As you're most probably aware, Brick Lane is famous for its curry shops above most other things, though in recent years it's also become a focal point for artists and other creative types.
The area was once the heart of the capital's Jewish community, and a very vibrant one at that. You can still find a connection to those days in the form of the famous Beigel Bake at 159 Brick Lane.
Boy, does this place know how to make a bagel. A trip to London will probably mean a trip to Brick Lane which should definitely mean a trip to this fantastic 24-hour establishment.
People travel from miles around to get bagels from this brilliant bakery, from regular once-a-day customers to tourists who've read about it in a brochure or had it recommended to them by a Londoner.
It's not too hard to spot Beigel Bake - it's the one with the queue spilling out onto the street.
The staff work quickly and efficiently, so you'll find that no sooner have you stepped over the threshold of the shop will you be calling out your order.
The bagels are fresh, having been baked on the premises, and the cost is cheap. If you want just a bagel pure and simple, to take home and sort out for yourself, you'll be paying the princely sum of just 20p.
A bagel with butter will set you back 30p. A cream cheese bagel costs 90p, salami also costs 90p, tuna £1, egg 80p, and smoked salmon £1.30. The most expensive one on the menu board is the hot salt beef bagel (pictured above), costing £3.30.
Whether you've lived in London all your life or are visiting the city for a few days, visiting Beigel Bake at 159 Brick Lane is one of those things that you really should do. If it's a choice between Buckingham Palace and Beigel Bake, I know which one I'd go for...
Picture credits: top-Mahlum
middle-Dbenbenn
bottom-Edward
