13 best bakeries in London

Discover FLO London readers' top choices of bakeries in London.

As autumn arrives, it's a great time to enjoy a cozy cup of tea or coffee with some tasty pastries at one of London's many bakeries. We asked our readers for their favorite bakeries in London, and the list we've put together reflects your go-to places for enjoying delicious pastries. From traditional to innovative options, these bakeries are reshaping London's pastry scene, offering everything from sourdough bread to mouthwatering doughnuts. Whether you prefer savory treats or sweet pastries, London's diverse bakery scene has something to satisfy every craving. Check out the top 13 bakeries in London chosen by our readers, and we can't agree more!

Kuro Bakery

Image: Kuro Bakery. Notting Hill. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Kuro Bakery is an extension of the beloved Notting Hill coffee house, Kuro, founded by the dynamic duo Julian Victoria and Jacob Van Nieuwkoop. Led by head baker Adam Morley, their daily offerings include sourdough, pastries, the traditional Japanese milk bread Shokupan, and their signature must-try pastry called Sakuras – wheel-shaped croissant rolls filled with cream. We personally adore their delightful danishes as well. Kuro is an absolute must-visit in the Notting Hill neighborhood.

Location: 95 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ. Instagram: @kuro__london. Website: kuro-london.com

Karma Bread

Image: Za’atar and Pinenuts twist. Karma Bread. @karma_bread.

#FLODown: Karma Bread, founded by "Challah Queen" Baker Tami Isaacs Pearce, began as a small baking passion but quickly grew into a beloved micro bakery in Hampstead, established in July 2015. Known for its handcrafted sourdough, pastries, babkah, and Tami's famous challah bread, Karma Bread also offers delightful weekend doughnuts and a popular three-cheese grilled sandwich. Drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions, this bakery uses pure, additive-free ingredients to create a mouthwatering menu that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat to take home. They have a second location in Brent Cross Town.

Location: (Hampstead) 13 South End Road, Hampstead, London NW3 2PT and (Brent Cross) 13 Claremont Way, Brent Cross, London NW2 1AJ. Instagram: @karma_bread Website: karmabread.co.uk.

Miel Bakery

Image: Hazelnut and chocolate filled Pain au Chocolat. Miel Bakery. @mielbakery.

#FLODown: Miel, a French patisserie near Warren Street station, is a dream realised by owner and chef Shaheen Peerbhai, a Le Cordon Bleu and Alain Ducasse-trained chef. The bakery offers a delightful range of bread, cookies, and viennoiserie, with standout items like their Hazelnut and chocolate filled Pain au Chocolat and double chocolate Valrhona chocolate cookies. With its demure teal storefront, Miel is a charming spot in Fitzrovia that offers an authentic taste of France in London. Don't miss the chance to enjoy coffee and their tasty praline-filled Paris-Brest on their charming terrace.

Location: 57 Warren St, London W1T 5NR. Instagram: @mielbakery. Website: mielbakery.co.uk

St John Bakery

Image: Pistachio doughnuts. St John Bakery. @st.john.restaurant.

#FLODown: St. John Bakery, an extension of the acclaimed St. John Bread and Wine restaurant in London, is a popular and beloved spot. Located in Neal's Yard and Bermondsey, the bakery boasts a diverse selection of bread, pastries, and more, with their English white tin loaf being a standout. Sourcing ingredients locally, such as dairy from Neal's Yard, they offer seasonal jam doughnuts that are a must-try, especially the pistachio flavour. In Covent Garden, they provide a selection of French wines to complement their delicious pastries. St. John Bakery has earned its reputation as a cherished destination for exceptional baked goods in London.

Location: 3 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP. Other locations: Bakery Arch, Bermondsey. Instagram: @st.john.restaurant. Website: stjohnrestaurant.com.

Toklas Cafe & Bakery

Image: Potato & 'nduja Strecci. Toklas Bakery. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Toklas is a spacious and inviting bakery located near Somerset House. They offer a delightful selection of sweet and savoury pastries, including blackberry and mascarpone danish and marmalade basque cheesecake. They also feature hearty sourdough sandwiches, and their standout feature is the Roman-style strecci pizza slices with creative toppings like classic courgette and goat’s curd. Whether you're in the mood for a to-go breakfast or want to relax in their calming cafe, Toklas has you covered. Toklas is an art-inspired venture by the founders of the Frieze Art Fair, Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional baked goods in the Temple area. And now, Toklas has recently introduced late-night openings, allowing you to indulge in delicious Streccis paired with Negronis starting from 5.30 pm on specific evenings. Click here to discover more about this exciting offering!

Location: 1 Surrey Street, WC2R 2ND. Instagram: @toklas_bakery. Website: toklaslondon.com

Arôme Bakery

Image: Arôme Bakery. Duke Street. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Arôme Bakery skilfully combines French patisserie techniques with Singaporean and Japanese flavours. Co-founded by Singaporean restaurateur Ellen Chew and French-born pâtissier Alix André, their freshly baked pastries are a harmonious blend of French and Asian influences. From traditional croissants to inventive creations like miso bacon escargot, their offerings are a delightful fusion of tastes. Be sure to try their signature Arôme Honey Butter Toast, featuring shokupan bread with a crunchy honey crust, and their seriously good lemon curd meringue tart!

Location: (Covent Garden) 9 Mercer Street WC2H 9QJ. (Mayfair) 27 Duke Street W1U 1LE. Instagram: @aromebakerylondon. Website: aromebakery.co.uk.

Forno

Image: Forno Bakery. Hackney. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Forno, an Italian bakery in Hackney, is a spin-off of the beloved Ombra restaurant. It offers various pastries, biscuits, tarts, and fresh bread, including ciabattas and focaccias. What makes Forno unique is its famous maritozzi – sweet pastries with creamy filling and a fluffy, slightly sticky dough. Additionally, they also have fresh pasta for home cooking and crispy-crusted pizzas. If you're in the mood for authentic Italian baked goods and more, Forno is the place to be.

Location: 332 Andrews Road, Hackney E8 4QF. Instagram: @forno.london. Website: forno.london.

Fortitude Bakehouse

Image: Blackberry danish with honey cream. Fortitude Bakehouse. @fortitudebakehouse.

#FLODown: Fortitude Bakehouse, nestled near Russell Square in Bloomsbury, is a local gem celebrated for its tasty pastries and baked goods. Co-founded by Dee Rettali and Jorge Fernandez, this bakery offers treats like flaky sausage rolls, custard and strawberry morning buns, and spinach and feta-stuffed pastries. The bakery is famous for its focaccia slices, their very tasty blackberry and cream Danish, and soft serve on Moroccan doughnuts. Open from early morning until around 3 pm, it's crucial to arrive early, as they often sell out by mid-afternoon. They also serve single-farm coffee, all of which can be enjoyed on their outdoor benches.

Location: 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1JD. Instagram: @fortitudebakehouse. Website: fortitudebakehouse.com.

Layla Bakery

Image: Plum Danish. Layla Bakery. Notting Hill.

#FLODown: Layla Bakery, quietly nestled in Ladbroke Grove, West London, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to tradition. Since opening its doors in March 2021, it has become a beloved neighbourhood spot, offering a delightful range of baked goods, including pastries, sandwiches, and bread crafted with wild grains. The bakery also serves loose tea and coffee from Brixton's Assembly Roasters, creating a comfortable space for enjoying their artisanal treats, —our personal favourites being their plum danish with buckwheat cream and oat crumble, as well as their sensational cookies. Whether you're stopping by for a quick snack or seeking a cozy spot for a catch-up, Layla Bakery is a charming neighbourhood bakery that offers just that!

Location: 332 Portobello Road, London W10 5SA. Instagram: @layla_w10. Website: laylabakery.com.

Jolene

Image: Plum Danish. Jolene Redchurch St. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Jolene's Newington Green location is a beloved bakery and all-day dining spot in East London. Owned by the team behind Primeur and Westerns Laundry, it's renowned for its fresh bread and daily baked goods. During the day, it offers brunch and bakery items, transforming into an intimate candlelit restaurant in the evening, featuring a small-plates menu. The Redchurch Street location is a must-visit for coffee and treats like raspberry custard buns, danishes, spinach and feta croissants, almond croissants, and double chocolate cookies. Act quickly, as they tend to sell out fast! Additionally, there's another bakery on Colebrooke Row serving delicious treats, sandwiches, and a selection of outstanding bread.

Location: (Newington Green): 22 Newington Green, London N16 9PU. Other locations: (Redchurch): 67 Redchurch St, London E2 7DJ and (Colebrooke Row): 16 Essex Rd, London N1 8AA. Instagram: @joleneredchurch. Website: jolenen16.com.

Lily Vanilli Bakery

Image: Lily Vanilli Bakery. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Nestled in the heart of Bethnal Green, just steps away from Columbia Road, Lily Vanilli's bakery awaits. It's renowned for its inventive cakes and pastries, and Lily Vanilli, aka Lily Jones, is celebrated for her one-of-a-kind cake creations. The bakery welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, and is the perfect spot for a cup of coffee paired with a delightful treat, especially if you've been strolling through the nearby Columbia Road flower market.

Location: The Courtyard, 18 Ezra Street, E2 7RH. Instagram: @lily_vanilli_cake. Website: lilyvanilli.com.

Uncle Johns Bakery

Image: Twister Bread. Uncle Johns Bakery. @unclejohnsbakery.

#FLODown: Uncle Johns Bakery is a Ghanaian specialist bakery in South Tottenham, known for its handmade breads, cakes, and pies, rooted in family recipes passed down for generations. Their offerings are highly regarded in North London and you can also find their products in selected Tesco and Morrison's supermarkets. Don't miss their irresistible sweet bread and signature meat pies filled with flavorful mince and carrots.

Location: 76 West Green Rd, Tottenham, London, N15 5NS. Instagram: @unclejohnsbakery. Website: theunclejohnsbakery.com.

buns from home

Image: Buns Black Forest. buns from home. @bunsfromhome.

#FLODown: Buns from Home is a bakery founded during lockdown by brothers Barney and Gabriel. They started by delivering homemade cinnamon buns to their Notting Hill neighbours and have since expanded to six London locations. Known for their tender and chewy buns, they offer various flavours like cardamom and banana bread, as well as decadent dessert buns filled with cheesecake and tiramisu. They also have savoury options like rosemary focaccia and spinach and feta-stuffed buns. Don't miss out on their weekend specials, which include epic flavours like blueberry lemon curd and Snickers buns!

Locations: Multiple locations. Click here for more. Instagram: @bunsfromhome. Website: bunsfromhome.com.