£11 sandwich van in Ruskin Park draws queues in 35°C heat
Aidan Marsh’s Half Deaf Chef van sells three vegetarian varieties from a red van in Camberwell
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A sandwich van in Ruskin Park, Camberwell, is selling £11 vegetarian sandwiches that have drawn queues despite temperatures reaching 35°C on 13 August 2026. The Half Deaf Chef, a red van founded earlier this year by Aidan Marsh, offers three varieties: the ‘BMT’, the ‘Smoke Stack’, and the ‘Rainbow Catch’. Each is made to order using focaccia from Blackbird bakery, a local supplier.
How the sandwiches are made
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Marsh prepares each sandwich fresh, starting with a diner-style griddle to cook tempeh, mushrooms, or halloumi. He toasts focaccia halves before assembling the fillings: romesco sauce, cashew creme, rocket, pickled onions, and the cooked ingredients. A review published by MyLondon on 13 August 2026 described the process as resembling a masterclass, with Marsh handling each step with precision.
The ‘Smoke Stack’, smoky oyster mushrooms, tempeh, romesco sauce, and cashew creme, was the reviewer’s choice. They wrote that the sandwich had a crisp texture, tangy onions, and a smoky flavour balanced by the sauces. The focaccia, toasted to a golden finish, provided a sturdy base for the fillings.
Why the van stands out
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Marsh, who lost hearing in his right ear three years ago due to nerve damage, started the van as a way to pursue a long-held ambition. He told MyLondon that the condition did not deter him but instead motivated him to open the food spot. The van’s menu avoids greasy or heavy ingredients, focusing instead on fresh, sustainable options.
The Half Deaf Chef operates from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday to Sunday. It is located next to the community saunas in Ruskin Park. Marsh also sells a low-calorie electrolyte drink alongside the sandwiches. The van has gained attention on social media, with customers sharing images of the colourful, artisanal creations.
What customers say
This was by some way the best sandwich I’ve ever had. The focaccia was toasted to golden perfection, the rocket crisp, the onions had a wonderful tangy bite.
MyLondon reviewer
The MyLondon reviewer, who visited on 13 August 2026, described the sandwich as a rare culinary privilege. They noted that the van’s setup included small tables and fresh flowers, adding to the experience. Despite the high price, the reviewer concluded that the sandwich was worth the cost and encouraged others to try it.
Questions this report answers
+What are the opening hours for the Half Deaf Chef sandwich van?
The van is open from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday to Sunday. It operates in Ruskin Park, Camberwell, next to the community saunas. No sandwiches are sold outside these hours.
+How much does a sandwich from the Half Deaf Chef cost?
Each sandwich costs £11. The van offers three vegetarian varieties, and customers can also buy a low-calorie electrolyte drink. The price reflects the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
+Who founded the Half Deaf Chef sandwich van?
Aidan Marsh founded the Half Deaf Chef earlier this year. He lost hearing in his right ear three years ago due to nerve damage but used the experience to pursue his dream of running a food business.
+What makes the Half Deaf Chef sandwiches different from other street food?
The sandwiches are made fresh to order using focaccia from Blackbird bakery. Ingredients include tempeh, mushrooms, halloumi, and homemade sauces. A MyLondon review described them as the best the reviewer had ever eaten.
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