London’s baking scene has exploded over the last decade, driven by a new generation of sourdough-obsessed, technique-focused bakers. But if you’re looking for the best bakeries in London, there are some standout businesses serving up unmissable cakes, sourdough breads and seasonal specialties too good to miss while you’re in the English capital. These are our top 10 picks to add to your bakery list when you’re in London.
The best bakeries in London for pastries and bread (top 10)
E5 Pastry Shop — A Hackney institution credited with helping kickstart the modern sourdough movement in London.
Gail Bakery — It’s now a citywide chain, but still great for sourdough and morning pastries.
Popham Bakery — Known for its inventive laminated pastries, including the much-loved Maple Bacon Chocolate Bread.
San Juan Bakery — From the renowned nose-to-tail restaurant, famous for its Eccles cakes and Chelsea buns.
Bread ahead — A Borough Market bakery famous for its donuts and hands-on baking classes.
fabric — An imported Swedish bakery known for its cardamom buns, popular with the people of Shoreditch.
Layla Bakery — A newer bakery in Hackney that has gained a cult following for its cardamom buns and seasonal fruit scones.
Comptoir Gourmand — A French bakery-café known for its classic and technically precise pastries.
Ole and Steen — A Danish bakery chain known for its “cinnamon socials” and excellent Nordic-style pastries.
Yeast bakery — A Fulham favorite for his innovative croissant flavors and huge Instagram following.
Konditor — Known throughout the city for their cakes, particularly their “Magic Cake” range, along with solid everyday cakes.
The dusty knuckle — A Dalston bakery with a strong social mission, known for its sourdough and focaccia.
Additional choice: homemade buns – Although not your typical bakery and pastry shop, Buns from Home has earned a reputation for having some of the best buns in London. Now, with multiple outposts around town, it’s the best option for that morning cinnamon bread craving or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the seasonal specials offer surprisingly good creations.
Additional election: Santa Nata —Another great option for a specialty treat is Santa Nata, a small outpost serving freshly baked Portuguese cakes all day long. This is the only item this bakery sells, but if you’re an egg tart lover like me, this is the closest thing to the real thing in London and I never miss a stop (or two!) when I’m in town.
London Bakery Neighborhoods You Should Know
Hackney and Dalston have become London’s baking epicenter over the last decade, home to E5 Bakehouse, Layla Bakery and The Dusty Knuckle, all within walking distance of each other.
FAQ: Bakeries in London
Why has London’s baking scene grown so much? A new generation of bakers trained in artisanal and French-technical sourdough has fueled a citywide baking boom over the past 10 to 15 years.
What is the best bakery district in London? Hackney and Dalston, east London, have the highest concentration of big-name independent bakeries.
Where can I take a bread making class in London? Bread Ahead at Borough Market regularly offers hands-on baking classes for all levels.
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