Brad & Dills has taken the county by storm, setting up multiple successful shops across Herts - we went down to see what all the fuss was about.
Masters in bagel-making, Brad & Dills has brought the tastes of New York to Herts with its range of bagel fillings and coffees.
The shop was founded by two old friends who went to school in Harpenden – not Brad & Dill, but Alex and Olly.
The eatery has three franchises (and a canteen) in Harpenden, Hertford and St Albans all offering a mixture of bagels including vegetarian and vegan options.
Its newest spot in St Albans operates out of London Road using a vintage laundromat façade.
Sporting a less impressive exterior, I went to Brad & Dill's shop on Harpenden High Street to see if the bagel's were worth the hype.
Review:
A busy morning running errands in Harpenden left me feeling rather peckish, looking for some food to spark a revival.
While walking down the high street my eyes were drawn to the much-hyped Brad & Dills. The tiny shop in the heart of the town seemed like the perfect destination for a light bite.
They have been all the rage since they opened in St Albans and it was my turn to put that to the test.
An outdoor seating area (it was definitely too cold) led to a small yet cosy interior. The space didn't offer much in the way of seating apart from a few stools, but I was greeted with a warm welcome from staff.
I like my chicken, so the 'Pollo Picante' instantly caught my eye, with its mix of fried chicken, nduja mayo, mozzarella and crispy onions.
Slightly disgruntled at the £9.50 price tag, I went through with my order and enjoyed some complimentary still water.
Uniquely, the chef came out with the order, taking the phrase pan to plate to a whole new level, and it was fresh.
'An outstanding cross-section!' Is what one of those food influencers would say, I don't really mind, but it was aesthetically pleasing.
The taste was nothing short of sensational. A perfect blend of spice from the ndjua mayo, moisture from the chicken and crunch from the onions gave me a whirlwind of flavours.
Writing this, I still can't fathom how complimentary each flavour was.
It was a messy meal that was well worth the sticky fingers and inconvenience of several napkins - be prepared to bring some hand sanitizer.
I also got to try the 'Classic Salmon' too. An easier sandwich to get right was still executed to perfection with the right salmon to cream cheese ratio alongside some crunchy pickles.
Conclusion:
Brad & Dills brought a taste of America that I didn't think was possible in the UK. Despite being a light bite, the bagel provides you with fantastic flavour and a fulfilling meal, perfect for lunch or brunch.
To some it may seem expensive, yet I'm pleased to say it is the best £9 I have ever spent on a meal, well at least a bagel.
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