The Bagel Bar in Southend-on-Sea

Late Thursday morning before Good Friday I attempted to buy six bagels. I was bluntly informed they weren’t selling bagels in bulk. I was rather confused as the baskets behind the assistant clearly contained what appeared to be a large number of bagels. I politely tried to ascertain if i could purchase a lesser number only to be told I could not as I was being rude! Needless to say I shall never return to buy any bagels whatsoever which is a shame as I have been a regular customer for many years.

Went in at 3:05 and they turned me away because they were ‘closed’ although they’re meant to close at 3:30

Have known this bar since they were in their other site, and even though the bagels were not ideal - often doughy and not baked enough to have some crispness and shine as a good, proper beigel should be, they were usually okay enough and often bought them. BUT, the last few purchases have not been great, and this weekend they were not good at all, even more pallid and tasteless, as if the recipe has been altered, perhaps to save money in these times, and boiled with a very brief time in the oven afterwards. We couldn't eat them! Not going to have them again.

Normally this bagel bar is really good however prime lunch time and the main product on the menu that people order is salt beef to be told it’s not going to be available for an hour or so on a Saturday lunch time is just not right. No salad no ham the pure minimum was on the menu. Very disappointing. The option that I took was the Italian chicken and i couldn’t eat it let’s just say that. It will be sad if this carries on.

Ingredients are of a high quality, prices are reasonable, portions are generous and the service is friendly. Could not recommend more!

Lovely bagels but never ever have salt beef. Visit so many times but never have what we want. Not sure why never have available.

Had a cheese bagel and they were very helpful and nice! The bread is some of the best i've ever had and the cheese was nice too.

I do not understand the bad reviews on here it’s a bagel bar not the Hilton?! Bad reviews because the phone isn’t answered??!!Well we loved it today, and the friendly young girls serving were great. Fantastic delicious bagels at a good price, thank you keep up the good work. We will be back :)

The bagels are great but they don’t answer their phone so you can’t place an order ahead of time. Also the service is quite slow, all seemingly teenage girls in no rush.

Bagels never fail to impress! We come in every weekend without fail!! Salt beef is lovely too, lovely shop xxx

Awful customer service. Ignored by all six members of staff whilst they were all engaged in their own conversation. At one point I wondered if I had perished in a road accident outside and had turned into a spooky ghost. The staff all appeared to be looking straight through me. I shall not be returning.

Terrible customer service, walked into 4 staff, 1 was more interested in cleaning the floor, the other 3 all seems to be serving the same person. Only wanted 6 plain bagels to take away. Was told they could only sell filled bagels despite having 2 full baskets of beagles behind them, and having just witnessed the lady in-front of me order the same thing with no problem. When I questioned this and protested a little that customers should all be treated the same I was advised ‘well she’s a friend of the owner’ I was then offered 4 bagels as some kind of consultation prize. Will not be rushing to visit again any time soon!

A menu like no other, the bagels were truly out of this world. It was difficult to sit not ideal for a seated lunch break but a great take away service with fantastic quality bagels.

Gorgeous fresh bagels with plenty of fillings to satisfy every single persons tastes! Highly recommended

First time in this shop and not impressed! Firstly I was charged £24.00 for 3 large bagels and 3 cans of drinks, I had to question this and then was told it should of been £12.00 !! Ok that was sorted then I waited for my bagels to be made by the kids that did not no what the was doing. I had one vegan ( and they only have 2 vegan options not very good ) One chicken and a ham and mustard I took them back to my daughters my vegan one wasn’t bad to be honest, but the ham and mustard it had so much mustard on it, it couldn’t be eaten !! I’m hopping this was a one off bad day ? Praps if the manager reads this he or she may think twice in employing people who have no idea or passion.. I will try again and if it has important I will up date tripadvisor

Often buy their bagel, and fillings. They also will make others to order and they will fulfil the orders with a smile and they are usually hot on collection.

We went to the Leigh bagel bar to have some bagels & take some home, but the shop has been sold & redecorated awaiting a new occupant. Is it reopening somewhere else or has it closed permanently?

Hands down the best bagels in essex, the girls serving are always happy and polite and the daily fresh baked bagels are spot on. Cant wait to see the new opening restaurant with seating round the corner!

I used to buy my bagels in London, Golders Green and Brick Lane. No need anymore, Leigh Bagels are truly great and in my opinion better then Brick Lane.

Best homemade bagels in Essex. Great service. Lots of choices of fillings. Ans the mixed seed bagels are the best.

Toasted salt beef bagel is really good with english mustard! Other options brie & bacon, smoked salmon etc. are great & cappuccino has good froth!

I’ve eaten a few times from the bagel bar and never been let down. They have a variety of fillings to choose from which all seems to be fresh. It’s a shame they can’t extend to have more seating area but it’s great for a take out too. Enjoy

Three of us visited recently at 2-50 only to be told, "takeaway only as we close at 3-30"

If you want simply great tasting food this is the place, freshly cooked everyday, if you get there early they are still warm. Very friendly efficient staff.

Authentic and just like the famous Brick Lane bakeries. Perfectly baked every time, just the right level of sweetness and that perfect texture with the crusty outer and slightly chewy inside. Heaven. Thank you for being here in Leigh and saving me so much money on petrol/train tickets to get my fix!

Locally made bagels with delicious fillings in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. They have a freshly made takeaway service and also you can buy their bagels too

The Bagel Bar offers a good range of bagels and drinks and at cheap prices. It was easy for us to get a table at the weekend. The lady serving was friendly and efficient but the girls were lacklustre...as customers, we need to believe they want to serve us and they are hard working...and then they will enjoy their work more by chatting to us!

Simple little place, great for coffee and a bagel. I sometimes just grab a bagel to go and they're delicious but sometimes they're hard and difficult bite into!

Situated in Leigh Broadway, this is an ideal place to stop for a quick coffee and freshly made bagel. - various fillings are on offer and the bagels are light and fluffy. It could really be described as a cafe. It would not be the sort of place to spend a huge amount of time.

Basic but clean fantastic Salt Beef and Smoke Salmon Bagels Friendly Staff. Local meeting cafe Child friendly

not good, bagel so hard I had trouble biting it ! I went for the bacon and egg (scrambled) bacon again very hard think it had been cooked some time ago? all l really ate was the egg, the rest was passed over to my husband who refused it (that's a first) Wont be returning

Great to pop into during lunch for a tea and bagel. Would recommend the bacon and cheese bagel. Service is efficient and the environment is clean. All food is reasonably priced and extremely tasty.

Bagels and proper salt beef - what more can a man ask for? A variety of fillings is always available and the staff very obliging.

This place is consistent at providing two things:

We have never eaten here but we order their large bagels and have found them to be delicious and good to eat. Although not cheap they are worth the money and make a good meal

This morning 4 bagels was purchased costing almost £15. The bacon is absolutely rank! And bagels about as fresh as yesterday's bread! No point complaining as i wouldn't want another from yourselves even if it was for gratis.

Lovely salt beef bagel but I felt very unwelcome and rushed. Also I was surprised to be offered butter and be given margarine. Probably won't return.

they do the Best bagels.. the salt beef is my favorite, i always grab one when been out the night before :)

Best beigels (not bagels; that is an Americanisation!) in the area. Had better in Gants Hill/Brick Lane but a 60 mile round trip for a beigel...

I often grab lunch or some plain Bagels to take home. The fresh Bagels are amazing. I love the salt beef.

Salt beef, gherkins & English mustard my fav and this bagel shop does them justice. Really good quality bagel bar, fantastic service and value for money. Been going here for many years and never disappoints, homemade bagels with great fillings in the heart of Leigh Broadway. Good reason why this place is still going after so many years. Says it all really. 10/10 all day long

I have been going to the bagel bar since being at school and spending all my pocket money at the broadway at the weekend! I am always left satisfied with their service, selection of fillings and price! Always recommend to friends! Love it.

The bagels are just the best! Lovely cream cheese bagels and lovely lattes too. Can be very busy but worth it

We went into the place for a quick bite to eat. The windows were steamed up so could see inside to well.

This little bagel bar has seating for people to eat filled bagels and drinks. We have never eaten in but for years we have gone here to buy fresh bagels. They are simply the very best bagels we have ever tasted. The only down side is they bake them in the morning and it seems every day they sell out before they close. We do wonder why they just don't bake extra?