Up Close: Sun Street's Hidden Gem - 27 Street Bagels - a brilliant business in the heart of our town | Local News | News | Hitchin Nub News

Hitchin Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

We showcase some of these businesses, organisations and interesting individuals from our area displaying creativity and innovation in our regular feature called 'Up Close'.

For our latest Hitchin Nub News Up Close, we're highlighting 27 Street Bagels - a brilliant business in the heart of our town

Up Close: Sun Street's Hidden Gem - 27 Street Bagels

Meandering down Hitchin's Sun Street, one's nose may twitch at the fleeting aroma of fresh bagels from a hidden courtyard, writes Nub News food correspondent Deven Thakeria

Welcome to 27 Street Bagels. It's an easy place to miss, and even more so when tucked away behind a barbers.

Before inviting Nub News into the newly refurbished space for a chat, chef, baker and brains behind the bagels, Lee, was in the kitchen sprinkling poppy seeds onto a rack of steaming bagels.

The kitchen has provided a place of comfort as Lee highlights, "Since I was a kid I always enjoyed cooking for my nan, even with the temperamental oven we had".

However ill health impacted daily life as he openly shares, "I was diagnosed with colitis, which led to long periods of time out of school and the medication affected my body image. I was bullied for this and lost confidence in myself to the point that I couldn't face going back to school."

Up Close: Sun Street's Hidden Gem - 27 Street Bagels. CREDIT: Deven Thakeria/Nub News

Luckily there was an opportunity at North Hertfordshire College for Lee to train as a chef.

With a chuckle Lee describes a defining moment during college. "As part of my role I had to call out orders, and in a busy kitchen this meant that I had to be assertive," he says.

"I tried but I just didn't have it in me. It was only out of desperation that I gave it my all and shouted out the order. The kitchen team all applauded for me. I was embarrassed, but also proud and felt supported. There was no turning back after that".

Despite the new found drive, Lee's culinary journey was far from smooth as he recalls an incident where his then boss didn't allow leave to visit his critically ill nan.

"I lost faith in the work," he recalls, adding: "After that experience I vowed to never step back in a kitchen again unless I owned it".

The family could see both Lee's passion for cooking and his frustration. Together they encouraged him to find ways to start his own business. This is how 27 Street Bagels began.

At this point a customer enters and Lee excuses himself. His face lights up when introducing the new bagel on the menu.

"The salt beef is brined for a minimum of five days and boiled for over three hours" he proudly informs. The masterpiece being assembled had the hearty appeal of London's Brick Lane bagels with an added finesse in presentation. Slices of juicy brisket laced with punchy mustard and plump pickles peered out of a sesame and poppy seed freckled bagel.

Once we resumed, our conversation turned to business on Sun Street.

It appears that if the heart of Hitchin is the Market Place, then Sun Street is an artery that isn't receiving the flow it needs to thrive.

Lee illustrates: "There are initiatives to promote the businesses here like the annual Sun Street and Bucklersbury day, but these have had varying success.

"Each year we make sure to participate and set out our stall with homemade cookies and kids games to raise awareness of local charities like Dogs Trust, Young Carers Crew and Keech Hospice Care".

Lee's social consciousness has shaped the outlook for 27 Street Bagels beyond the realms of a catering business. He states, "People not caring or people not understanding has been the story of my life. If someone now comes to me and wants to start up a mental health support group of any sort, then I am more than happy to provide this space and help".

There is an equal conviction when it comes to developing the business further, "I would like to concentrate on the 'secret garden' courtyard and make it inviting in all seasons". With a cheeky smile, Lee adds "there are a few other plans that I'm excited about which will add to a new dimension to Hitchin's dining scene. Watch this space".

Through the unassuming entrance there is an undoubtable mark of resilience, dedication to a craft and compassion for a community.

27 Street Bagels is here to be found at:

27 Sun Street, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1AH

Facebook: 27 street bagels & baguettes

Instagram: 27streetbagels