“You helped keep me alive,” foodies shout as the 24/7 bagel shop abruptly closes
A LEGENDARY bagel shop has abruptly closed after just under 40 years and fans are devastated.
The Beigel Shop in London's Brick Lane suddenly closed its doors this week, leading many to speculate whether the store will reopen.
The iconic shop, famous for its salt beef bagels, pickles and mustard and 24/7 opening hours, has gained a cult following on TikTok in the past year.
Foodies travel far and wide to try the offerings and compare them with local competitors.
It claims to be one of the oldest in London, having opened as a family business in 1855 and moved to its current location in 1987.
Earlier this week, what appeared to be an eviction notice from a law firm was knocked on the door, causing many to fear the worst.
The message read: 'Please note that we have taken possession of the above property.
“An attempt to re-enter the said property is an offense and proceedings will be initiated for trespass and criminal damage.”
But in a twist, the store's official Instagram account then shared a post saying the store was closed for maintenance and would be reopening.
It read: “Dear Beigel family, we are closed for a short period due to essential electrical maintenance.
“Stay connected with us on social media for updates and news on reopening.
“Thank you for your support. We'll be back before you know it, ready to bake and serve our Beigel family with love.”
The Sun has contacted directly both the law firm that appeared to have posted the repossession notice and the Beigel Shop – we will update this story if we hear back.
Diners have reacted to the closing news on social media in recent days.
One said: 'Isn't the sign underneath true? I really hope so. We have often driven from the Home Counties to visit you!'
A second wrote: “Don't go, we love you!”
A third posted: “Between 5 and 7 you helped keep me alive while I played COD [Call of Duty] at the all-night MOMO internet cafe across the street. Thank you. Don't close.”
A fourth joked: “Looks like they're in a hole.”
While a fifth said: “Sad news. Queuing here in the early hours was an important part of my student life.”
And a sixth wrote: “Really a shame, lots of memories of a night out after work (office was just down the road) getting food there in the early hours…”
“Oh, this is terrible news! The Beigel Shop IS the East End,” posted another disappointed foodie.
What else is happening on the shopping street?
The hospitality sector has been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as households cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy costs and higher prices are also taking their toll, and many restaurants and cafes in the main shopping streets are struggling to stay afloat.
We've seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are on the way.
Pubs such as Wetherspoons and restaurants such as Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito closed their doors.
Costa Coffee on Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh ground its last bean this week when the store officially closed on Valentine's Day.
Krispy Kreme has shuttered its Coney Street branch in York.
Various sizes retail brands have also collapsed in recent years, such as Wilko and Paperchase.
The Body Shop recently confirmed it has gone bankrupt, leaving 200 stores at risk of closure.
Many retailers are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
More shoppers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.
This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
British retailers saw the amount of goods sold fall last month, at the fastest pace in three years, as under-pressure households moved some of their Christmas shopping to earlier this year.
Sales volumes fell 3.2% in December, Office for National Statistics data showed, compared with a 1.4% increase a month earlier.
Several major chains are pulling down the shutters for the last time this month.
An iconic department store has also closed its flagship store in London forever.
Last year it was announced that Fenwick would close its central London store on Bond Street for good, and on February 3 the shutters were pulled down for the final time.
A Tesco Express in Whitefriars Shopping Center is temporarily closed until March 4.
Cosmetics giant L'Occitane En Provence will close the doors of its Hereford store in March.
Lidl will pull down the shutters on its Thornaby site later this month.
The bargain retailer has confirmed that its Stockton-on-Tees locations will close on February 29.
Boots revealed it would close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.
Fashion chain Peacocks downed the shutters of its branch in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, last month.
Entertainment retailer HMV also closed its branch in Boston, Lincolnshire on January 27.
Meanwhile, Wetherspoons is set to shutter its 'best' pub in weeks – but it's not all bad news.
Plus, shoppers are rushing to stock up on their favorites after a retail chain went bankrupt.
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