Famous bagel shop that 'never closes' mysteriously shuts its doors

15 February 2024 , 08:34

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The Beigel Shop on Brick Lane (Image: Getty Images - Mike Kemp)

A famous bagel shop famed for "never closing" in London has mysteriously shut its doors with a note stuck on the door that was quickly removed.

What appeared to be a repossession order from solicitors was placed on the door of The Beigel Shop, on Brick Lane, but it was then covered up by another poster within hours. The shop's website has also just been made private. The document read: "Please note we have taken possession of the above mentioned property. An attempt of re-entry of the said property is an offence and proceedings will be taken for trespass and criminal damage."

The Beigel Shop claims to be one of the oldest in London having opened as a family run business in 1855 and then moved to its current location in 1987. On Instagram, it stated that it would be closed for a short period due to "electrical maintenance". The Beigel Shop posted: "'We will be closed for a short period to conduct essential electrical maintenance. Stay connected with us on social media for updated and news about reopening."

The Beigel Shop claims to be one of the oldest in London having opened as a family run business in 1855 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It specialises in salt beef beigels, served with mustard and gherkins, as well as salmon and cream cheese bakes garnished with pepper and lemon drizzle. It has also diversified into New York-style rainbow beigels and sweet treats, such as beigels filled with Nutella, Lotus Biscoff spread and Marmite.

The most recent hygiene inspection of the Beigel Shop gave it a rating of 2/5, meaning "improvement necessary" – it remains unknown if the recent closure is regarding this rating. Usually open 24/7, the shop did close down once before in 2014 because of a row between family members, which saw another legal notice slapped on the door for a short time before it reopened, reported MyLondon that has contacted both the legal firm, Thirsk Winton LLP, and the Beigel Shop for comment.

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Many people have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness that the shop appeared to have closed its door. One person wrote: "Omg rip yellow bagel shop. You will always be famous," while another said: "This is a sad day. The promise of that yellow sign after stumbling out of a club, when all around was closed and shut up, felt like home."

Tim Hanlon