London’s bakery scene has never been more exciting. From crusty sourdough loaves to flaky croissants and sticky sweet buns, the city now boasts some of the most inventive and delicious bakeries in the world. Based on recent 2026 rankings, expert guides, and on‑the‑ground buzz — here are 15 bakeries you absolutely should visit on your next trip to London.
1. The Dusty Knuckle – East London’s Sourdough Heaven
Address: 62-64 Abbot St, London E8 3DP
Website: The Dusty Knuckle
Why Visit: For authentic, hand-crafted sourdough loaves and hearty sandwiches in a relaxed, community-centered bakery.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Bread: Their sourdough loaves are chewy, full of flavour, and baked in a traditional brick oven. The crust has that perfect crunch, while the crumb remains soft and airy.
Pastries & Treats: They offer seasonal pastries, like almond croissants or cinnamon buns, baked fresh daily.
Vibe: Rustic, friendly, with an authentic East London community feel. Perfect for those who love bakery experiences with soul.
Tip: Visit in the morning; bread often sells out by late morning. Try their sourdough with avocado or smoked salmon for a simple breakfast.
2. Arôme Bakery – French Elegance with a Twist
Address: 9 Mercer St, London WC2H 9QJ
Website: Arôme Bakery
Why Visit: For elegant, high-quality French pastries infused with unique flavours inspired by Asian cuisine.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Pastries: Honey-butter toast made from Shokupan-style bread, delicate croissants with matcha or black sesame fillings.
Atmosphere: Sleek, modern, slightly upscale — a calm haven in busy central London.
Must-Try: Their seasonal tartines and flaky almond croissants are worth the trip.
Tip: Go mid-week to avoid queues. They often offer special editions — like yuzu tartlets or chocolate ganache éclairs.
3. Toad Bakery – Playful, Creative, and Local
Address: 44 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8PX
Website: Toad Bakery
Why Visit: For creative, unusual bakes and cosy neighbourhood vibes.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Saffron buns, yuzu-flavoured cakes, inventive cookies, and pastries that rotate seasonally.
Vibe: Independent, quirky, and friendly — perfect for brunch or a coffee with a treat.
Insider Tip: Their rotating specials mean there’s almost always something new to try. Great for adventurous bakers or foodies looking for unique flavours.
4. Fortitude Bakehouse – Decadent Indulgence
Address: 35 Colonnade, London WC1N
Why Visit: For rich, decadent pastries and bold flavour combinations.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Pastries: Beignets stuffed with Nutella or custard, indulgent cinnamon buns, chocolate-filled croissants.
Vibe: Modern yet cozy; perfect for a decadent breakfast or afternoon treat.
Tip: Try pairing their pastries with a strong espresso. Weekends are busy — arrive early.
5. Bunhead Bakery – Middle Eastern-Inspired Artisanal Bakes
Address: 145 Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0NG
Website: Bunhead Bakery
Why Visit: For unique buns and sweet treats with a Middle Eastern twist, blending traditional baking with creative flavors.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Rose and cardamom buns, syrupy sticky buns, nut-filled pastries.
Atmosphere: Warm, personal, and grounded — feels like a local secret.
Tip: Ideal for a relaxed morning visit with coffee. Many pastries are best enjoyed fresh, so go early for the full selection.
6. Violet Bakery – Feminine Flair & Signature Cakes
Address: 12-14 Chapel Market, Islington, London N1 9EZ
Why Visit: Known for beautifully crafted cakes and a focus on sustainable, seasonal ingredients.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Carrot cake, banana bread, and classic Victoria sponge.
Vibe: Cozy, welcoming, with pastel-hued decor and an Instagram-friendly aesthetic.
- Tip: Try their weekend brunch menu; baked goods pair perfectly with their specialty coffee.
7. Gail’s Bakery – Consistently Reliable Artisan Bakes
Address: Multiple locations across London (check Gail’s Bakery)
Why Visit: For dependable, high-quality breads and pastries at almost any time.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Rustic sourdough, salted caramel brownies, almond croissants.
Vibe: Modern, casual, suitable for takeout or a quick sit-down coffee.
Tip: Visit the flagship locations in Soho or Islington for the largest variety of breads.
8. Bread Ahead – Home of the Legendary Doughnuts
Address: Borough Market, 9 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Website: Bread Ahead
Why Visit: Famous for their filled doughnuts and classic bakery workshops.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Custard-filled doughnuts, Chelsea buns, sourdough loaves.
Vibe: Bustling market atmosphere, perfect for sampling while exploring Borough Market.
Tip: Try one of their hands-on baking classes — a fun way to bring a taste of London home.
9. Konditor & Cook – Chocolate Lovers’ Paradise
Address: 22 Cornwall Rd, London SE1 8TJ (Waterloo)
Website: Konditor & Cook
Why Visit: Exceptional cakes and chocolate-focused pastries with artistic flair.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Millionaire’s shortbread, chocolate ganache cakes, brownies.
Vibe: Contemporary and bright; perfect for dessert lovers and gift shopping.
Tip: Their seasonal specials (Christmas, Easter) are spectacular — pre-order if possible.
10. L’Eto Caffe – French Chic with London Twist
Address: 1-3 Sloane Square, Chelsea, London SW1W 8EE
Website: L’Eto Caffe
Why Visit: Stylish patisserie with beautifully plated desserts and a café experience.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Macarons, layered cakes, and freshly baked quiches.
Vibe: Trendy, chic, perfect for afternoon tea or a leisurely breakfast.
Tip: Go during weekdays for a quieter experience and take time to enjoy the presentation of each pastry.
11. Flour & Grape – Artisan Loaves & Wine Pairing
Address: 62 Charlotte Rd, London EC2A 3PE
Why Visit: Famous for rustic sourdough and small-batch breads that pair beautifully with wine.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Country sourdough, rye loaves, focaccia.
Vibe: Modern rustic; open bakery and wine shop concept.
Tip: Their evening events often feature bread tasting paired with wine.
12. Pearl & Groove – Sweet Treats & Coffee
Address: 12 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AR
Why Visit: Perfect for artisan pastries and quality coffee in a neighbourhood setting.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Almond croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon buns.
Vibe: Cozy, friendly, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Tip: Try their seasonal tarts; they rotate every few weeks.
13. Andrew’s Bread – Family-Owned Sourdough Specialists
Address: 45 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
Why Visit: Family-owned bakery specializing in sourdough and traditional European breads.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Multigrain sourdough, rustic baguettes, seeded loaves.
Vibe: Traditional, welcoming, with a neighbourhood charm.
Tip: Buy a fresh loaf early in the morning — nothing beats it warm from the oven.
14. Fabrique Bakery – Swedish Artisan Pastries
Address: 22 Bedford St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HP
Why Visit: Swedish-inspired pastries and breads, perfect for Scandinavian-style breakfast.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Cardamom buns, cinnamon buns, crispbread.
Vibe: Minimalist, bright, with a focus on Nordic aesthetics.
Tip: Try their cinnamon bun with coffee for a classic combo.
15. Blackbird Bakery – Vegan & Gluten-Free Focus
Address: 18 Camden High St, London NW1 0JH
Why Visit: Leading vegan and gluten-free bakery in London, popular for creative and inclusive treats.
What Makes It Special:
Signature Items: Vegan brownies, gluten-free cookies, coconut cream pies.
Vibe: Modern, eco-conscious, welcoming to all dietary needs.
Tip: Their “cake of the week” is always worth checking — it often features seasonal fruits or chocolate.
Final Thoughts
London’s bakery scene in 2026 is a delightful mix of tradition, creativity, and international influences. Whether you prefer a rustic sourdough from The Dusty Knuckle, elegant French pastries from Arôme Bakery, or vegan treats at Blackbird Bakery, there’s something for every palate.
Visiting these bakeries is more than just tasting bread or pastries — it’s about experiencing local culture, exploring different neighborhoods, and enjoying the atmosphere that makes each bakery unique.
By sampling a variety of bakeries, from well-known artisanal spots to hidden gems, you can truly appreciate the diversity and creativity that London offers. Grab a croissant, sip a coffee, and let your taste buds explore the city!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit these bakeries?
Most bakeries bake fresh in the morning, so visiting between 8:00–11:00 AM is ideal to enjoy freshly baked breads and pastries before they sell out. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
2. Are these bakeries suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes! While some bakeries focus on traditional breads and pastries, spots like Blackbird Bakery specialize in vegan and gluten-free options, and many bakeries now offer dairy-free or vegetarian choices.
3. Can I take baked goods to go, or do I need to eat in?
Both! Most bakeries provide takeaway, but a few have cozy seating areas if you prefer to enjoy your pastries with coffee on-site.
4. How much should I expect to spend at these bakeries?
Prices vary depending on the bakery and item. On average, pastries cost around £3–5, artisan breads £4–10, and specialty desserts can go up to £15 for larger cakes or special items.
5. Do these bakeries offer online ordering or delivery?
Many bakeries, such as Arôme, Bunhead Bakery, and Gail’s Bakery, offer online ordering or delivery, which is convenient if you’re planning ahead or want to enjoy London’s best baked goods from home. Always check the bakery’s official website for up-to-date services.
