There is an art to the business of making sandwiches which it is given
    to few ever to find the time to explore in depth. It is a simple
    task, but the opportunities for satisfaction are many and profound.

Reading this in 1992 I was entertained by Douglas Adams's whimsical storytelling talent. But now with this bit of historical context I see there was also, as in many of his stories, a social commentary which had passed me by as an American.

Of course over here we have restaurants such as McDonald's and White Castle. Did those chains not have a presence in the UK in 1980? Or do other countries make a distinction between beef patties on a bun and sliced bread sandwiches?