At It’s Bagels, we don’t just bake bagels. We bring a slice of New York tradition to the heart of London, one hand-rolled, freshly baked bagel at a time.
Our story began in an unlikely setting: a quiet kitchen during lockdown. After relocating from New York City in 2019 with my wife and young daughter, I found myself yearning for the unmistakable taste of a real NYC bagel. The sort you grow up with in Brooklyn: boiled before baking, golden-crusted on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and topped with a generous schmear or a thick layer of house-cured lox.
Craving became curiosity, and curiosity turned into commitment. I began ordering bagel-baking ingredients online and obsessively refining recipes, perfecting everything from the rise and roll to the crunch and chew. I consulted with friends in the food industry and bagel bakers back home, testing batch after batch until something truly special emerged: a bagel that tasted just like home.
That’s when It’s Bagels was born.
In June 2022, we introduced our bagels to the public through a pop-up collaboration with our friends at Caravan Coffee Roasters. Alongside a weekend delivery service, these first bakes sold out fast and earned a loyal following. Just a few months later, we opened our first permanent shop in Primrose Hill in September 2023, where long queues and warm reviews quickly confirmed what we already knew: London was ready for a proper New York bagel.
Now, with It’s Bagels Soho, we’re proud to open our first grab-and-go location. Situated in the vibrant heart of Soho, our newest shop is compact, friendly and full of character. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or looking for a satisfying lunch, we’ve created a space where New York deli culture meets London’s fast-paced energy.
All of our bagels are handmade using traditional New York methods. They’re slow-fermented over 36 hours, boiled, then baked to perfection, giving them the signature texture and taste NYC bagels are known for.
Our core flavours include classics like Plain, Sesame, Poppy, Everything, Egg, and Cinnamon Raisin. On weekends, our vibrant Rainbow Bagels make a colourful appearance, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal specials.
We offer a variety of house-made schmears including plain, chive, vegetable, and vegan options. Our sandwiches range from simple comforts to NYC-inspired favourites, such as the bacon, egg and cheese (BEC), the LOX Deluxe, and the Pastrami Melt. Every bagel is prepared fresh and served warm, with attention to flavour and quality.
Our coffee is roasted by Caravan Coffee Roasters and is the perfect partner to your morning bagel or mid-afternoon bite.
For us, bagels are about more than just food. They’re about connection, comfort and community. They represent early mornings, familiar flavours, and that special satisfaction you get from something made properly and served with care.
From our team behind the counter to our regulars on the pavement, It’s Bagels Soho is more than a bakery. It’s a warm, welcoming spot where tradition meets creativity, and where every bagel tells a story.