This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
New York may be synonymous with bagels, but the UK is hot on its heels, with brilliant bread shops popping up all over the country in recent years. It’s thought that bagels first came to the UK in the early 1800s, their signature central hole believed to have come about when vendors and delis would hang them on string. While these boiled and baked doughy delights were originally synonymous with Jewish delis, they can today be found in shops up and down the country.
1. Best Boy Bagels, Sheffield
Local institution Best Boy Bagels is a Jewish deli by day and bao bun vendor by night. The bagels are hand-rolled, freshly baked and come crammed full of handmade pickles, ferments and sauces (don’t miss the coriander hot sauce) made from locally sourced ingredients. While menu staples such as bacon, egg and cheese don’t disappoint, look out for plant-based specials including the beetroot pakora.
Sheffield’s Best Boy Bagels is a Jewish deli by day, and bao bun vendor by night.
Photograph by DECLAN STAFFORD
2. Beigel Bake, Brick Lane, London
Brick Lane’s iconic Beigel Bake has been the capital’s go-to for bagels since 1974. It’s still run by founders the Cohen family, and is open 24/7. Fan favourites include salmon and cream cheese, and salt beef with mustard served with a side of pickle. Expect to queue — but it’s definitely worth the wait.
3. Bross Bagels, Edinburgh
This bagel shop is the brainchild of Montrealer Larah Bross, who was determined to bring traditional bagels from her home city — which are thinner and denser than their New York counterparts — to Scotland and beyond. Look out for the McBross (haggis, Applewood smoked cheddar and a hash brown), as well as impressive veggie options. There are two locations in Edinburgh — one in Bruntsfield, the other in Portobello — and the company also ships unfilled bagels nationwide via next-day delivery.
4. The Bagel Project, Nottingham
Opened in trendy Hockley in 2023, The Bagel Project offers fillings including loaded pulled pork (slow-cooked barbecue pork, an apple and carrot slaw and a homemade barbecue sauce), as well as the classic smoked salmon with cream cheese. To take things up a notch, ask for a drizzle of truffle oil.
The Bagel Project will add a drizzle of truffle oil at your request to any bagel combination.
Photograph by CAMERON BUTCHER
5. The Bagel Guys, London
Husband-and-wife team Paul and Jordan opened this shop in Hackney’s Netil Market in part to satisfy New Yorker Jordan’s craving for NY-style bagels. Their 100% sourdough bagels are hand-rolled and baked fresh every day except Monday and come filled with combinations such as The BEC (streaky bacon, bodega-style egg, American cheese and house sauce) and The Vegan (vegan cream cheese, tomato, pickled cucumber and onions).
6. Cooper’s Let’s Fress Deli, Manchester
This family-run kosher bagel shop, delicatessen and catering business in Prestwich knows a thing or two about bagels — not least because it’s been known to sell thousands of them daily and has been operating for over 30 years. Along with the classic fillings of cream cheese, salmon or egg mayo, there’s also a range of deli items, like pickled herring, to fill your bagel with. The shop serves freshly made soups and breads, too.
7. The Bagelry, Liverpool
Friends Rhonda and Nat set up The Bagelry in 2013, initially operating the business from home. Today, they run two shops in the city, in Chinatown and Dovedale. As well as the classic type, you can opt for cinnamon, raisin, blueberry, beetroot and even black forest bagels. Fillings are just as moreish; think kimchi mushroom or Philly cheese steak with onions. The Bagelry’s doughnuts and salted potato tots are also delicious.
Published in Issue 23 (spring 2023) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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