Arran’s Bagels will open on Bridlesmith Gate this July, bringing a simple idea to Nottingham: proper bagels, good coffee and a neighbourhood spot people end up visiting all the time.
If that sounds familiar, that’s because the opening has become one of Nottingham’s worst-kept secrets.
Over the last few months the team behind Arran’s has slowly been building anticipation online, sharing glimpses of the space, teasing the brand across social media and even driving a branded Mercedes around the city. Now, with opening day getting closer, they’re finally ready to talk about what Arran’s actually is.
The shop is the latest venture from Arran Bailey, Managing Director of ALB Group, whose projects have become a familiar part of Nottingham’s city centre in recent years. For Arran, though, the idea didn’t start with a business plan. It started with bagels.
“Every time we went to New York, we’d come back talking about bagels,” he said. “It wasn’t really about the bagels themselves. It was how they fit into everyday life. People grab one before work, eat one sat on a bench, pick one up on the way home, get one when they’re hungover. They’re just part of the neighbourhood.
“When we’d come back home it always felt like something was missing. Nottingham has loads of great coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants, but we couldn’t find the kind of bagels we kept going back for.”
The menu takes inspiration from the classics. Bacon, egg and cheese. Salt beef and pickle. Proper schmears. Simple combinations done properly.
“We’d rather do a smaller number of things really well than try to do everything,” said Arran. Alongside the classics there’ll be rotating specials and flavoured schmears, including roasted garlic & herb and double chocolate Nutella.
The team have also spent months developing the bagels themselves with a local bakery. “We didn’t want to just buy something off the shelf,” said Arran.
“We’ve been ridiculously picky about everything. Texture, chew, crust, size, seeds, the lot.
“It’s taken longer than we expected because the bagel is the whole point. If you get that bit wrong, nothing else matters.”
The business expects to create around 20 jobs, with much of the opening team already in place.
“A lot of the team joined before launch and have helped shape what Arran’s is from day one,” he said. “Everyone’s bought into it. There’s a slightly obsessive energy around bagels, coffee, music, service, all the small details. Most people won’t notice those things individually but they definitely feel them.”
While Nottingham’s food scene continues to grow, Arran says he isn’t interested in competing with anyone.
“We’re not really looking at it like that,” he said. “Nottingham’s got room for good independent food spots and everybody does things differently.
“We’re not trying to build a massive brunch place or somewhere designed just for Instagram. We want Arran’s to become part of people’s routines.
“If someone grabs breakfast here three times a week, that’s a bigger compliment than somebody travelling across the country to visit once.”
The shop will open in the former Moda in Pelle unit on the corner of Bridlesmith Gate and Middle Pavement.
The space already had plenty of character, something the team felt suited the brand from the beginning.
When the doors open, the shop will be largely takeaway-focused, with a handful of window seats inside and benches outside.
“We love the idea that Arran’s doesn’t stop at the front door,” said Arran.
“You grab your bagel and eat it wherever. Sat on the kerb outside. In the park. On the train home. Walking through the city.
“That’s what the best bagel shops do. They become part of the place they’re in.”
Anyone walking past recently may already have noticed a giant bagel-shaped peephole in the shop window, giving people a glimpse into the space before opening day.
Posted on 06 July 2026
