We remember the first time we ventured into Beigel Bake, it was probably 15 years ago. Dad had dragged us across London in the dark of night to hunt out an East London legend. That first experience was inevitably the reason for our adolescent obesity: thick chunks of salt beef, dripping in juicy fat. Soft and sweet bagels still warm from the oven. Freshly made pastries, invitingly sweet and fresh. Beigel Bake is, in short, heavenly.
We get ahead of ourselves.
Sat on sunny Brick Lane, at the Shoreditch/Bethnal Green end, Beigel Bake is a part of daily life for many East Londoners. Day or night, 24 hours a day, Beigel Bake churns out freshly baked goods for greedy consumption.
Dave did his best to get his weekly bagel fix all in one go
The loyal regulars of Beigel Bake are somewhat possessive and obsessive about this local legend, and so they should be. A stalwart on the delicacy list of every self-respecting London foodie, this is the sort of local food treasure that should be cherished and supported as often as possible.
Well supported it surely is, they have managed to exist here for 56 years or so since it was first established by the Lieberman family. The ownership has changed hands several times since then and the current owners include Mr Sammy who has worked here since 1976.
Even though the neighbourhood, owners and regulars have changed over the last 5 and a half decades, the processes remain the same, after all, why would you change a winning combination? Something must be going well as their 'closest' rival, Beigel Shop, is situated about 3 doors down...we prefer Beigel Bake though.
The food itself is amazing and well worth its legendary status in the East. The breads (bagels and chollas the normal favourites) are baked fresh around the clock and are incredibly tasty and sweet. The bagels are incredible value at about 20p and we make sure we stock up whenever we visit.
As for the fillings, the cheese, egg and smoked salmon (with cream cheese) are all popular, but the King of the Ring is clearly the salt beef which is prepared in the traditional manner (hence the bright red colouring to the meat) and oozes juice and fat that will haunt your dreams. Divided into generous chunks, unceremoniously dumped into a hot bagel and smothered with mustard, this is simple food ecstasy.
When New Yorkers complain about bagels here, point them in the direction of Beigel Bake and await the grudging compliments. Our only concern is that if you don't live in East London this will make you want to move there...
Go to: 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB for a fix
Here's a map link:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=E1+6SB&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=London+E1+6SB&gl=uk&ei=TUpZTJ3fLJi8jAfjsKnfDA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBcQ8gEwAA