Beigel Bake — Restaurant in London

14/01/25 - We’ve given the business the opportunity to respond to two voicemails 11/01 with no response. Food reviews are subjective, more so, when there are more ‘yes’ than ‘no’. Ordered 08/01 for delivery 10-11am 11/01 south of the river which is not the East End we emanate from. Winced at delivery costing just shy of 50% of the order even after 20% off @ checkout, deliberately didn’t use 20% off the order as @ £49.95 as wanted the food ‘as is’. Delivery was unhygienic to say the least & the contents became a full 20L bag of food waste - shelf life expired food waste. Entire order was beyond unappealing to look at, incomplete & inedible due to being stale/not fit for consumption, ‘additions’ that transpired to be 5 slices of ‘cucumber’ @ £2 & ditto re ‘tomatoe’ is ‘profiteering’ at its best. Not inclusive: smoked salmon beigel M.I.A - salt beef beigel (plain with cheese £8.50) came with pickle, mustard & one cheese slice (sort of) – croissant platter costing a score alone, stale - no mayo notification email came after delivery, refund email 12/01. Yep, ignore voicemails 11/01, process a refund for 80p 12/01.

The website pictures are beyond misleading re content – e.g. cheese beigel £3 clearly shows several slices of cheese which would warrant £3, two were ordered – if you bought online a bagel for 65p & ‘additions’ one cheese slice at the princely sum of 80p total cost = £1.45 & that is what we got, 2 of them, so a £3 cheese beigel equated to a 65p (customer price) bagel & one slice of cheese marked up to £2.35.

We can validate the negative Google reviews re fleecing tourists, mainland visitors & ‘your own’ by serving up food waste, & that sticks in the craw. A photo file is ready & we will await either ‘no response’, ‘the same old, same old’ or ‘patronised/slated’ re Google reviews ‘owner response’. We didn’t drop £73.55 09/01 to be turned over - that isn’t a slot...

A Timeless Gem in London’s East End – The Brick Lane Beigel Shop

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of London’s rich culinary heritage, look no further than the Brick Lane Beigel Shop. Established in 1855, this iconic bakery has been serving traditional Jewish-style beigels for over a century, making it the oldest of its kind on Brick Lane .

What sets this shop apart is its unwavering commitment to tradition. Each beigel is handcrafted using time-honoured methods: proofed, boiled, and baked on wooden planks, resulting in that perfect chewy texture and golden crust . The menu boasts a variety of fillings, but the standout favourites are the hot salt beef with English mustard and gherkins, and the classic salmon with cream cheese—both offering a delightful balance of flavours .

Beyond the food, the Beigel Shop is a cultural landmark. Its bright yellow façade, affectionately known as “the yellow one,” has been a beacon for locals and tourists alike. The shop’s resilience is noteworthy; despite facing challenges, including a temporary closure in 2024 due to family disputes and health issues, it triumphantly reopened under the stewardship of the next generation, ensuring the legacy continues .

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Beigel Shop caters to all—from early risers seeking a hearty breakfast to night owls craving a midnight snack. The convenience of now accepting card payments adds to its appeal, accommodating the needs of modern patrons.

For bagel enthusiasts and food lovers, the Brick Lane Beigel Shop is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to London’s diverse history and enduring spirit. Each visit feels like a step back in time, and it’s no wonder that many, including myself, make it a point to return—and even take a few beigels home to...

I’ve always had a soft spot for Beigel Bake on Brick Lane—it’s a London institution, full of character and history. But sadly, I haven’t set foot in there for years, and the reason is simple: the hygiene is unacceptable.

What really bothers me is that they handle food and cash with the same bare hands, without washing or even pretending to wipe them in between. The last time I went, the person behind the counter took cash from the customer before me, gave the change, then grabbed a chunk of salt beef with the same hands, shoved it in my bagel, and wiped their fingertips on their already filthy apron. That was it for me. I walked out thinking, what century are we in?

Even worse is that I’ve reported this issue to the food hygiene department at the council more than once, and absolutely nothing has changed. Every time I walk past and see those pre-made salmon and cream cheese bagels sitting unrefrigerated behind the counter in paper bags, I can’t help but think of how much bacteria might be breeding inside them. They're not sealed properly, not protected, just waiting to be handed over—no gloves, no hand wash, no care.

The staff has always come across as overworked and borderline rude. I understand it's a busy place, but a smile and a sense of basic hygiene aren’t too much to ask in 21st-century London. We’ve got world-class food and infrastructure in this city—it's about time some of our most iconic places evolved too.

In conclusion, Beigel Bake has charm, but their hygiene practices belong in a Dickens novel, not in a modern city. It breaks my heart to say it, but I just can’t eat...