London knows a thing or two about good bakeries. And that is coming from a girl living in Germany – the land of bread! I am a lover of all things baked. I have even compiled bakery guides for other big European cities, such as Paris, Reykjavik and Berlin. London takes it to the next level though. From historic institutions to trendy newcomers pushing the boundaries of pastry, London is a haven for carb lovers. 

Whether you’re craving a perfectly flaky croissant, an indulgent donut, or a scone slathered in clotted cream, London’s bakeries have you covered. 

With so many incredible spots to choose from, I made it my mission to try the best rated bakeries in London, in search of my all-around favorite bakery. These bakeries aren’t just about good bread—they’re about passion, craftsmanship, and a love for all things baked. Some are run by award-winning pastry chefs, while others have built cult followings thanks to their unique approach to classics. 

If you prefer video content, you can also find this London bakery content on my TikTok. Regardless, I have rounded up the best London bakeries where you can find everything from buttery perfection to bold, creative bakes. And let’s be honest—there’s always room for one more pastry, right? So loosen your belt and prepare for a bakery-hopping adventure across London.

Where to Find the Best Bakeries in London

Layla

What You're Ordering: Daily Puff Pastry Special

Layla is a relaxed bakery that gives me Copenhagen bakery vibes. Only offering scant indoor seating, outdoor picnic tables or takeaway are the options here. The small menu features mostly puff pastry items or full loaves of bread. I found there was a good mix of sweet & savory flavors. I got wild garlic & pine nut puff pastry roll. Perfection. Truly. It was crispy, flaky, soft & flavorful – all at once. I would go back 1000%.

• Neighborhood: Notting Hill
• Address: 332 Portobello Rd, London W10 5PQ, UK
• Website: www.laylabakery.com

Bread Ahead

What You're Ordering: Crème Brûlée donut

The mega-viral Crème Brûlée donut makes Bread Ahead one of the most hyped bakeries in London. With a few outposts around town (including Borough Market), you’ll often find a line out of the shop. That leaves you plenty of time to watch them make the Crème Brûlée donut, which is a whole production that involves a special blow torch and piles of brown sugar. I am often skeptical of Instagrammy spots, but Bread Ahead genuinely tastes great! The donuts are generously filled with creme but it's not overly sweet. While the donuts could be a little bit crispier, I liked that it was served warm. The bruleed sugar was obviously the best part.

• Neighborhood: Borough Market
• Address: 4-6 Cathedral St, Borough Market, London SE1 9DE
• Website: breadahead.com

Buns from Home

What You're Ordering: Cinnamon Bun

What started as a lockdown project has blossomed into a beloved bakery celebrated for its irresistible, freshly baked buns. Specializing in a variety of flavors, from classic cinnamon to inventive specials, each bun is handcrafted with love and baked to perfection. A look into their pastry case will really tempt you. I had a hard time selecting my bun. Ultimately, I settled on the banana walnut with a crumble topping. The bun was a bit dense, but the flavors were absolutely lovely. I can imagine these would be excellent if served warm. It’s takeaway only at the Soho location, but some of their other locations have seating. 

• Neighborhood: Soho
• Address: 24 Newburgh St, Soho, London W1F 7JA
• Website: bunsfromhome.com

Arôme

What You're Ordering: Honey Butter Toast

This is probably the runner-up for my favorite bakery in London (you'll find out my favorite at the end of this article). Arôme brings a unique blend of French baking techniques and Asian flavors to London's pastry scene. Led by talented pastry chefs, Arome offers an array of exquisite pastries, which is why you’ll almost always find a line out their front door. The takeout line typically moves a lot faster – plus, you’ll get an up close view at all the indulgent treats in the bakery case.

Their puff pastry work is especially impressive, and I thought the tomato pesto Danish was nice, especially the lemon zest on top. My favorite thing I got at Arôme was their signature honey butter toast. It is SO good. Crispy, flavorful, pillowy. What more can a girl ask for. Each creation is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation..

• Neighborhood: Covent Garden
• Address: 9 Mercer St, London WC2H 9QJ, UK
• Website: aromelondon.com

Beigel Bake

What You're Ordering: Bagel Sandwich

Looking for a hearty breakfast or a late-night snack? Pop into this 24 hour bagel joint for the salt beef bagel sandwich. The long-standing diner is an artifact from the neighborhood’s former history as a hub for London’s Jewish community. An enormous hunk of meat sits between two bagel slices smeared with English mustard and a sliced gherkin. Locals rave about this Brick Lane institution, and look – its good. However, Americans (such as myself) might be disappointed by the bagels. I found them to be doughy and a little bland with a mediocre thick cream cheese. But the salted beef is legit. 

• Neighborhood: Shoreditch
• Address: 159 Brick Ln, London, Greater London, E1 6SB
• Website: beigelbake.com

Fabrique

What You're Ordering: Cardamom Bun

With locations scattered around the city, Fabrique is a bakery chain from Stockholm. As soon as you step inside this artisanal bakery, you are greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked pastries. Known for its rustic industrial atmosphere, the star of the show is their renowned sourdough bread. Crafted with time-honored techniques and using high-quality ingredients, this sourdough bread does not disappoint. Also, if you've never tried a Scandinavian-style cardamom bun, this is a good place to try it.

• Neighborhood: Covent Garden
• Address: 8 Earlham St, Covent Garden, Greater London, WC2H 9RY
• Website: fabrique.co.uk

Boxcar Cafe

What You're Ordering: Whatever Daily Special Looks Good

For a leisurely morning, Boxcar Café is a bustling neighborhood favorite that I really fell in love with. It is adorned with lots of plants and offers ample seating both inside and on a patio on the quiet square next to it. This cozy café offers a delectable selection of freshly baked goods, from flaky croissants to sweet tartlets, all made with locally sourced ingredients. I found the flavors rather unique, like a leek & potato stuffed croissant or rhubarb & mascarpone Danish. 

• Neighborhood: Marylebone
• Address: 19 Lonsdale Rd, Queen's Park, London NW6 6RA
• Website: boxcarcafe.co.uk

Chai Guys Bakehouse

What You're Ordering: Cardamom Bun

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Chai Guys Bakehouse is a cute Indian-inspired bakery with indoor seating. Founded by Gabriel and Abhilash, who drew inspiration from their Indian heritage and culinary journeys, this charming spot is renowned for its traditional Masala Chai and the cardamom milk bun. I am something of a cardamom bun lover, thanks to all my trips to Scandinavia, and I thought this one had a really good cardamom flavor with a beautiful texture. It was moist yet pillowy with a beautiful golden egg wash glaze on top. I do wish it had a sugar cardamom topping, but otherwise, it was quite lovely. 

• Neighborhood: Notting Hill
• Address: 193 Portobello Rd, London W11 2ED, UK
• Website: chaiguys.shop

Cheeky Scone

What You're Ordering: Sweet or Savory Scone

If you think scones are just for afternoon tea, Cheeky Scone is here to change your mind. This Notting Hill gem is all about reinventing the humble scone with bold flavors, playful toppings, and a whole lot of personality. Each scone is freshly baked on-site daily, with creative varieties like lemon drizzle, chocolate orange, and even savory options like cheddar and chive. You can order the scones plain, or with their signature clotted cream and homemade jams included. I think the toppings really take these scones to the next level. 

• Neighborhood: Notting Hill
• Address: 43 Pembridge Rd, London W11 3HG, UK
• Website: www.cheekyscone.com 

Fortitude

What You're Ordering: Beignet of the Day

Saving my favorite for last! Fortitude Bakehouse is celebrated for its artisanal sourdough cakes and pastries. Honestly, I loved it. No notes. Emphasizing natural fermentation and seasonal ingredients, Fortitude offers a unique selection of baked goods and a rotating menu. You’ll always find something different, but they are most famous for their beignets (cream puffs for American readers), which emerge fresh from the oven daily at 11:00 AM.

Similar to other popular bakeries on this list, there is often a line at Fortitude. Come early or on weekdays to avoid the longest lines. 

I don’t have a huge sweet tooth, so I opted for something savory, which was the roasted garlic & cream cheese croissant roll. I won’t be forgetting this baked treat any time soon. The garlic flavor was amazing! Another favorite was the caramelized onion, goat & olive focaccia. I found it so spongy and moist, yet full of great toppings and flavor.

• Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
• Address: 35 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JD, UK
• Website: www.fortitudebakehouse.com 

Have thoughts or questions about this London bakery guide? Tell me in the comments!