I love anything sweet! Whether it’s dipped in chocolate, baked to perfection, or filled with cream, I can’t resist it. Living in London, you really get spoiled for choice. There’s always some new and exciting place to visit across different neighborhoods. This makes the adventure of finding the best bakeries in London so enjoyable—you get to explore a lot to find your favorites.
London’s bakeries are more than just doughnuts and pastries. Thanks to the city’s rich history of immigration, you’ll find baked treats influenced by Northern England, Celtic countries, our European neighbors, and even more distant lands in Asia, Africa, and South America. With its diverse culture, London’s bakeries reflect that beautifully.
Check out some of the top bakeries in London. You’re bound to enjoy your trip—but maybe wear stretchy pants just in case!
Oree, a lovely French bakery founded by Laurent d’Orey, brings a slice of the French countryside to London. Located in Chelsea, it’s one of my favorites. Try their pastries and enjoy a baker’s breakfast at Oree, 275-277 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London. And don’t miss their Eclair au Chocolat—it’s delicious!
Dominique Ansel is famous for some of London’s most unique creations, like the Cronut, a delightful mix of a doughnut and a croissant. Be sure to try the Welsh rarebit croissant, a nostalgic taste of my childhood in Wales. And their pain au chocolat comes with three pieces of chocolate instead of the usual two—a treat for chocolate lovers. Visit them at 17-21 Elizabeth St., Victoria, London.
Pastry chef Sarah Barber is a well-known name in London’s dessert scene, crafting exquisite French pastries at Café Royal. Their high tea is the best in the city, but if you can’t get a table, opt for the gateau, cheesecake, or pecan bombe to go. They’re at 68 Regent Street, Central London.
Honey & Co began as a small Middle Eastern eatery and is one of the best London bakeries, especially around Kings Cross. They’ve moved to Honey & Spice, where you can enjoy spiced cookies, apple-cinnamon cake, chocolate tortes, and baklava, which are my favorites. You can find them at 52 Warren Street, Kings Cross.
Kova Patisserie is a trendy Japanese bakery in central London known for their mille-crepe cake, with many layers and a creamy filling. Their Earl Grey version is so irresistible. If mille-crepe isn’t your style, try their Japanese-style cheesecake—you’ll love it. Visit them at 9-12 St Anne’s Court, Soho, London.
Princi is an Italian bakery chain with a prime location in London at 135 Wardour Street, Soho. They serve delectable cakes, breakfast pastries, and fruity tarts, but their lemon tart, topped with white chocolate, is a special delight.
Bread Ahead, created by Matt Jones and Justin Gellatly, offers various bread styles, mince pies, and irresistible jelly-filled doughnuts that pair perfectly with coffee. You can find them at 1a Monmouth Street, Central London.
Brick House is perfect for those who prefer savory treats. Located in southeast London, they specialize in San Francisco-style sourdoughs and serve both open and closed sandwiches. Their passion for good food makes them a top bakery in London. Visit them at 1 Zenoria St, Dulwich, or their Peckham branch at 12-16 Blenheim Grove.
Fergus Henderson is a legendary figure in London’s bakery scene with some of the finest doughnuts around. They sell out almost daily, so get there early. Sample their fruit and alcohol-heavy mince pies at St John Bakery, 72 Druid Street, London.
Fabrique Bakery offers a taste of Scandinavia with their cardamom buns, similar to cinnamon buns but with a unique twist. Their gooey, buttery, cardamom-sugar centers are irresistible. My favorite location is at 8 Earlham Street, Covent Garden.
Opened in 2010, Violet Bakery is a standout despite London’s competitive scene. Claire Ptak’s sweet buns are among the best, along with their cupcakes, pound cakes, and scones with traditional clotted cream and jam. Visit Violet Bakery at 47 Wilton Way, Hackney, London.
E5 Bakehouse is an all-in-one school, cake shop, bakery, and café. Their bread is outstanding, worth the visit for savory baked goods. They also offer glazed chocolate croissants and multi-layered sticky buns. Head to Arch 395 Mentmore Terrace in London to enjoy their impressive menu.