London’s divine baked treats come in the guise of classic homemade Victoria sponges to exciting new bakeries delivering a dusting of international flavours to the capital. We’ve embarked on a quest to find you the perfect bake. So, whether you’re looking for a delicate dessert from a French patisserie, a modern twist on a great British teacake or a chunky loaf packed with flavour, these are our favourite London’s bakeries that truly rise to the occasion.
The Dusty Knuckle
There’s a lot of competition for the title of best bread in London, but loaves at The Dusty Knuckle are a worthy contender. Rebecca Oliver, Max Tobias and Daisy Terry opened their first bakery in a Dalston shipping container in 2014 and became a word-of-mouth sensation. Today, they have a cafe in Dalston with a baking school for at-risk youth, and another cafe in nearby Harringay, which opens as a pizzeria by night. Plus, they drive a milk float full of baked goodies across London, which helped secure their status as baking heroes.
Little Bread Pedlar
The Little Bread Pedlar got its name by cycling around the capital on restored Pashley bicycles, delivering baked goods. Many customers declare Little Bread Pedlar bakes the best sourdough in London. With plenty of time, natural yeast and filtered water, their sourdoughs deliver the perfect mix of bitter crunch and satisfying chew. They cycle their sourdoughs and pastries to independent cafés and shops, and you can order bread and pastries online to collect from their Pimlico bakery just a short walk from The Clermont Victoria.
Order from Little Bread Pedlar
Aux Pains de Papy
With a family history of baking dating back to Provence 1948, Aux Pains de Papy opened in London in 2013, bringing traditional French baking to Kings Cross. The gorgeous smell woos you in to see bakers producing delectable loaves and pastries with ingredients from Southern France. Choose a warm viennoiserie for breakfast, pick up a tart or cake for elevenses or go for a delicious croque monsieur for lunch. One bite and you realise why this place is, for many, the best French bakery in London.
Take a trip to Aux Pains de Papy
Crumbs & Doilies
Scattering pastel sprinkles over unicorn cakes, baking gooey cookies and piping creamy swirls on the tops of muffins, Crumbs & Doilies is a sugar-filled delight. Run by Jemma Wilson, of hugely popular Cupcake Jemma fame on YouTube channel, Crumbs & Doilies has a reputation as one of London’s most imaginative birthday cake bakers. The scent of cinnamon, caramel and vanilla fills the kitchen, and you can pick from a selection of oh-so-gorgeous cupcakes from this Soho bakery, too. Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross is just a short tube ride or walk away, so it’s a perfect pitstop for an afternoon treat.
LELE’s
London’s best vegan cakes and gluten-free bakes have you licking your lips and double-checking such deliciousness is possible without eggs or butter. Founded by Valentina Fois, LELE’s bakery definitely has this effect. A cute and colourful café, it serves vegan quiches, pizzas and sausage rolls, too, and the impressive selection of gluten-free and vegan deserts is likely to tempt you to save room for a sweet treat for afters.