New Sherwood branch of Bagel Project enjoys sell-out success

The Bagel Project couldn't have got off to a better start when it opened its doors in Sherwood. The opening weekend was a sell-out success, attracting a queue of eager food lovers.

The founders have taken over the former premises of Good Honest Bakery, and before that The Bakehouse, in Mansfield Road. It's the second branch of the business, which also has a shop in the heart of Hockley.

After closing for a day's rest on Monday, it was back to business on Tuesday, serving freshly baked handmade New York-style bagels, plus focaccia sandwiches and sweet treats - all from their own bakery just around the corner.

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Manager Molly Tyrrell said: "From the get-go, it was so busy. From the minute we opened the doors there was a massive queue. It was non-stop, it mellowed out a little bit at one point but it was more or less all day. It's an all-new team here and the girls were fantastic. Some regulars had come up from town for the opening which was lovely to see that support and lots of new faces as well.

"Loads of people came in on the days leading up to it wishing us well. It felt really nice coming into a community. We had a really warm welcome. We feel very lucky to be coming into an area that is really excited to receive us."

All-time favourites such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, the Reuben with pastrami (and a vegan version) and salt beef with chimichurri sauce are on the menu but there are new additions including curried chicken, loaded tofu and halloumi avocado.

Also new are focaccia sandwiches, amongst them BMT with salami, pepperoni and prosciutto, and a veggie Taste of the Med. They will be a permanent fixture in Sherwood but not Hockley, where they will appear on the specials board every now and again. A greater variety of cookies and cakes, from their own bakery, are also on sale at the new shop.

The chewy bread rings come in three varieties, plain, poppy seeds and "everything" - the classic New York bagel - seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, onion granules and sesame seeds. Eventually the owners want to offer a gluten-free version but for now they don't have the necessary set-up at the bakery to ensure there is no cross-contamination.

Brothers Oli and Thomas Bohn, of BOHNS Burgers, and Tom Benjamin, of self-serve Tap House, in Nottingham, launched The Bagel Project in Carlton Street in May last year. One year on the shop is going from strength to strength.

"We found people were really loving it and wanted more so we thought what’s outside the city centre, not too expensive but got a good community feel? Sherwood was perfect as the bakery is around the corner and when this unit came up it was ideal. You’ve got a lot of cafes already along this street and it just felt right with the community."

It hasn't just been local residents who have welcomed the newcomers. The Pudding Pantry turned up on opening day with a bottle of prosecco and Jenkins, the bar opposite, took over a few beers to say good luck.

Bagels are a niche offering but it was that very fact that appealed. Oli said: "No one else does it so we thought there is the gap in the market. We've got BOHNS Burgers, that's what me and Tom specialise in I suppose so the change to bagels wasn’t too hard for us. Tom from Tap House has a lot of experience in running places."

It took a month from signing the lease to completing the revamp in Sherwood. Both sides of the shop now have tables to eat in since all the equipment used by the previous occupants to bake bread and cakes has been moved over to the Bagel Project's bakery. It's made more space with seating for around 22 inside.

Customer Doro Hackett, of Sherwood, said: "We were very excited about it opening. We were sad when the old places closed. I didn't know there was one in Hockley. I had a plain bagel with salt beef and it was excellent. It's nice to have lots of space as well as in the old place this was all the bakery."

Alex Clark, of Sherwood, added: "It's very nice, good coffee and good food. I had the everything bagel with salt beef - it was very good. We'll be back."