrami sammie with sauerkraut, maple mayo, cornichon, mustard and dill; plus the vegan barbecue tempeh with daikon, coriander, mint, mandarin nuoc cham, vegan mayo and beer nuts. We went for the vegan option — and those sauces were perfect. It was dreamy sandwich harmony, the way the bright mandarin nuoc cham with the herbs and daikon cut through the faintly smoky tempeh. We also need to know who bakes the baguette. It was soft but with a good crispy chewy crunch. They're also serving up soup on particular days (when they feel like it).

Good Boy is helped along in the coffee department by Rich Coffee Roasters, another awesome Newtown business. Alex and James say that "without Rich and Cam from the roastery, we simply would not have started up. They have been so supportive and helpful, not only schooling us on coffee but also acting as mentors for small business."

In the future, the good boys are hoping to open up a central city outpost, so everyone else can get a slice of that sammie action. In the meantime, it's the best excuse to head out Newtown way.