Is a sweet treat from the capital calling your name? 🥐
When it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth, London’s bakery scene truly shines. From flaky pastries and crusty sourdough to decadent patisseries and scrumptious doughnuts, this guide will lead you to some of the most delightful bakeries the city has to offer.
So, grab your appetite and let’s embark on a delicious journey through London’s best bakehouses!
1. The Dusty Knuckle
Dalston, Harringay & Highbury Fields
The Dusty Knuckle is a beloved London bakery that’s earned a reputation for its seriously good bread and knockout sandwiches. Founded in 2014, The Dusty Knuckle began in a Dalston shipping container and has since grown into a London favourite with three locations across the capital (including its own van in Highbury Fields!).
Their bread is made with care and obsessive energy alongside it’s evolving menu of legendary seasonal sarnies, pastries, soups and salads. The Dusty Knuckle is a ‘purpose driven business’ that works with young people facing barriers to employment. Providing training and mentorship, The Dusty Knuckle strives to help young people develop valuable skills and find meaningful work.
2. Forno
Hackney
View this post on Instagram
Forno is a must-visit for any serious foodie in London. This Italian bakery, pastificio and deli is tucked away under the Weaver Line and it’s well worth seeking out. Serving up a delicious range of traditional Italian delicacies, including freshly baked veneziana buns, their beloved maritozzi, creamy cornettos and perfectly layered sfogliatella, Forno is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and a pastry on the go or an authentic Italian lunch.
The quality of the ingredients and the skill of the bakers are clear in every bite. Forno’s deli is also home to a great selection of Italian produce, including wine, pasta (made in-house) and plenty of condiments so you can pick up some treats to enjoy at home. It’s no wonder that this place has become one of the best bakeries in London.
3. Layla Bakery
Notting Hill
Nestled in the heart of West London, Layla Bakery’s warm, inviting atmosphere instantly makes you feel right at home. This charming neighbourhood bakery spot is a haven for pastry lovers, offering a delectable array of freshly baked treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
From perfect croissants and buttery pain au chocolat to delicately baked fruit tarts, Layla’s pastry selection is a testament to their dedication to quality ingredients. Beyond the sweet temptations, Layla Bakery also boasts an impressive selection of sourdough bread and flawless coffee.
4. Toad Bakery
Camberwell
View this post on Instagram
Situation in the vibrant high street in Camberwell, Toad Bakery is a true gem among London’s independent bakeries. This charming spot is sure to draw you in with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods.
Toad Bakery’s passion for using fresh seasonal ingredients shines through in all their produce, from their flaky pastries and crusty sourdough bread to their beautifully decorated patisserie creations. With a regularly changing menu to reflect the seasons, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at Toad Bakery.
5. The Free From Bakehouse
Borough Market
For those with dietary restrictions or simply a love for innovative yet delicious treats, The Free From Bakehouse in Borough Market is a go-to. This independent bakery producer offers an array of freshly baked goods, all made without gluten and with many vegan options available. From scrumptious cakes and fudgy brownies to crumbly scones and creative rocky roads, there’s something to satisfy every sweet craving.
The Free From Bakehouse strives to prove that ‘free from’ doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or wheat-free, you’ll find something to love at this Borough Market gem.
6. Fortitude Bakehouse
Bloomsbury
View this post on Instagram
Tucked away in a quiet mews near Russell Square, Fortitude Bakehouse has become a beloved foodie destination for pastry lovers visiting the capital. While they offer a delightful array of fresh buns, tarts, and doughnuts, it’s their TikTok-famous beignets that truly steal the show. These pillowy treats, generously filled with creamy goodness and dusted with sugar, have garnered a cult following, with queues often forming outside the bakery.
But don’t let the beignets overshadow the other gems at Fortitude. Their flaky sausage rolls, inventive savoury danishes and perfectly brewed coffee also deserve a spot on your list. With its charming atmosphere and dedication to quality ingredients, Fortitude Bakehouse is a true testament to the art of baking.
Stay nearby
7. E5 Bakehouse
Hackney
E5 Bakehouse, nestled in a railway arch in Hackney, is a must-visit for any serious bread lover. E5 is all about organic, locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking methods, and it shows in the incredible flavour of their sourdough loaves. You can grab a freshly baked loaf, pastry or cake, or even sit down for a delicious lunch made with the same care and attention to detail.
What makes E5 truly special is its commitment to sustainability and community. They mill their own flour on-site, source produce from local farms and even deliver their bread by bicycle! Plus, they run baking classes ranging from beginner and advanced sourdough courses to fermentation and vegan pastry classes, making them a real hub for the neighbourhood. E5 is where you can feel good about what you’re eating, knowing it’s been made with love for the environment.
8. Chai Guys Bakehouse
Notting Hill
View this post on Instagram
Starting as a beloved chai seller across various London locations, Chai Guys have since expanded to this charming spot in Notting Hill, bringing the same passion and expertise to their delicious baked goods. Inspired by Japanese cooking techniques, you’ll find classic French and Scandinavian pastries delicately created with unique ingredients. It’s the perfect place to grab a hot chai and a freshly baked treat and soak in the cosy atmosphere.
What makes Chai Guys Bakehouse special is its dedication to quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Using traditional methods to create treats that are both familiar and exciting, Chai Guys Bakehouse is a perfect choice for whether you’re a fan of sweet or savoury, you’re sure to find something you love. And don’t forget to try their incredible chai!
9. Miel Bakery
Fitzrovia
View this post on Instagram
Founded by three Michelin star chef Shaheen Peerbhai, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and Alain Ducasse, Miel Bakery is a beloved French-inspired bakery located in the heart of Fitzrovia. Miel is known for its exquisite patisseries and breads as well as its cosy and inviting surroundings.
Miel’s menu features classic French pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat and madeleines, as well as more unique creations like their signature kouign amann and seasonal fruit tarts. Since perfecting their outstanding pastry creations in 2019, Miel has cemented itself as one of the best bakeries in London.
10. Cheeky Scone
Queensway
Cheeky Scone is a must-visit for any scone lover in London. This charming bakery, (self-dubbed the ‘first scone shop in England’), takes the humble scone to a whole new level. Whether you’re a fan of a traditional scone, craving a seasonal special or looking for something a bit more adventurous, Cheeky Scone has something to satisfy your desires.
Cheeky Scone is always evolving with a variety of sweet and savoury scones. Discover unique options like maple pecan scones, cheese and herb, lemon poppy and even Biscoff white chocolate! The Cheeky Scone bakers make each scone with high-quality ingredients and bake it to perfection! Don’t forget to pair your scone with their delicious clotted cream and homemade jams – but it’s up to you whether you choose cream then jam or jam then cream.
11. Dendara
Kensington
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that caters to gluten and dairy-free needs without compromising on flavour, Dendara is a must-visit. This bakery spot in Kensington is a haven for those seeking delicious treats made with free-from ingredients. Their selection of tarts, hand pies and cakes are baked fresh daily, using locally sourced and primarily organic ingredients.
Dendara’s commitment to nutrient-dense baking sets them apart in London’s bakery scene. Crafting their own flour blends from scratch using gluten-free whole grains that are as nourishing as they are delightful, Dendara is also focused on using minimal unrefined sugar so you can indulge in their sweet treats without the guilt. Don’t miss their signature Salted Tahini Brownies or the Pistachio Raspberry Frangipane with Rose Syrup.
12. Jolene Redchurch Street
Shoreditch
View this post on Instagram
