Review: Bagelman

http://bagelman.co.uk/

Bond Street // Church Road // Brighton Station // Duke Street

Bagelman is often described by locals as 'a Brighton Institution' and having been around for over 20 years now, it seems like it deserves that title. I feel a little nervous taking on THE Bagelman as I've only been in Brighton for a year or so, but if I didn't then there wouldn't be a post this week, so here goes...

I should mention right at the start that the only location I have been to is the one at Brighton Station. (However I have seen the others and they definitely exist.) It provides all the things you may want from a food outlet in a station, even boasting a little outside (but not really outside because it's still in the station) seating area. If you leave things to the last second like me, then you will rarely find yourself using this, and instead will be dashing out of the door towards your train, trying not to drop your bagel while madly searching for your train ticket which you actually left in the ticket machine by mistake... flashback over.

As soon as I know I need to get a train vaguely near a mealtime, my first thought is always of Bagelman (which must be a good sign). I've managed to squeeze in a fair few trips now and the quality is consistently good. They bake the bagels in small batches throughout each day behind their Bond Street store - or so their website tells me - and I definitely think this is noticeable in how fresh they are. You can choose plain or wholemeal, and whether you want it topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, multi seeds, onion or jalapeno.

So far I have tried the Lox Deluxe, the Tower and a Cheese Melt. I really enjoy the smoked salmon, cream cheese and lemon in the Lox, and my boyfriend informs me that the Tower is the most filling he's ordered so far. HOWEVER my absolute fave is just a bacon and mozzarella bagel (sesame seed, toasted). I can't help it, I'm just a sucker for melted cheese... Basically though, what I'm trying to say is that so far, so good. All the bagels I've tried have been amazingly fresh, and when toasted, lovely and hot. They are all filled to order so mix and match ingredients if you fancy - I'd be surprised if there isn't something for every bread-eater here.