Christoff.ai

Papo's

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Papo's

73-75 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in an alley off Shacklewell Lane, Papo's is that rare find that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a genuine New York deli in East London. Run by ex-New Yorkers who clearly know their craft, this tiny spot has earned chef approval and London Standard recognition for doing one thing exceptionally well: authentic bagels that sell out daily.

Papo's: The Hidden NYC Bagel Haven That's Worth the Hunt

Ex-New Yorkers serving proper everything bagels from a secret Dalston alley

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The space embodies everything you'd expect from an authentic NYC deli transplanted to Dalston - intimate, no-frills, and buzzing with that unmistakable Sunday morning energy. With limited seating and a cozy neighborhood gem feel, Papo's operates more as a grab-and-go destination than a lingering café. The hidden alley location adds to its underground appeal, making discovery feel genuinely spontaneous rather than calculated. The venue scores moderately on conversation-friendliness and leans heavily casual rather than refined, which perfectly suits its dive-bar authenticity. There's a palpable energy here - not overwhelming, but lively enough to feel like you're part of something special. The fact that it's tucked away in what feels like a secret location only amplifies the sense that you've found something genuinely unique in London's café scene.

Food & Drink

The bagels are the undisputed stars here, particularly the everything bagels and mish mosh varieties that come loaded with authentic cream cheese schmears including olive, scallion, and chive options. The owners' New York credentials shine through in the execution - these aren't just bagels shaped like donuts, but proper chewy specimens with that distinctive texture and flavor profile. Beyond bagels, they serve coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other treats, though the bagels remain their claim to fame. The fact that they sell out daily speaks volumes about both quality and demand. Their approach is refreshingly authentic rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, focusing on doing classic NYC deli fare properly rather than chasing trends. The freshly baked element ensures you're getting the real deal rather than day-old disappointments.

Service & Experience

Quick counter service perfectly suits the grab-and-go nature of the operation. The ex-New Yorker owners are described as friendly, bringing that authentic deli experience where efficiency matters as much as warmth. Given the limited hours and daily sell-out situation, the service needs to be tight, and it appears they've mastered that balance. The operation clearly runs like a well-oiled machine - they're only open Wednesday through Saturday until 3pm, and Sundays until 2pm, but they make those hours count.

Value for Money

At £1.50 for bagels, Papo's delivers exceptional value that's genuinely budget-friendly and student-friendly. This pricing puts it firmly in the everyday affordable category, making authentic NYC-style bagels accessible rather than precious. The value proposition becomes even stronger when you consider the quality and authenticity you're getting - this isn't corner shop fare masquerading as artisanal. For what you pay, you're accessing chef-approved quality that's earned recognition in London Standard, which speaks to punching well above its price point.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Get there before 10am on weekends if you want the full selection - they sell out daily and close early. Wednesday through Saturday they're open 9am-3pm, Sundays 9am-2pm, but don't count on anything being available if you roll up after lunch. The Sunday morning ritual vibe suggests weekends are particularly popular.

What to Focus On

The everything bagels are their specialty and claim to fame, particularly with the olive, scallion, or chive cream cheese schmears. The mish mosh bagels are also worth trying for something slightly different while staying true to NYC traditions.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The alley location means you need to know where you're looking - it's genuinely hidden off Shacklewell Lane. They offer nationwide delivery for their bagels if you can't make it in person. Check their Instagram @paposbagels for daily updates, especially useful given their tendency to sell out.

The Final Verdict

Papo's succeeds because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is - an authentic NYC bagel shop run by people who know exactly what they're doing. The hidden location, daily sell-outs, and chef approval aren't marketing gimmicks but natural consequences of doing something genuinely well. Yes, the limited hours and frequent sell-outs can be frustrating, but that's also proof of quality and demand. At £1.50 for proper everything bagels, it's become a local institution for good reason.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

NYC expats craving authentic bagelsBudget-conscious food lovers seeking qualityWeekend morning ritual seekers

Quick Details

1

Papo's

⭐️ Authentic nyc deli
⭐️ Hidden alley gem
⭐️ Ex new yorker owned
⭐️ Grab and go
⭐️ Chef approved

Hidden down a Dalston alley like some secret NYC speakeasy, Papo's delivers the most authentic New York bagel experience in London. Run by actual ex-New Yorkers who understand that a proper everything bagel needs the right balance of seeds, salt, and attitude. Their mish mosh bagels come loaded with authentic schmears including olive, scallion, and chive varieties that taste like they were flown in from the Lower East Side. The tiny space captures that classic NYC deli energy with limited seating and a busy Sunday morning vibe that locals have embraced as their weekend ritual. Featured in London Standard as a chef favorite, this spot has become the gold standard for anyone seeking genuine New York bagel culture in East London. The grab-and-go format works perfectly for the neighborhood's creative crowd.

What's Great

✓ Most authentic NYC bagels in London with perfect chew

✓ Hidden location creates genuine discovery feeling

Keep in Mind

× Limited hours mean they close at 2-3pm and sell out fast

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Speedrun this before 10am on weekends - queue early at the alley entrance before they sell out

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Wed-Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: 9am-2pm, Mon-Tue: Closed"
📍73-75 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7249 0000
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Papo's has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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