Cornichon shortage leaves British sandwich shops in a pickle

Pret a Manger says most of its shops are not offering its jambon beurre due to a temporary shortage of cornichons. Photograph: Mark Richardson/Alamy

With their sharp flavour and crunch, pickled cucumbers are an essential component of any sandwich worth its salt.

But an unexpected shortage of cornichons has caused consternation in sandwich shops across the country as cafes scramble to get their hands on jars of the small green pickles.