Plymouth’s much-loved Harman Bagels is expanding, and the story behind it marks a significant new chapter for the brand formerly known as The Hutong Bagel Co.
After the recent loss of city favourites including B-Bar on the Barbican and Mila’s Bakery’s city centre site, there is finally some positive hospitality news for local food lovers. The Royal William Yard favourite, famous for weekend queues and inventive fillings, is opening a second location in Totnes on Friday 20 February.
The family-run business, led by Devon-born brothers George and Jack Harman alongside Jack’s wife Emma, has built a fiercely loyal following since rebranding from The Hutong Bagel Co. to Harman Bagels.
The shift reflected a stronger focus on family roots and their now well-established “British bagel” identity, a style inspired by New York classics but shaped by Westcountry produce and childhood flavours.
Their new shop at 12 Ticklemore Street takes over the former Taguchi-Ya site, a building that holds personal meaning for the founders. The trio have been hands-on with renovations, transforming the space themselves alongside family members.
For Plymouth readers who know the Royal William Yard queues all too well, the Totnes opening signals just how far the rebranded business has come since its Hutong days in 2017.
What began as The Hutong Café evolved during a 2020 refurbishment into a dedicated bagel bakery, eventually becoming Harman Bagels, a name that now anchors the business firmly to its family identity.
The Totnes menu will feature their bestsellers, including classic cream cheese options and their popular salt beef bagel, alongside rotating specials showcasing Devon suppliers. To mark the launch, the team will be offering free tasters on opening morning.
Harman Bagels Totnes opens at 8am on Friday 20 February, marking another milestone for one of Plymouth’s standout independent food brands.
