As we explored the streets of London, one of the things we were most after was a good loaf of bread, a simple scone or an elaborate dessert. From small neighbourhood bakeries to popular breakfast spots all over the city, we stopped by many of them; in some places we mingled with the crowds and grabbed a bite from the counter, while in others we quietly sipped coffee in the back gardens. In this series of articles, we’ve compiled our favourite bakeries in London, our experiences and the flavours that stood out. Like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, London is a city that has outdone itself when it comes to artisan bakeries. Each of them is shaped around simplicity and good ingredients, each with its own soul. If you are ready, we are on our way to the most fragrant corners of the city! This time we made a change and rated the places we visited by considering the flavour and variety of the products, the atmosphere of the place and their sensitivity to the materials.
Arôme Bakery – Covent Garden & Mayfair 9/10
With branches in London’s Covent Garden and Mayfair districts, Arôme Bakery is a unique bakery that blends French pastry techniques with Asian influences. We visited the Covent Garden branch on Mercer Street and can say that this is one of the best places in the area.
Among the products we tried, we were most impressed with Nori Tomato Pain Suisse and Honey Butter Toast. Especially Honey Butter Toast has an impressive flavour with its simplicity. The product variety is quite impressive and with its seasonally changing menu, it is possible to discover different flavours every time you visit.
Although the place is small, it attracts attention with its stylish and minimalist design. Due to its popularity, the products can sell out quickly, so it is useful to go early. It is definitely a must-visit address for those who want to experience the bakery culture in London.
You can findthe menu and address information of the place here.
The Dusty Knuckle Bakery – Dalston 9/10
The Dusty Knuckle, located in Dalston, is a large and shabby bakery that makes you feel like you are in a production centre as soon as you step in. You can even get training here at the same time. You have to order from the counter and grab a seat at the tables in the garden.
They have one of the best focaccia you can find in the city; so their sandwiches are also quite ambitious. Their honey feta buns were also very tasty. Especially the potato sourdough bread and the morning bun are very popular here.
Sandwiches are a must try. If you are on a bakery tour in London, The Dusty Knuckle should be at the top of your list.
The location of this venue and more information can be found here.
Towpath Café – Regent’s Canal, East London 8.5/10
Located on the edge of London’s Regent’s Canal , Towpath Café is one of the most enjoyable breakfast stops in the city. In theopen air, sitting by the water’s edge in a pleasant and cosy Having breakfast in the atmosphere is almost a ritual here.
The menu changes seasonally and daily; it stands out with freshly made eggs, hot sandwiches and homemade cookies and cakes. We especially liked their tomato and ricotta toast and scrambled eggs.
Reservations are not taken; it gets crowded in good weather, but it is definitely worth the wait, go 10 minutes before it opens to avoid waiting too long. If you are looking for a slow and hot breakfast in the city in touch with nature, Towpath should definitely be visited.
For more information about Towpath here you can take a look.
Papo’s Bagels – 8.5/10
If you are looking for real New York style bagels in the city, Papo’s Bagels should be on your list.
They do not offer patisserie or classic bakery products, They are completely bagel orientated – and they do their job really well.They stand out with their freshly baked, dense-textured but soft bagels. From classic cream cheese fillings to homemade There are different combinations ranging from smoked salmon options. The bagels are far above the standards in terms of both flavour and consistency.
You can reachthe social media account and address of the venue here.
Baudry Greene – Soho 8/10
Located in the heart of Soho , Baudry Greene is a chic cafe by day, is an elegant meeting point that serves cocktails in the evenings.It draws attention with its French pastry-inspired products; Especially their pain aux chocolat and carefully prepared tarts are very successful.We stopped by for breakfast and enjoyed their seasonal scones . We tried the rhubarb granolaclass – everything was so fresh and flavourful.
The place offers a great atmosphere for both morning coffee and evening cocktails; it is perfect for those looking for a calm and sophisticated stop. If you want to start your day in Soho with a quality breakfast, you can stop by Baudry Greene.
If you want to make a reservation at Baudry Greene or take a look at the menu, you can find information here.
E5 Bakehouse – London Fields 8/10
Located right next to London Fields, under the railway tracks, E5 Bakehouse is a bakery that stands out with its natural and caring products. We tried a chocolate chip cookie, a savoury scone and a sandwich – all delicious. Especially the quiet and cosy seating area in the back garden is very pleasant.
At the entrance of the bakery, some special jar products (such as cheeses, jams, drinks) that you can use at home are also on sale.If you are looking for quality ingredients, a warm atmosphere and simple flavours, it is a must stop around London Fields.
E5 Bakehouse is another place where you can receive training, information about the place from here you can reach.
Chatsworth Bakehouse – 8/10
This little shop (Hero Shop) is a small but characterful outlet of the famous Chatsworth Bakehouse.It is famous for its sourdough sandwiches; Their weekly changing menu can be followed on Instagram and the products are usually sold out within the day.The bread and filling materials they use in sandwiches are of incredible quality; you feel the freshness in every bite.
The place is small, there is no seating area; it works with the concept of take-away. If you are after carefully prepared, friendly and creative sandwiches, it is definitely worth a visit.
Don’t forget to check the opening hours and instagram announcements before visiting the place. Menu and information here.
TOAD Bakery – Peckham (South London) 8/10
TOAD Bakery in Peckham is one of South London’s favourite small bakeries. Everything here is prepared with natural and seasonal ingredients. It especially stands out with its sourdough breads, croissants and tarts with seasonally changing fillings.
The place is small but has a cosy atmosphere; the products sell out quickly at the counter, so be sure to go before closing time.
Quality and simplicity are at the forefront of the products. If you like elaborate bakery products and want to see a non-touristy part of London, TOAD Bakery should definitely be on your list.
TOAD Bakery’s address and detailed information is here!
Quince Bakery – East London 8/10
Located in East London, Quince Bakery is a small but characterful neighbourhood bakery.
It stands out with its sweet and salty scones, seasonal rhubarb tarts, daily scones and breads. The products sell out quickly from the counter, so it is better to go early. There is no seating area in the place; you can enjoy your purchases in the nearby park or by the canal.
The founder of the bakery is the former pastry chef of the Michelin-starred Lyle’s, one of London’s famous restaurants. The bread served at Lyle’s today also comes from Quince Bakery.
Especially their sourdough bread is quite tasty.
If you are looking forfresh, natural and carefully prepared products, Quince Bakery is definitely worth a visit.
Don’t forget to check the opening hours before you visit, you can find their website here.
Jolene 8/10
Jolene Bakery, which has branches in different parts of London, is known for its natural yeast products and seasonal menus. We visited the Colebrooke Row branch, which is very close to Camden Passage. The sandwiches, pain aux chocolat and seasonal rhubarb scones were really delicious.
The Newington Green branch serves lunch and dinner as well as classic bakery products. If you have time, you can drop by the Hornsey Road branch (aka Big Jo), where you can also try pizza options.
If you are looking for fresh ingredients, expertly prepared pastries and a cosy atmosphere, Jolene is one of the best addresses in London.
Details for booking and menu here.
Pophams 7.5/10
Pophams, one of the most popular bakeries in London, has many branches in different parts of the city. We visited a few of them; especially the Home & Pantry section in the Prebend St branch is also enjoyable for those looking for original design products. the options are similar.
Pain aux chocolat, cardamom scones and filled Danish scones were quite successful. They also offer interesting cold tea alternatives; such as Matcha Earl Grey Ice Tea. Our only criticism is that we expected a little more in terms of product variety from such a large business. Definitely one of the bakeries to try in London.
For menu information and reservation to the restaurant You can browse here to have it done.
Don’t Tell Dad – Queen’s Park (NW6) 7.5/10
Located in the Queen’s Park area, Don’t Tell Dad stands out with both its restaurant and bakery concept. The bakery products sell out quickly during the day; especially the pain suisse with wild mushrooms we tried was delicious. Their menu changes frequently according to seasonal products and the current version is published on their website.
It is absolutely necessary to make a reservation in advance for the restaurant part. It offers a stylish and attentive atmosphere; it is definitely one of the places we plan to visit again.
Menu and details for booking here.
St. JOHN Bakery – Neal’s Yard (Covent Garden) 7.5/10
St JOHN’s is one of London’s famous restaurant chains, especially known for its offal-based cuisine. However, this small bakery in the colourful Neal’s Yard arcade in Covent Garden is a special stop in its own right. The breads are very good here; they also serve simple but delicious sandwiches. Especially the mortadella sandwich with mustard was our favourite.
We tried Eccles Cake , a traditional English patisserie product, but it did not appeal to our taste buds. But the doughnuts here are quite popular and worth a try. There is no seating area, it is best to take the products and enjoy them by walking around this fascinating passage. If you are around Covent Garden , St. JOHN Bakery is a must visit.
You can find the opening hours of the venue here.
Paulie’s Bagels – East London 7.5/10
Paulie’s Bagels in East London is another good stop for those looking for a New York style bagel experience in London. Although not as good as Papo’s, it has its own regulars. There are filled options such as classic cream cheese, lox (smoked salmon) or pastrami on the menu.
The sandwiches are delicious and everything is freshly prepared. The place is small but there is a seating area. If you are in the vicinity and you are a bagel lover, you can consider this place.
Toklas Bakery – Temple/Strand 7.5/10
Toklas, which attracts attention with its stylish and modern design, is like a hidden gem in Temple district. They have a restaurant with lunch and dinner service. We could not try many different products in Toklas Bakery, but it has one of the best croissants we have tried in London. It is not surprising that they are on many lists such as CN Traveller and Hot Dinners.
The products sell out early. The entrance to the place is via Surrey St.
Fortitude Bakehouse – Bloomsbury 7.5/10
Located in a quiet side street in Bloomsbury, Fortitude Bakehouse is one of London’s favourite bakeries. It stands out with its wide variety of pastries and fresh daily scones. Especially the danishes with seasonal fillings and savoury scones are successful.
We tried pizza danish, herb garlic bun and pain suisse. The buns were a bit heavy but we found them delicious in general. The products sell out quickly in the morning. At the weekend it gets crowded like all of London, there are benches to sit on the street, the place is take-away orientated.
Crème – Soho 7.5/10
Located right in the heart of Soho, Crème is famous for its giant-sized, almost soft chocolate cookies. They also offer cookies in alternative flavours such as matcha and miso.
But the real star of this place is the soft serve ice creams. It is very enjoyable with cookie crisps. It’s a small place, they work with a pick-up and delivery concept. Perfect for dessert cravings!
Granger & Co – Notting Hill, Chelsea, King’s Cross 7.5/10
This popular breakfast place of Australian origin opened by Bill Granger, One of the first addresses that comes to mind when it comes to breakfast and brunch in London. The menu includes ricotta hotcakes, avocado toast and scrambled eggs.
The places are large and spacious, but especially the Notting Hill branch can be quite crowded on weekends. A reliable classic in London for those looking for a delicious and modern brunch.
The Dreamery – Hackney, East London 7.5/10
Located in Hackney, The Dreamery is one of London’s newest and most enjoyable dessert stalls. With a concept reminiscent of Folderol in Paris, they serve ice cream and wine.
We can call this place neither a bakery nor a breakfast place because they open at noon. But they deserve a visit for their ice cream and delightful concept. On the opposite corner is another wine bar called Goodbye Horses There is no ice cream there , but there are different snacks.
The River Café – Hammersmith, London 7.5/10
Located on the banks of the River Thames, The River Café is one of London’s most iconic and timeless restaurants. Opened in 1987, this legendary venue is one of the most refined representatives of fresh and simple Italian cuisine in London.
This place is not really known for its breakfast but it is also open for breakfast. River Cafe, which is right next door and has a more cosy concept Cafe is a more ideal place for breakfast with simple menus they serve throughout the day.
You can come here at noon for fresh pastas and Roman-style pizza. The breakfast menu, which is served until noon, specialises in Italian cornetti and bruschetta.
Layla Bakery – Notting Hill 7.5/10
Another place with a neighbourhood bakery feel in Notting Hill is Layla Bakery. The place is small but cosy; the products sell out quickly in the morning. Our favourites are rhubarb and pink peppercorn bow ties. Everything with rhubarb 🤍 we.
For a bakery experience centred on fresh and honest ingredients, you should definitely stop by. Natoora Cafe in Elgin Crescent also serves Layla Bakery products.
HIDE – Green Park 7/10
We cannot call this place a bakery, but it would be appropriate to say that we came here for the bakery products. Located right next to Green Park, HIDE is one of the most stylish restaurants in London. This Michelin-starred venue stands out with its decoration and high quality service.
The menu is full of seasonal and creative dishes, especially the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The bakery section is also very impressive – they make their own breads, croissants and desserts.
The highlight of the breakfast menu for us is the viennoiseries where you can find creative combinations. We tried the one with banana and pecan filling, but the white chocolate one with orange blossom pistachio was a favourite. For breakfast, the plates with eggs grated with fresh truffle are also very popular but not very impressive.
The menu is not very affordable, everything is at least 2 times the London average & available with all the details on their website. Making a reservation is usually a must; if you want to go spontaneously , we think you can find a place during breakfast hours. They have another place called Hideaway , which serves as a cafe.
Qima Cafe – Covent Garden 7/10
Located in Covent Garden, Qima Cafe is a speciality coffee shop focusing on Yemeni coffee, as well as offering a small bakery section.
We found the chocolate patisserie products especially impressive, our favourite was Chocolate Tonka Flan.
Kuro Bakery – Notting Hill 7/10
With its minimalist design, Kuro Bakery is a simple but assertive stop in Notting Hill. Their croissants, cruffins and fresh breads stand out. They have several shops on the same street.
It was sold out when we went, so we couldn’t try the bagel, but the croissants were delicious. A pleasant place to start the day in Notting Hill.
Buns From Home 7/10
Buns From Home, which is spread all over the city, is especially famous for its buttery, layered cinnamon buns. There are both classic versions and options with different fillings such as Nutella, pistachio, vanilla.
Each branch is small, we cannot say that you definitely need to try , but you can give a chance.
Chai Guys Bakehouse – Notting Hill 7/10
The newly opened Bakehouse branch of the famous Chai Guys is in the warm and energetic atmosphere of Notting Hill. Traditional Indian tea , masala chai and bakery They also offer products , but the products are not very diverse.
The cardamom roll (cardamom bun) we tried was delicious. As an accompaniment , you can drink plenty of spicy, aromatic masala chai.
Regency Café – Westminster, London 7/10
The Regency Café, which has been serving since the 1930s, is one of London’s most iconic cafés with a retro atmosphere. With its black and white tiled walls, old-school ordering system and cosy atmosphere, it makes you feel like you are travelling back in time.
The menu is classic English breakfast: plates filled with eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans and hash browns. The portions are large and the prices are quite reasonable by London standards.
This place has been the set for many films and TV series (e.g. Layer Cake), ideal for those looking for both flavour and nostalgia. We are not a big fan of English breakfast plates , but in London, the classic If you want to experience a “Full English breakfast”, you can choose Regency Café.
E.Pellici, Koya Soho, Violet Cakes, Milk No Milk, Aries Bakehouse, Bunhead Bakery, Eric’s, Suba Bakery, Happy Sky Japanese Bakery, Weirdough Bakery, Dunn’s Bakery, Hart & Lova Bakery, Eggbreak, Kapihan, Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught, Parle Pantry Vegan Cafe
Chestnut Bakery, Italian Bear Chocolate – Soho, GAIL’s bakery, Fabrique Bakery, WA Cafe, Beigel Bake, Uchi Bake, Bread Ahead Bakery, Miel Bakery, Humble Crumble, Katsute 100 Brick Lane, HELMA Cafè + Wine
