This new Palm Beach sando spot is bae-goals

Over the last few years, there has been a hole lot of changes for the now happening 4221 postcode, with the recent addition of its own specialty sanga spot, UE Bagels proof of a ‘full circle’ moment for the formerly sleepy suburb of Palm Beach.

And hole-y moley, there’s a good chance we’re about to eat our body weight in beachside bagels, whether we’re bready or not.

Sandwiched between a coupl’a beloved Palmy haunts, UE Bagels has expanded from it’s OG Varsity Lakes location – taking up residence in the same block as Ritual Yoga & Pilates and The Collective.

Resulting in a very convenient side quest for all our pre-beach brekkie bites and obligatory post-pilates pick-me-up’s (perhaps, a little too convenient?).

So if you do happen to see our sweaty, messy-bun-sporting selves slinking limping across the road to UE, no you didn’t.. we’re just trying to up our hole foods intake, yes?

And if you’re not familiar with the names Mitchell Barling & Emily Hugo, you might well know the faces, as the duo behind the GC’s unofficial hook up of boujee bagels for several satisfying years now.

The pair of beloved bagel bringers have both channelled their extensive, well-traveled hospo backgrounds into the mouth watering venture.

With Mitch most recently spending a stint as the Cubby Bakehouse commis chef prior to embarking on the humble beginnings of UE Bagels – distributing deliciousness schmear and far from the confines of their faithful food truck.

A forced return from aboard mid-panny (pandemic, not panini for anyone else with #breadonthebrain) took a fortuitous turn, with the duo taking the opportunity to dream and scheme their next move on Mitch’s family farm in Killarney, with the picturesque property ‘Upwey’ inspiring the namesake ‘Upwey Eats’ aka UE Bagels.

With their sights firmly set on some fresh (bae)goals, the pair quickly bounced back to rise to the challenge of bringing us a daily staple from their travels, the traditional North American bagel.

Which is our kinda souvenir, tbh.

With a passion for providing fresh, affordable food and an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients where possible, it didn’t take long for word of these signature sandos to get a ‘round’.

Starting with small with events and home deliveries, later taking up residence on the GC market circuit (The Helensvale Farmers Market, later followed by Burleigh Farmers Markets). With a following of besotted bagel devotees in tow, the pair was able to realise their dreams of a brick and mortar space for their bag-ass biz late last year.

The Varsity location is the heart and soul of the business, where the bagels are pumped out every morning from 3am.

The success of the spot spurred Mitch and Emily to further expand, settling on Palm Beach as the seaside sister-site for UE.

Adding “We always wanted to be close to the beach and in a thriving local and holiday community.”

And well, #missionaccomplished guys.

The vibe for the new location is a cosy industrial style cafe, a sunny spot bready and waiting with ample street-side and indoor seating for our still-salty selves to sidle up and refuel post dip.

The ever-chic combo of black, white and wood is familiar and welcoming, with a wrap-around timber counter, classic subway tiles and polished concrete floors to bring the fit out together.

While the space might be a welcome reprieve for beach-goers from the summer sun, the menu will be of equal interest for hungry tums.

Soley holey focusing on their speciality of house-made bagels, there’s an array of savoury and sweet options with which to load ‘em up.

Keep it simple with a choice of Spreads, such as the classic Cream cheese – or if you’re feeling rather ravenous, go the whole hog with a Pulled Pork Bagel, loaded with Braised Pulled Pork Served on a Bed of Coleslaw topped with our Cola BBQ Sauce.

Purists need look no further than the Everything Bagel and if you’re feeling a little extra, the Loaded Lox Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Sliced Red Onion and Capers on your choice of House-made bagel.

(Honourable mention to the the decadent S’mores French Toast Bagel for the fellow sweet-tooths among us).

Of course, those sweet little buns are not all they’re slinging, with the sando selection all perfectly complemented by the usual array of cafe-style bevvys with which to quench your thirst.

The crew will be plying us with our preferred style of caffeine in the form of hot, chilled and filter and the signature UE Brew Coffee Blend.

Shut up and take all our dough already.

When: Mon- Sat 6am- 1pm & Sunday 7am-12pm (or sold out)
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.