THE future of a city centre bagel shop has been called into question after seemingly closing its doors... just eight months after opening.

The Brick Lane Bagel Co., in High Street, Colchester, launched in May last year, offering a huge range of bagels, toasties and more.

When the Gazette stopped by to try it out shortly after it opened, we found the eatery to be "clean and modern" and its Salt Beef bagel was of "high quality".

Despite its popularity, however, residents and shoppers now fear the branch may have closed down, after its front windows were covered in white paint. 

Gazette: Painted- Brick Lane Bagel Co in Colchester with painted windowsPainted- Brick Lane Bagel Co in Colchester with painted windows (Image: Newsquest)
Although the closure remains unconfirmed, the option for delivery and collection from the site is now unavailable through Just Eat and Deliveroo, with the last review being three weeks old.

The Colchester eatery's last Facebook post, meanwhile, came on Saturday, December 23, when a spokesman said it would be closed on Christmas Eve to give staff “a well-deserved break”.

Gazette: Councillor- Castle Ward councillor Steph NissenCouncillor- Castle Ward councillor Steph Nissen (Image: Steph Nissen)

Steph Nissen, Colchester councillor for Castle ward, said: “As ward councillor, I’ve not been notified of closure, however it does look from the site and online ordering it has ceased operations.

“If that’s the case it would be a real shame for the city, bagels are a very popular food and they had a fab range of options.

“I’ll miss their bagel latkes. It’s important we have a variety of global foods available for our residents and visitors as we have a diverse community.

“It would also be a real shame to see the loss of a new business so soon after opening.”

Gazette: Closed- the Brick Lane Bagel Co in Colchester appears to be closedClosed- the Brick Lane Bagel Co in Colchester appears to be closed (Image: NQ)

Some neighbouring businesses believe the shop may have been closed since Christmas.

A spokesman from a nearby business said: “They were very, very quiet. They were open less and less hours then suddenly they weren’t there.

“The days they were open became fewer at the end of last year and since Christmas it doesn’t appear to have been open.

“It doesn’t look like they will be coming back either as the windows are completely painted.”

The Brick Lane Bagel Co. franchise has shops around the UK, including in Harlow, Lakeside Shopping Centre and Chelmsford.

The Gazette contacted the Brick Lane Bagel Co. for comment but did not receive a response before going to press.