About Our Bagels
2025-06-23
Our mission at It’s Bagels is to serve the best New York bagel in London. We’re doing this by bringing centuries of bagel-making tradition from the streets of New York City.
What is a New York Bagel?
The difference between a New York bagel and what’s traditionally available in London isn’t just about geography; it’s about an entirely different approach to crafting this iconic bread.
The New York Way
Our bagels are hand-rolled and slow-fermented for at least 36 hours before being boiled and baked. This traditional process, which honors hundreds of years of bagel-making heritage, creates something special: a crusty exterior that gives way to a dense, chewy interior with complex bread flavors that develop during that extended fermentation.
Compare this to the traditional London bagel, which tends to be softer inside and out, with less chew and simpler flavors. They often require toasting to achieve texture, whereas our NYC-style bagels have that perfect texture baked right in.
It’s About Process and Patience
Great bagels can’t be rushed. Our 36-hour slow fermentation process is what creates those complex, savory flavors that make each bite so satisfying. We boil each bagel before baking, which is a crucial step in creating that signature crusty exterior while keeping the inside perfectly chewy.
This isn’t a Brick Lane bagel. This is the real New York experience, and our aim is to be New York’s best bagel in London.
Classic Varieties, Authentic Flavors
Our bagel selection reflects the classic choices you’d find in any proper New York bagel shop: Plain, Sesame, Everything, Egg, Garlic, Blueberry, Pumpernickel, Salt, Poppy, Onion, and Cinnamon Raisin.
Each variety showcases different aspects of traditional bagel-making, from the savory complexity of our Everything bagels to the sweet comfort of Cinnamon Raisin.
We offer Rainbow bagels on the weekend (these are a kid favorite!), as well as seasonal specials like chocolate chip bagels, available for limited times throughout the year.
Toppings That Tell Stories
Just like the bagels themselves, our topping follow New York tradition. Think generous spreads of cream cheese, classic combinations like lox, and hearty options with bacon and eggs. These aren’t modest London-style toppings; they’re the bold, satisfying combinations that have fueled New Yorkers for generations.
Why This Matters for London
Food tells stories, and every authentic bagel we serve carries the story of New York’s immigrant communities, the evolution of American breakfast culture. and the craft of traditional baking. At It’s Bagels, we believe in the power of these stories to connect people and strengthen communities through delicious and meaningful food.
London deserves breakfast and lunch options that don’t compromise on authenticity or quality. Whether you’re a New Yorker missing home, a Londoner curious about what all the fuss is about, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional bread, our NYC-style bagels offer something different in London’s food scene.
Every hand-rolled, slow-fermented, boiled and baked bagel we serve is a small piece of New York tradition, made fresh in London. Great food isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s abou creating connections, sharing stories, and bringing a little bit of somewhere special to wherever you are.
