We’re diving into one of life’s big questions—do the bakeries topping everyone’s London bucket list really live up to the hype? With the constant stream of TikTok videos and significant travel time required to get to some of the suggested hot spots, I set out to try for myself the city’s most talked-about bakeries and coffee spots. It wasn’t an easy task (sampling delicious pastries and coffee, tough job, right?).

Why bother to trust my findings? With a background as a pastry chef, including stints at Boulangerie Eric Kayser and several Michelin-starred kitchens, my standards for pastries are sky-high—here’s my verdict on London’s finest.

Pophams

Vibe: Artisan Pastry Haven

Address: 19 Prebend St, Islington, London N1 8PF

Open daily

Nestled on a lovely neighborhood street across from a small park and church, this was THE gathering place for all kinds of locals—families and friends alike. Pophams is known for its creative pastries, from fennel to bacon maple croissants (their rosemary-infused maple and bacon creation is a local legend). However, the cardamom bun or honey and smoked sea salt buns are my favorite.

The Dusty Knuckle

Vibe: Hip, Sustainable Bakery

Address: 429 Green Lanes, Harringay Warehouse District, London N4 1DQ

Open daily

The Dusty Knuckle is an award-winning spot that started in a shipping container and now thrives with a bigger café and bakery space. Yes, walk down the mildly sketchy alley, you’re not lost! Their sourdough is rustic, their pastries delicious, and they’re serious about sustainability. Try literally anything (though the potato loaf is legendary), or maybe grab one of their sandwiches for lunch. My favorites are the sticky bun and the honey feta fennel pastry.

Bageriet Bakery

Vibe: Cozy Swedish Delights

Address: 24 Rose St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9EA

Closed: Sundays

This tiny Swedish bakery tucked in Covent Garden is an authentic slice of Scandinavia in the city (I’m not exaggerating—I was the only customer who didn’t also speak Swedish). Known for its delicious cardamom buns and traditional treats like semla, Bageriet rightly ranks among the top must-visit London bakeries.

Fortitude Bakehouse

Vibe: Artisan Baking with a Twist

Address: 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1JA

Open daily

Fortitude Bakehouse in Bloomsbury bakes delicious, slow-fermented pastries using ancient grains. This is the place to go for creative bakes like their incredible beignets (which come out at 11:00 a.m.) and, of course, my favorite, their cinnamon bun. The cozy vibe and unique menu make it a must-visit for foodies and baking enthusiasts alike.

Sourdough Sophia

Vibe: Handcrafted, Community-Driven

Address: 117-119 Essex Road, London N1 2SN

Open daily

With its few locations, Sourdough Sophia is all about delicious artisan bread, pastries, and community vibes. Their bread is made with organic ingredients (and love, of course) with interesting additions like charcoal. The chocolate babka and seasonal cruffin flavors are sure bets for pastries.

Fabrique

Vibe: Classic Swedish Bakery

Address: 239 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 1LT

Open daily

Fabrique has several locations across London, making it easy to get your fix of traditional Swedish sourdough and pastries. Their cardamom (or cinnamon) buns are the real hit, ideal with a cup of coffee.

Nagare Coffee

Vibe: Modern Coffee Experience

Address: 2 Haggerston Studios, 284 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4DN

Open daily

Located right next to Spitalfields Market, Nagare Coffee is a favorite for serious coffee lovers. They serve expertly crafted pour-overs, espresso drinks, and a few select bakes to complement the coffee. The minimalist decor makes for a great spot to unwind or catch up with friends while enjoying top-notch brews.

Honorable mention: Quince Bakery

Vibe: Elevated Neighborhood Bakery

Address: 267 New N Road, London N1 7AA

Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

In my eternal shame, I just couldn’t make it before Quince Bakery closed for the week on this trip… But it should DEFINITELY be on your list of must-visits!

Enjoy diving into London’s bakery scene!

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