These Are the 7 Best Bakeries in London
One topic of conversation always guaranteed to inspire frenzied debate among residents of the British capital? That of the best bakeries in London. Ask any of the city’s residents about their go-to spots, and they’ll probably wax lyrical about the madeleines at their local pâtisserie, or the spectacular desserts that justify a jaunt across boroughs, or the perfectly formed sourdough which can only be snagged by waking up at the crack of dawn.
So, how to decide where to go to satisfy your next craving? Browse our tried-and-tested shortlist of London bakeries below, from long-standing institutions to exciting young upstarts.
Courtesy of Flor1/7Flor
The renowned Borough Market restaurant of the same name, opened by James Lowe and John Ogier (of Lyle’s fame) and presided over by the prolific Pamela Yung, may have closed earlier this year, but their dream lives on at this gem of a bakery, tucked under the railway arches of Bermondsey’s Spa Terminus. Spearheaded by pastry chef Helen Evans and with a focus on regenerative farming methods, it offers trays upon trays of delectable pastries and freshly baked loaves all made using organically grown wheat and long-straw heritage grains. Don’t miss the almond croissants layered with frangipane, or the unctuous lardy buns, studded with tea-soaked currants, laminated with pork fat and dipped in mace caramel.
Photo: Ola O Smit2/7Toklas
Little Bread Pedlar’s Janine Edwards and Adam Sellar are behind the irresistible baked goods served up at this sleek café in Temple, just steps away from its sunny, plant-filled sister restaurant. For breakfast, there’s an unbeatable twist on a pain aux raisin—featuring crème fraîche and preserved sour cherries—as well as the “Everything Twist,” which folds in all of the flavors of an everything bagel. Meanwhile, for lunch, there are generously stuffed sandwiches and slices of Roman-style pizza loaded with courgette and goat’s curd. Still have room? Grab a rustic tortano to take home—a light, fruity sourdough loaf laced with olive oil, honey, thyme, and roast potatoes.
Courtesy of The Dusty Knuckle3/7The Dusty Knuckle
Arguably the purveyors of the best sourdough in London, Rebecca Oliver, Max Tobias, and Daisy Terry’s east London stalwart—which has outlets in Dalston and Harringay Green Lanes—is the place to go for giant loaves and delightfully inventive sandwiches. (Think Isle of Wight tomatoes with smoked anchovies, almond aioli, and lollo rosso lettuce, or sticky glazed cauliflower with spring onion and kimchi.) Also of note? Its legendary pizza nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; its acclaimed baking school; and the fact that the bakery is dedicated to providing mentorship and training to unemployed and at-risk youth, meaning you can feel even better about your purchases.
Photo: Adrianna Giakoumis4/7Pophams
Ollie Gold’s endlessly innovative viennoiseries—from his signature bacon and maple croissant to newer additions like the scrumptious cardamom bun and peach melba danish, filled with vanilla custard, raspberry, and fresh peach compote—have secured him a cult following. It’s best to visit his cafés in Islington, London Fields, and Victoria Park first thing in the morning, though their lunchtime offerings are equally delicious: choose between sandwiches with mortadella, aubergine, peppers, and ricotta; roasted mushroom, cheddar, and garlic parsley butter toasties; pear and gorgonzola galettes; and hearty soups mopped up with homemade sourdough.
%2520E5.jpg)
Photo: Alex Forsey5/7E5 Bakehouse
Over the last decade, Ben MacKinnon’s ethically minded Hackney bakery has slowly grown from a supplier of excellent loaves to a café and shop providing mouthwatering brunches, organic lunches, and a host of sweet and savory delights, with an on-site bakery school and an outpost in Poplar to boot. What hasn’t changed, however, is his commitment to sustainability: much of the fresh produce for the baked goods comes from his Suffolk farm, as does the organically grown wheat which is processed in his very own stone mill. Highlights from the ever-changing menu include chocolate and almond babkas, fluffy cheddar and marmite buns, and Sicilian blood orange and rhubarb danishes.
