My favourite bakeries in London-ロンドンでパン活/美味さを求めて①
When you think of bread, do you think of France? And when you think of France, do you think of baguettes? That kind of thinking is pretty outdated. These days, London is a place where anything goes—and everything tastes great.
Over the past few years, a wave of bakeries has popped up all over the city. One of the wonderful things about London is that you can always find just the right thing to match your mood—something delicious, something you’re craving, something perfect for the day.
Out of the many bakeries to choose from, I’ll be introducing a few standout spots you definitely should try—split into two parts.
Best Bakeries in London 絶対行きたいロンドンのパン屋さん
〰️
Best Bakeries in London 絶対行きたいロンドンのパン屋さん 〰️
35 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JD
Since 2018, this must-visit bakery has been quietly tucked away in a side street near Russell Square Station—and yes, expect a queue. It’s not just a local favourite; they also supply wholesale and catering services to many spots across London, making it a well-established name in the city’s bakery scene.
Their naturally leavened sourdough bread is a true standout. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that London’s current sourdough boom started right here. Sourdough is said to be richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than other types of bread—some even claim it helps fight aging. And with that kind of promise, how can you not give it a try?
Their signature item? The cream-filled beignets, available daily from 11:00 AM, are wildly popular and sell out fast. I once went just after noon and they were already gone… So if you’re a cream lover, set an alarm—these are not to be missed.
My personal favorite has to be the apple custard. It’s crisp on the outside, with the crunch of demerara sugar, and the custard inside is rich but not overly sweet. I also love that they offer a great selection of savory options. Always a plus!
385 Geffrye St, London E2 8HZ
This time, I visited their Hoxton location, just a stone’s throw from the Museum of the Home and Banksy’s “Boy, CCTV Pigeon and Flower” mural.
The story begins in 2008, when a Swedish couple—who met while working part-time at a bakery—fell in love and opened their first shop in Stockholm. What started as a small venture has since grown into a beloved bakery brand with multiple locations in Sweden, London, and New York.
Their sourdough bread, made with exceptional skill and care, has gained a loyal following. One of the bakery’s standout features is its commitment to using only fresh, natural ingredients, sourced directly from small-scale local producers and farmers. Everything is baked in traditional stone ovens, adding to the artisanal quality.
One recommendation I can’t leave out is their cardamom bread, a Nordic classic. The dough, enriched with melted butter, has a rich, satisfying flavour—and every bite is soaked with buttery syrup and the refreshing aroma of cardamom. It’s a must-try, especially for those who’ve grown tired of the usual cinnamon rolls.
You’ll also find branches in Fitzrovia, Notting Hill, Covent Garden, High Holborn, and Chelsea.
3 Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, WC2H 9DP
St. John, best known for its “nose-to-tail” philosophy, runs not only a restaurant but also a cheese shop, wine shop, and a bakery. The restaurant itself leans a bit toward the adventurous side—some dishes might be considered an acquired taste, as they truly use every part of the animal. It definitely pairs well with their excellent wine and cheese.
But what about the bread? The star of their bakery is, without a doubt, the doughnuts. When I visited in the afternoon, I managed to snag the very last custard doughnut. They also offer other flavors like jam and chocolate cream.
Compared to other bakeries, the prices are relatively reasonable—mine was £3.90—and the place still feels like something of a hidden gem. Plus, you can pick up a bottle of wine while you’re there. Win-win.
4. Toklas
9 Surrey Street, London, WC2R 2ND
Just a stone’s throw from Temple Station, this bakery opened in 2021 and has recently become one of my personal obsessions.
There’s also an adjoining restaurant, both of which were founded by the creator of the contemporary art magazine Frieze. The bakery’s name comes from artist Toklas, and the vibrant, slightly pop-art interior definitely reflects that creative influence.
The pastries here are each unique, both visually and flavour-wise. And by the way—the coffee is excellent, too! This time, I tried the cheese and leek brioche and the cardamom bun.
Their signature item is the cardamom bun. The outside is delicately caramelized and crisp, while the inside is moist and rich, with a satisfying weight to it. They also offer a great range of savoury options, and the brioche—fluffy inside with a golden crust—was absolutely delicious.
On sunny days, do as the Londoners do and enjoy your treats along the riverside. And for takeaway, the prices are surprisingly reasonable compared to other trendy spots.
9 Mercer Street The Yards, Covent Garden WC2H 9QJ
Recently ranked #2 in Time Out’s “Best Bakeries in London”, this spot has quickly become a must-visit. With two locations in London, the newer Duke Street branch tends to be a bit less crowded. At the Covent Garden location, there are separate queues for dine-in and takeaway—proof of just how popular and buzzworthy this place really is.
The pastries here blend classic French patisserie techniques with Japanese and Asian-inspired flavours. It’s a social media favourite, often going viral—and it’s not just hype. Even professional pastry chefs give it their seal of approval.
The signature item is the honey butter toast, made fresh on-site. The exterior is perfectly crisp, while the inside stays delightfully chewy. The balance between the sweetness of honey and the richness of butter is simply divine. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Sadly, the miso escargot was sold out when I visited, so I went with the pistachio escargot instead—which was still fantastic. Next time, I’m definitely going back for that miso flavour.
5 New Row, London WC2N 4LH
In addition to Covent Garden, there are also locations in Marylebone and Ealing—three branches in total.
When it comes to birthday cakes, it has to be a strawberry shortcake. It’s that classic Japanese flavour that’s surprisingly hard to find elsewhere. With its delicate decoration and subtle flavours, it makes a wonderful gift as well.
They also offer savoury items like katsu sandwiches.
And don’t miss the matcha latte—it’s absolutely exceptional. You can really taste the rich, deep flavour of authentic matcha—something you only get at a true Japanese-style café. (Let’s just say it’s a very different experience from a certain green-logoed coffee chain…)
No matter when you go, the Mont Blanc is always popular. I tried their seasonal sakura Mont Blanc for spring, and it was delightful—the gentle aroma of cherry blossoms paired beautifully with the rich, creamy filling.
