Shakespeare and Sons is a small independent bookstore located in East Berlin, with the very special addition - the Fine Bagels café. Owner Laurel Kratochvila is known to use family recipes to create authentic NYC style bagels, which are so popular with locals you will find a constant queue outside most weekends!

The love of bagels runs in Laurel’s blood, when in 1897 her great-great grandfather wanted to move to New York City because he said ‘The bagels are better’. Laurel uses a method where she leaves the dough to slow rise overnight, followed by rapid-boiling, after which she bakes the bagels fresh every day on the premises.

There’s a wonderful variety of bagel options including all the classics and a wide selection of homemade fillings. When it comes to bagels, I must admit, I don’t get much further than the ‘lox everything’ bagel and this one did not disappoint! Once you’ve ordered you can peruse the overflowing bookshelves whilst you wait before you enjoy tucking into the chewy goodness of an NY classic in the cosy bookstore surroundings.

Laurel’s partner, Roman, has worked in bookshops across Prague and Paris and takes care of the literary side of the business, which focusses on English and French titles. Once working at the iconic Shakespeare and Company in Paris, the name of the store pays homage to this famous site and tries to mirror its cultural significance in Berlin.

In my opinion you can’t get a much better pairing than books and bagels and it creates a fantastic breakfast or lunch retreat to spend a few hours getting lost in a good read.