A bagel shop has opened up on Temple Row that’s possibly my new favourite takeaway lunch spot. Say hello to The Steamhouse.
Located next to the Great Western Arcade, this small deli already has quite the reputation and a cult following in place from the flagship branch in Leamington Spa. The menu centres around packed bagels (homemade onsite every day) with a stretch of the counter dedicated to freshly fried doughnuts, sticky brownies and cookie sandwiches. Essentially, if you like complex carbs and sinking your teeth into sugary treats with a coffee you’re probably going to like this place.
The main menu is split into Classics and Specials, with four varieties of bagels to pick from at any one time. They’re all naturally vegan because they contain no oil or animal fat (I don’t care myself but I appreciate others might) and the fillings can be as meaty or veggie as you wish. I’m told there’s also a breakfast selection to behold, but being a lazy troll I don’t tend to leave the flat before 11am and can’t vouch for them yet.
The New York Giant (£5 to takeaway, £5.50 to eat in) is stuffed with thinly carved salt beef, fat slices of tangy gherkins and American mustard. A solid effort with quality meat, I had mine on a satisfyingly chewy multi-seed bagel. It would better with thicker sliced beef because it looks more like ham – a point I made in store in opening week.
The Alaskan (£6) is a good breakfast or brunch option – the smoked salmon is excellent quality. Ask for it on a wholewheat bagel with extra black pepper and lemon juice.
As far as the sweet stuff goes, you can’t go wrong with the ever-changing doughnut selection. They’re hand rolled, generous in size and excellent quality. They’re also mega if you’re hungover or a bit sad – the banoffee, creme brûlée, and Biscoff have helped me through many an existential crisis this month.
You can also pop into this deli for a caffeine fix, with the usual suspects including an oat milk latte on a par with the same at Wayland’s Yard around the corner. The coffee is damn good actually. Lots to like about this place, that fills the space once inhabited by the much missed Six Eight Kafe.
There’s limited seating and it gets quite busy at lunchtime so get there early. Also, check the amount before you pay and make sure you say if you want to take it away – on two occasions I’ve been charged the sitting in price not the takeaway price.
The Steamhouse, 6-8 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5HG
Disclosure: I’ve paid in full at all visits and all words and photos are mine.