An American-inspired bagel shop and deli is due to open in Newcastle - and it will be giving away free bagels to celebrate.
Craig Robinson - who owns the Brew and Bite cafe in Chillingham Road, Heaton - seized the opportunity during lockdown to fulfil a long-held ambition, by launching a freshly baked bagel business, Dot Bagel.
During lockdown, Craig baked the bagels himself, delivered to homes and enjoyed daily sell-outs after publicising his new venture on social media. He since expanded to supplying cafes across the North East with his homemade Boston House Special-style savoury and sweet bagels, which were also added to the Brew and Bite menu.
Now Craig is opening a full-time Dot Bagel shop and deli on Chillingham Road, just up the street from his popular cafe.
Craig said: “Dot Bagel was an idea years in the making, lockdown just presented us a great opportunity to get creative and make the jump. It’s been exciting to watch this amazing brand grow, despite the difficult circumstances, and to see the impact it has had on the local community during lockdown.
"We are delighted to finally welcome customers into our new home, after spending months being invited to deliver to theirs."
The opening menu includes a classic Reuben, a cod and mushy pea inspired bagel and even a take on the Teesside Parmo. Dot Bagel sources its meat from nearby premium butcher, Block & Bottle of Heaton Road, while cheeses come from the North East, too.
Dot Bagel will officially open on Tuesday September 15, but this week the shop will be giving away free bagels with toppings on its 'sample days' on Wednesday September 9 and Thursday September 10, from 11am. The bagels are free to the first 200 people who visit the store in Chillingham Road on both days.
Delivery is available through Just Eat and full menus and information can be found online at dotbagels.com
Dot Bagel's menu - available from 250 Chillingham Road and online
Bagels
Plain, Everything, Sesame, Italian, Heatwave, The Met, Onion, Super Seedy, Cinnamon & Raisin
Spreads
Cream Cheese, Marmite, Black Pepper & Caramalised Onion, Block & Bottle Bacon Bits, Roasted Herb & Garlic
More toppings
Smashed Avocado, Cinnamon Butter, Nutella, Biscoff, Peanut Butter
Filled bagels
Piggy Back (French Brie, Block & Bottle Bacon, Chilli Jam)
Proppa Ploughmans (Selection of Posh Local Cheese, Chutney, Sliced Apple, Tomato & Mayo) - Vegetarian
Picante (Sweetcorn Fritter, House Salsa, Avo, Jalapeno & Creme Fraiche) - Vegetarian
The Captain (Crispy Cod, Gem Lettuce, Crushed Pea & Mint, House Tartar Sauce)
Reuben (Block & Bottle Pastrami, Emmenthal Cheese, Mustard Mayo, Gherkins & Baby Spinach)
Salt on Chili Road (Salt & Chilli Chicken, Sweet Peppers, Pickled Red Onion & Chipolte House Mayo)
Parmo (North East Style: Breaded Chicken Breast, Bechamel Sauce, Cheese, Garlic Slaw) (New York City Style: Breaded Chicken Breast, Meacha's Marinara Sauce, Basil & Cheese)
Morning After (Maple Block & Bottle Bacon, Cream Cheese)
The All Dayer (Block & Bottle Sausage & Bacon, Hash Pop, Omelette & Melted Cheese)
Boujie Lox (Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Capers, Dill Pickles & Rocket)
Feeling Fresh (Halloumi, Egg, Spinach, Sundried Toms & House Hollandaise) - Vegetarian
Born Again Vegan (Ask For Special)
Sides
Fresh Pickles, Hash Pops and Apple Saw.
Sauces
House Dot, Spicy Mayo, BBQ, Cream Cheese Dip and Blue Cheese Dip.
Desserts
Cheesecake Pots include New York Baked & Biscoff Crumb, Blueberry Muffin & White Chocolate, Nutella, Dark Chocolate & Cherry.
