Bagel Boss Woolwich to be refurbished after shop fire

Bagel Boss, located on Hare Street, was initially opened in 2016 by entrepreneur Shale Carby, and his partner- the face of Bagel Boss - Kadie Brooke.

The popular eatery sells sweet and savoury bagels, as well as protein shakes, coffee, fresh juice and smoothies, jerk chicken, patties, and cakes.

On Saturday morning (July 8), twenty-five firefighters and four fire engines dealt with a fire at Bagel Boss, which left part of the shop damaged by fire and smoke.

Fifteen people from the flats above evacuated before firefighters arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.

During the time of the fire, Kadie says she was in bed at home when she received a phone call of the incident.

Kadie told the News Shopper: “When I arrived at the shop the fire brigade was there and the people in the flats above had been evacuated.

“It’s a community shop and the community are still heavily supporting us, especially as they know the journey we have been on.

“It’s a small, independent business and people can see we have put our lives into it.

“We will be back up and running before the month ends and we’re so grateful for the support.”

In order to get Bagel Boss back to business, the shop will undertake some electrical work, replace the shutters, and make sure it’s fire compliant.

“Until we do these things we can’t trade” Kadie added, as the shop has to be safe, due to people living in the flats above.

Kadie said: “We’re going to be renovating the shop, so we’ll be back with a bang. “We will have a relaunch at the end of the month and hopefully will extend our hours.

“We’re probably going to bring back Caribbean dishes as we had to minimise the menu during COVID.

“Our network of Caribbean people have come to the rescue, so as a thank you, I want to bring back Caribbean food.”

Aftermath of the fire (Image: Bagel Boss Team/Kadie)

Kadie says the impact of the fire has boosted the morale to come back “bigger and stronger” and after the investment of emotion, time, and money, she wants to put Bagel Boss back on the map which can be enjoyed by the community.

She added: “We may as well make it work and fight.

“We’re here to stay, and we’ll make it work for the community.”

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Twenty-five firefighters and four fire engines responded to a fire in a shop with flats above on Woolwich High Street.

“Part of ground floor shop was damaged by the fire. Fifteen people evacuated from the flats above before crews arrived.

“There are no reports of any injuries.

“Control Officers took the first of five calls reporting the fire at 0747.

“Crews had the fire under control by 0828.

“Firefighters from Plumstead, Eltham and East Greenwich fire stations attended the scene.

“The fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by an electrical fault.”