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Top 10 Best Bagel Shops in London

London's bagel scene has evolved from its humble East End roots into a citywide obsession, with artisanal bakeries now dotted across every corner of the capital. Whether you're craving a classic salt beef bagel or something more adventurous, the city's bagel shops deliver that perfect chewy-yet-crispy texture that keeps queues forming out the door. Many of these spots now offer digital menus via DineCard for a seamless ordering experience, making it easier than ever to browse fillings and customize your perfect bagel.

Dirty Bagels - Pulled Pork Specialist
#10

Dirty Bagels - Pulled Pork Specialist

Old Spitalfields Market Horner square Inside, in the centre
4.8
769 reviews
£23 for two
BakeryInstagram-worthyMarket FoodBBQ SpecialistCreative Fillings
Must try:Pulled Pork Bagel

Operating from a stall in the heart of Old Spitalfields Market, Dirty Bagels has built a devoted following around their unapologetically indulgent Pulled Pork bagel that redefines what a bagel can be. The low-and-slow pork is glazed with their secret BBQ sauce and piled onto a toasted bagel with coleslaw that somehow cuts through the richness. The market setting means standing-room-only dining, but that's part of the charm—grab your bagel and explore the vintage stalls and street art that make Spitalfields special. This is Instagram catnip done right, where the food actually backs up the hype and the portions justify every calorie.

Bagel & Shake Fulham
#9

Bagel & Shake Fulham

113 Lillie Rd, London SW6 7SX
4.8
480 reviews
£25 for two
BakeryMilkshakesAmerican StyleBrunch SpotComfort Food
Must try:Fried Chicken Bagel

This Fulham gem adds an American diner twist to the bagel game with their signature bagel-and-shake combinations that shouldn't work but absolutely do. The Fried Chicken Bagel is their showstopper—crispy buttermilk chicken with pickles and sriracha mayo creating a flavor bomb that pairs unexpectedly well with their salted caramel shake. The interior channels retro Americana with booth seating that makes it perfect for casual dates or groups of friends looking for something beyond the standard bagel shop experience. Weekend brunch here has become a Fulham institution, with reservations recommended for the prime 11am-1pm window.

Bagel Express
#8

Bagel Express

14 Brune St, London E1 7NJ
4.8
654 reviews
£16 for two
Bakery24-Hour ServiceLate Night EatsCash OnlyEast End Classic
Must try:Salt Beef Special

Tucked away on historic Brune Street near the old Truman Brewery, Bagel Express operates with the efficient speed its name promises while never compromising on the hand-rolled technique. The Salt Beef Special here comes loaded with enough tender beef to satisfy even the hungriest late-night clubbers who pour in during weekend small hours. This is classic Brick Lane bagel territory—open 24/7, cash-only vibes, and that intangible authenticity you can't manufacture. The fluorescent-lit interior might not scream Instagram, but the bagels speak for themselves with that perfect balance of chew and char.

B Bagel Swain's Lane
#7

B Bagel Swain's Lane

Unit 2, 1 Swain's Ln
4.7
504 reviews
£21 for two
BakeryCafeOutdoor SeatingDog FriendlyScenic LocationGenerous Portions
Must try:Cream Cheese & Lox Bagel

Perched in leafy Highgate, this B Bagel outpost serves the well-heeled locals and Hampstead Heath walkers with the same quality bagels but a noticeably more relaxed, village-y atmosphere. Their Cream Cheese & Lox bagel benefits from the extra-generous portions this location is known for—perfect fuel before or after tackling Parliament Hill. The outdoor seating here is unmatched in the B Bagel universe, with views toward Waterlow Park making weekend brunches feel positively bucolic. Expect to see families with dogs, couples with newspapers, and the occasional celebrity hiding behind sunglasses.

Whitechapel Bagel House
#6

Whitechapel Bagel House

309 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BY
4.9
83 reviews
£15 for two
Traditional RecipeCash FriendlyHistoric LocationNo-Frills Authenticity
Must try:Chopped Liver Bagel

A true East End institution, Whitechapel Bagel House operates with the no-frills authenticity that made London's bagel scene legendary decades before it became trendy. This is where bagel purists come for the classic Chopped Liver on a plain bagel—an old-school delicacy that connects you to generations of Londoners who've fueled up at this very counter. The spartan interior and cash-preferred policy won't win design awards, but the 4.9 rating speaks to what matters: exceptional bagels at prices that haven't changed with the times. Solo diners and bagel historians make pilgrimages here for a taste of authentic bagel culture.

B Bagel Camden
#5

B Bagel Camden

136, 138 Camden High St
4.8
1,036 reviews
£19 for two
BakeryCafeVegetarian OptionsLate Opening HoursMarket VibesMusic Scene Adjacent
Must try:Falafel & Hummus Bagel

Camden's alternative spirit meets New York bagel tradition at this High Street location that feeds the area's eclectic mix of market vendors, musicians, and music fans. The Falafel & Hummus bagel caters to the neighborhood's substantial vegetarian crowd with Middle Eastern flair that works surprisingly well on a Montreal-style bagel. The vibe is pure Camden—slightly grungy, unpretentious, and buzzing with creative energy from dawn till dusk. Groups of friends fresh from Camden Market often pile in here to refuel before hitting the live music venues dotting the area.

B Bagel Strand
#4

B Bagel Strand

81 Strand, London WC2R 0DE
4.9
395 reviews
£20 for two
BakeryCafeBreakfast SpecialistCentral LocationTourist FriendlyGrab-and-Go
Must try:Bacon & Egg Bagel

The newest jewel in B Bagel's crown has already earned the highest rating of the bunch, thanks to its prime Strand location and impeccable execution. This spot draws a mix of theater-goers, lawyers from nearby courts, and tourists who stumble upon what might be central London's best-kept bagel secret. The Bacon & Egg bagel here is a breakfast revelation—crispy bacon, perfectly runny egg, and a secret sauce that regulars swear by. Its proximity to Covent Garden makes it ideal for early-bird performers and late-morning brunchers who appreciate quality over trendy Instagram aesthetics.

B Bagel
#3
TOP 3

B Bagel

236D Fulham Rd., London SW10 9NB
4.8
2,435 reviews
£22 for two
BakeryCafeFamily FriendlyNeighborhood GemWeekend BrunchHouse-made Cream Cheese
Must try:Pastrami Reuben Bagel

The Fulham Road location boasts the highest review count in the B Bagel family for good reason—this spot has mastered the neighborhood bakery vibe while maintaining pristine quality. Their Pastrami Reuben bagel transforms the classic deli sandwich into handheld perfection, with tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cutting through the rich meat. The slightly roomier interior makes this the most family-friendly B Bagel location, with enough seating to actually enjoy your coffee alongside your bagel. Weekend mornings see locals queuing for the freshly baked cinnamon raisin bagels that sell out by noon.

B Bagel Tottenham Court Road
#2
RUNNER UP

B Bagel Tottenham Court Road

94 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 4TN
4.8
2,303 reviews
£18 for two
BakeryCafeBudget FriendlyQuick ServiceOffice Lunch SpotFreshly Baked
Must try:Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel

Strategically positioned near universities and offices, this Tottenham Court Road outpost caters to students and professionals who've made B Bagel part of their daily ritual. The Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese here comes with impossibly fresh fish and a generous schmear that doesn't skimp on quality. It's a buzzing spot during lunch hours with a fast-paced energy that somehow never feels rushed—the staff have bagel-making down to a fine art. The window seats are prime real estate for people-watching while demolishing your perfectly toasted everything bagel.

B Bagel Soho
#1
BEST

B Bagel Soho

54 Wardour St, London W1D 4JF
4.8
2,235 reviews
£20 for two
BakeryCafeLocal FavoriteInstagram-worthyQuick BitesArtisanal Bagels
Must try:Salt Beef & Mustard Bagel

The Soho flagship of the B Bagel empire sits right in the heart of London's most vibrant neighborhood, churning out boiled-then-baked bagels that have developed a cult following. Their Salt Beef & Mustard bagel is the stuff of legends—tender, peppery beef piled high with pickles and just the right amount of kick. The compact space means it's more grab-and-go than sit-down, perfect for solo diners or couples wanting to fuel up before exploring Soho's labyrinth of record shops and vintage boutiques. Don't miss the weekend specials when they experiment with limited-edition cream cheese flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best salt beef bagel in London?+
Based on ratings and reviews, B Bagel Soho serves the most acclaimed salt beef bagel in London, with their Salt Beef & Mustard bagel earning legendary status among the 2,235 reviewers. However, purists also swear by Bagel Express on Brune Street for their 24/7 Salt Beef Special with traditional East End credentials.
Where can I find authentic Jewish bagels near Brick Lane?+
The Brick Lane area is home to London's traditional bagel heritage. Bagel Express on Brune Street (just off Brick Lane) offers authentic hand-rolled bagels 24 hours a day, while Whitechapel Bagel House on Whitechapel Road maintains old-school recipes including classic chopped liver bagels that connect to the area's Jewish bakery history.
Which bagel shop in London has the best vegetarian options?+
B Bagel Camden stands out for vegetarian offerings, particularly their Falafel & Hummus bagel which has become a neighborhood favorite. All B Bagel locations offer extensive vegetarian cream cheese flavors and veggie-forward fillings, making them reliable choices for plant-based bagel lovers across the city.
Are there 24-hour bagel shops in London?+
Yes, Bagel Express on Brune Street operates 24/7, maintaining London's historic tradition of all-night bagel shops that have served everyone from market workers to late-night revelers for decades. This makes it the go-to spot for salt beef cravings at any hour in the East End.
What's the best bagel shop near Covent Garden?+
B Bagel Strand at 81 Strand is the closest high-quality bagel shop to Covent Garden, boasting a 4.9 rating from 395 reviews. Their Bacon & Egg bagel is perfect for theater-goers and tourists exploring central London, located just a short walk from the Covent Garden piazza and West End theaters.

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