Cheltenham’s ‘Home of the Bagel’ Truly Lives Up to Its Name

Cheltenham’s town centre boasts an impressive array of cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants. But sometimes, all you want is a simple, satisfying lunch without the fuss.

During a recent visit to Cheltenham, with just an hour to spare, I found myself wandering down St George’s Place. That’s when The Steamhouse caught my eye. The striking red-brick façade, topped with a nostalgic plaque reading ‘Crescent Bakery’, hinted at a place with deep roots in the community.

For bagel lovers, The Steamhouse boldly advertises itself as the ‘Home of the Bagel.’ The windows proudly promise not only bagels but also espresso and doughnuts—an enticing trio for any light lunch enthusiast.

Inside, the space is bright and modern, featuring crisp white tiles, lush potted plants, and even a merch corner where you can pick up branded t-shirts, mugs, and bags of their exclusive coffee beans.

Open the display cabinet, and you’re greeted by an array of sweet treats, from fluffy doughnuts to thick cookies. On the menus, there are 18 different bagel fillings, alongside tempting side dishes like hash brown tater tots, halloumi fingers, and tempura-battered frickles.

The Steamhouse aims to channel the iconic New York deli experience, and it doesn’t disappoint. Despite its quiet Cheltenham location, it exudes a lively American deli atmosphere—cool, comfortable, and perfect for watching the world go by from window bench seats.

I chose ‘The Greek’ bagel, featuring grilled halloumi, avocado, hummus, honey mustard, and fresh greens. Each bagel comes with classic tater tots, but I upgraded to ‘Tubby tots’ coated in a mustard maple seasoning, bringing my meal to £12.90.

Seated comfortably by the window, my fresh bagel and tots arrived quickly, nestled in a branded paper bag. The bagel was soft and lightly warmed, with avocado that oozed invitingly from the filling—a delightful texture and flavor combo.

But the true highlight was the mustard maple tater tots. Their sweet and slightly spicy kick perfectly complemented the savory bagel, leaving me craving more.

Though a bit messy to eat by hand, that’s the kind of delicious mess that signals a meal well enjoyed. In no time, my lunch was gone, but the experience left a lasting impression.

With so many bagel options, I’ll definitely return to explore more flavors. Cheltenham locals likely already know this gem, which will celebrate its fourth anniversary soon. For visitors or residents yet to try it, a lunchtime stop at The Steamhouse is a delicious way to discover why it truly is the town’s ‘Home of the Bagel.’