Opening day buzz as Devon favourite Harman Bagels arrives in Totnes

A family-run Devon bagel business has officially opened its doors in Totnes, with locals and visitors turning out in droves to sample the much-loved baked treats.

Harman Bagels launched its second location at 12 Ticklemore Street on Friday 20 February. Queues formed well before the 8am opening, stretching around the corner by mid-morning. More than 200 customers visited on opening day, enjoying 400 freshly baked bagels. The team celebrated with free jalapeño cream cheese and banoffee cream cheese tasters for customers.

The new Totnes branch takes over the former Taguchi-Ya site and follows the runaway success of the original Plymouth shop in Royal William Yard, where weekend queues are now routine.

Brothers George and Jack Harman, alongside Jack’s wife Emma Harman, run the business. Known for inventive, handcrafted bagels, the trio has built a loyal following across Devon.

George Harman said: “We knew Totnes was special to us, but we honestly didn’t expect this kind of welcome. Seeing people queueing down the street before we’d even opened the doors was incredibly emotional. This town means so much to our family, and to feel that support on day one was amazing.”

Jack Harman added: “Opening day completely exceeded our expectations. We’d hoped for a strong start, but the turnout was unbelievable. Totnes has shown up for us in the best possible way. We’re so proud to now officially be part of this high street.”

Emma Harman said: “We’ve always said Harman Bagels is about family and community, and that was on full display on opening day. Seeing familiar faces alongside new customers, all excited to try our bagels, made all the hard work worth it.”

The Totnes menu mirrors the Plymouth site’s offerings, featuring classics like cream cheese and bestselling salt beef, alongside rotating specials. Past favourites have included the Singapore Chilli Crab Bagel with Devon crab and the Porchetta Bagel with Dart Farm roast pork.

Founded in spring 2017, Harman Bagels – previously The Hutong Bagel Co. – started in Plymouth after the founders, all Devon-born, drew inspiration from a trip to New York City. Rather than replicating American styles, they developed a distinctly British bagel, using local produce and flavours inspired by their childhoods.

George Harman explained the personal ties to Totnes: “Totnes has always been a really special place for me. I previously worked at The Almond Thief, and my wife Mel worked at the Waterside Pub, which is actually where we met. Bringing Harman Bagels here felt like a really natural step for us, especially as a family-run business that’s all about community.”

Jack Harman added: “We’d had family dinners in Totnes’ famous Taguchi-Ya restaurant before, and I’d always admired the interiors – especially the big, bright windows that let in so much light. When the restaurant was closing, we saw an opportunity to create our own business legacy from the space.”

Emma Harman said: “We know and love the Totnes community and have so many friends and family here. When it came to choosing a second location, it had to be somewhere rooted in who we are. We’re so excited to bring our bagels to Totnes and can’t wait to see how they’re received.”

Harman Bagels Totnes is now open daily from 8am at 12 Ticklemore Street, serving freshly baked bagels, including both timeless favourites and creative specials.