Beyond the Croissant: 7 Essential London Bakeries You Must Try

By /

London’s food scene has exploded, and nowhere is this more evident than in its bakeries. Gone are the days of simple loaves; the city is now home to master pastry chefs, sourdough purists, and world-class chocolatiers.

If you’re seeking that perfect flat white, a flaky viennoiserie, or a decadent dessert, skip the chains and head straight for these seven outstanding destinations that define London’s modern baking landscape.

1. Bread Ahead Bakery (The Doughnut Legend)

An iconic stop in London’s food scene, Bread Ahead is an institution famed for its simple philosophy: fresh bread, traditional methods, and unbelievably decadent treats.

  • The Vibe: Bustling, rustic, and often featuring an open kitchen. The original branch is a cornerstone of Borough Market.

  • The Must-Try: Their legendary doughnuts. With fillings like Honeycomb, Salted Caramel, or seasonal fruit curds, the fluffy, yeasty dough is incomparable.

  • Keywords: Bread Ahead, Borough Market, Best Doughnuts London, Sourdough Bakery, Baking Classes.

2. Sourdough Sophia (The Pastel Perfectionist)

With a beautiful, cozy atmosphere and a deep dedication to long-fermented sourdough, Sourdough Sophia has quickly become a beloved neighbourhood gem.

  • The Vibe: Charming, artisanal, and slightly cottagecore, often in a striking pastel-pink storefront. They pride themselves on using organic, locally milled grains.

  • The Must-Try: While their breads are superb, you must try their inventive croissant variations (like the Strawberry Cheesecake Croissant) and their famous Cruffins (a croissant-muffin hybrid).

  • Keywords: Sourdough Sophia, Artisan Bread, Crouch End, Pastel Bakery, Cruffins, Organic Grains.

3. Philippe Conticini (The French Masterpiece)

Bringing Parisian precision and genius to London, Chef Philippe Conticini is known globally for his visually stunning, technically perfect French pâtisserie.

  • The Vibe: Elegant, highly refined, and artistic. It offers a slice of Parisian romance without leaving the capital.

  • The Must-Try: The pastries here are next-level. Seek out the Tarte Tatin, his famous revised croissants, or any of his visually immaculate seasonal creations, which look almost too beautiful to eat.

  • Keywords: Philippe Conticini, French Patisserie, Camden Market, Parisian Chef, Luxury Desserts, Viennoiseries.

4. Dolcevita Matteo Manzotti (The Italian Sweet Spot)

Located in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, this spot is a collaboration that brings authentic, exquisitely crafted Italian pastry to London’s centre.

  • The Vibe: Bustling and elegant, often designed as a beautiful kiosk or counter focusing entirely on the spectacle of the pastries.

  • The Must-Try: The signature is the Roman-style Maritozzi—fluffy, sweet buns sliced open and generously filled with rich vanilla Chantilly, pistachio, or chocolate cream.

  • Keywords: Dolcevita Matteo Manzotti, Maritozzi, Italian Pastries, Covent Garden, Chantilly Cream, Roman Desserts.

5. Italian Bear Chocolate (The Decadent Chocolatier)

If your sweet tooth yearns for something richer than flour and butter, this dedicated spot is a sanctuary of Italian chocolate indulgence.

  • The Vibe: Cozy, quirky, and filled with the comforting aroma of high-quality cocoa. It offers a nostalgic, old-style Italian feel.

  • The Must-Try: The Hot Chocolate. It’s not the powdery milk you typically find in the UK; this is a true, thick, rich Italian-style molten chocolate drink that is out of this world. Pair it with a choux bun or their amazing cakes.

  • Keywords: Italian Bear Chocolate, Best Hot Chocolate London, Fitzrovia, Soho, Triple Chocolate, Gourmet Cocoa.

6. Fred Coffee & Bakery (The Cozy Holborn Find)

Tucked away near the British Museum, Fred Coffee & Bakery offers a charming blend of artisanal baking and creative coffee that has become a favourite among locals and savvy tourists.

  • The Vibe: Cozy, warm, and inviting, with a strong focus on quality ingredients and artisanal techniques.

  • The Must-Try: They have gone viral for their Iced Tiramisu Latte—a creamy, rich blend that’s a must-try for coffee and dessert lovers. Also, look out for their exquisite Pistachio Buns and savoury Borek.

  • Keywords: Fred Coffee Bakery, Tiramisu Latte, Holborn Cafe, Cozy Bakery, Artisanal Pastries.

7. Katsute100 Tea Room (The Japanese Serenity)

Step away from the city bustle into a space where time slows down, and reverence is paid to tea and delicate baking traditions.

  • The Vibe: Zen, minimalist, and serene. It offers an “oasis of calm” and a unique cultural escape, with a strong focus on Japanese aesthetics.

  • The Must-Try: While they specialize in exquisite loose-leaf teas, their home-made Japanese-style cakes and baked goods (often incorporating Matcha and other unique Asian flavours) are the perfect accompaniment.

  • Keywords: Katsute Tea Room, Japanese Bakery, Matcha Cakes, Zen Cafe, Loose Leaf Tea, Islington.

Scroll to Top