A shorter post this time, featuring Brick Lane Bagel Co – a bagel company that have outlets pretty much everywhere except Brick Lane.
Of course, when I first saw Brick Lane Bagel Co in BoxPark, a little bit of me I thought it might actually be the same bagel shop from the actual Brick Lane.
But I’ve lived in Croydon long enough (not that long really) to be a cynic, I’ve lived through enough Westfield plans to know better – and a quick read of their website suggests that they are “inspired by the famous bakeries in London”. Yeah, they have a story.
Whatever, I just wanted food.
Anyway, I shall dispose of the cynicism for now, even if Brick Lane Bagel Co now has 19 different outlets – bravo to them for making a success of a business, even if they are a tiny bit riffing off the name of a legendery bagel shop. Said bagel shop which I’ve never been to.
I didn’t feel like there was any choice other than to go for the Reuben Pastrami – pastrami is a cured meat that I’ve never really been that keen on, but also probably because I’ve mostly had it from supermarket packets. It’s from Romania, don’t you know?
Nicely wrapped, unlike anything I’ve even produced at Christmas for relatives. I had hope.
So the bagel itself was greasy – which isn’t a complaint, just a fact.
The pastrami was hearty both in size and flavour – a bold, rich and slightly salty flavour, even if it still reminds me somewhat of tinned hot dogs.
The saeurkraut actually added to it – it’s the kind of thing I have to force myself not to ask to be removed, but the sweet tang of the saeuekraut made this more enjoyable.
Not sure the swiss cheese made much difference other than adding a bit of extra goo (always welcome) – and there could have been more sriracha mayo for my tastes.
I rather enjoyed my 15 minutes sat in BoxPark eating this on a recent Saturday lunchtime.
Rating of 7.4 / 10.
I’d happily order from them again.
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