The guys responsible for your favourite Sheffield-made bao buns are currently working hard behind the scenes on a new bagel shop on Chesterfield Road – but don’t worry, the bao buns aren’t going anywhere!
Best Boy Bagel is preparing to open in the former home of Two Doors Down Sandwich Shop, where they plan to operate as a New York-style delicatessen during the day, focusing on beautiful bagels made from scratch, before reopening in the evening to serve up their famous bao buns. A bao-dega, if you will!
Earlier this year Deckards moved out of their previous home in the ever-popular Abbeydale Road bar, Barrowboy, and this marks the first time that owner Dec Stafford has had his very own kitchen.
“It’s a gamble, but it felt like the right time to move from Barrowboy,” says Dec, “It’s been great working there and building our reputation, but it’s been my goal to have a place to make my own from the start.
“We moved to Sheffield four years ago and Deckards was welcomed with open arms. The premise here is a bit different, with it being a bagel shop, but we know lots of people are missing the bao, so don’t worry, they’re coming back.
“While it’s a different offering, a bit more New York-style bodega, it’s still the same quality that people have enjoyed. I want it to be a little place which is going to be around for a while. A little landmark.”
The main attraction of the new deli will obviously be the bagels, which will be made from scratch, using fresh dough each day. Toppings like classic bacon, egg and cheese, salt beef, and seasonal veggie and vegan options are all on offer throughout the day from 8am – 3pm, before they reopen and start slinging some bao from 6pm until late.
Given the limited space in the shop, they hope to have a few seats available for dining in, but will predominately operate as a deli, selling their homemade sauces and spices, including their popular ‘Coriander Hot sauce’, ‘Baodega Kimchi’ and ‘Best Boy Everything Bagel Seasoning’. There’s even plans to have a few beers on tap, as well as a few other bits and bobs for you to take home.
Work has begun to transform the space, but in order to kit out the kitchen and get the new shop ready, they need your help! Dec has set up a Crowdfunder with some fantastic rewards to help get the best equipment, and give the place a bit of a spruce before opening.
Dec explains: “We’re looking to raise around £10k, which is a lot, especially in this climate, but we’ve got some good rewards on offer. I’m not just asking people’s money.”
The rewards include tickets for takeovers at other local independents like Dead Donkey, Cole’s Corner, Neepsend Social Club (Gravy Train Poutine), Corner Jammers and Dough Truck Pizza, as well as the option to get your name on the extraction (if you pledge, Dec will hand-write your name on the extraction, forever immortalising you!), and loadsa lovely merch options, including totes, badges and T-shirts!
Best Boy Bagel opens early next year, and Dec can’t wait to get going. He said: “I love serving people and chatting to people. It’s really nice and wholesome, and to have that in my own space is going to be amazing.”
If it’s even half as good as the Exposed Award-winning Deckards, we’re all in for a treat in the new year. In the meantime though, go give them a nudge on socials here, and check out the Crowdfunder here.
