Two New Yorkers who first met working in a suburban grocery store more than 30 years ago have teamed up for the launch of an authentic New York-style bagel café in Primrose Hill. It’s Bagels will be unveiled in Regent’s Park Road on Monday, and opening seven days a week to eat in, on the terrace, or take-away.

It is the brainchild of fashion photographer Dan Martensen (pictured above), who last year worked with Caravan head baker Jack Ponting on developing a bagel recipe to his liking.

Dan says: “Whilst I have huge respect for London’s East-End style bagels, I was disappointed not to be able to find a decent New York bagel anywhere when I moved to the UK a few years ago. Fast forward and we’re over the moon that Londoners seem to love our remedy to that.”

To convert the former Primrose Hill Butcher’s into It’s Bagels, Dan called on New York-based architect Rustam Mehta – a pal since they met in 1991 as kids working in a Westchester grocery store.

Dan said: “With help from one of my oldest friends, realising the vision for It’s Bagels’ first brick and mortar site has long been a dream for me. I’m super happy to be able to share New York bagels with Londoners in Primrose Hill and beyond. We look forward to seeing everyone in our new community from September 11 onwards.”

Poppy, plain, sesame, garlic and onion bagels will be baked daily, supplemented by pumpernickel and ‘rainbow’ versions on weekends. Fillings include a plain cream-cheese ‘schmear’, ‘The Works’ (cream cheese with lox, onion, capers, lemon and tomato), BECSPK (bacon, egg, cheese, salt, pepper, Ketchup), BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) and the American classic PB & J (peanut butter and jelly). Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and freshly squeezed juices are also available.