Brick Lane Beigel Bake
159 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, London E1 6SB
An essential stop on a tour of Brick Lane, this 24-hour beigel joint (yes, that’s how they spell bagel) has been turning out the tasty snacks since 1977, during which time the prices have scarcely risen; you can have a beigel and a pud for around £2. The classic order is naturally a beigel with salmon and cream cheese or a salt beef sandwich, but their apple strudel is pretty good too. Wash it down with a cup of tea. There are long queues at weekends, but the efficient – if sometimes hatchet-faced – service means you won’t be waiting long. There are no seats, so you’ll have to eat your beigel hanging about outside like everyone else, or while wandering down Brick Lane.