10 London Bakeries and Cafes you really must try

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me or follows me (hi digital friends), that I thoroughly enjoy exploring and discovering coffee and pastry stops around London.

My google maps is starred with wish-listed and favourited places, my Instagram feed often suggests bakery themed content, and my camera roll is a gradient of pastry browns and café aesthetics.

I’ve increasingly become the person who arranges coffee dates over a vino date, preferring the morning brew for a catch up vs the evening ABV's.

Why, you may ask, in a city that has so many night time watering holes to offer, do I lean in favour of the morning cafe jaunt?

It’s the enjoyment of consuming the purchased goods, of course. The flaky, buttery goodness of a twice baked croissant, or the smell of freshly ground beans being pressed by the artistic skills of Barista. But, the true make or break to a coffee moment, is the the atmosphere London bakeries and cafes offer. London is a city of so much opportunity and excitement, to catch it in those morning moments, when there's a sense of calmness across the streets - it's magic, when the hustling isn't bustling yet.

Sitting on the cusp of a new day; in the Summer the Sun already up for hours, Autumn or Winter it may only just be beginning to light the sky, the cooler greyer external brightened by the glow of a cafe's interior. In these morning moments, there is so much potential to what you can see, feel, experience, achieve in the hours to follow.

The soundtrack accompanying the experience inspires the soul for the day ahead, the hum of a coffee machine, the rustle of a pastry being packaged into a paper bag, combined with a melody of polite-mannered morning customers.

By no means is the following an exhaustive list, but it's a great place to start if you're looking for a coffee date meeting spot. So please, from bakery-café, to coffee holes and corners, enjoy the city delights that delight me, and add a little morning-charm to your weekend too, with this list of London bakeries and cafes to try.

And if it means you venture to a new pocket of London, then bonus points from me - there is so much of London to explore, why not map it via coffee and croissants?

Kossoffs

This Kentish Town must, popped up while I was living around the corner a couple of years ago, and to say I visited daily isn't an exaggeration. That was until I realised I could save £15 a week if I made coffee at home during the week instead.

Their coffee is great (and cheap for London coffee), their croissant is twice baked crispy flaky goodness, their focaccia is divine and their sourdough is incredibly satisfying.

Layla W10

This Notting Hill gem is well worth the visit. It's more of an outdoor seating/take away spot, so perhaps plan to meet here and then wander down Portobello Rd with your treats. The display may bring on an indecisive melt down, but it will be the good type of melt down that culminates in tantalising enjoyment, so don't worry.

I opted for the butter croissant which went down a treat and my friend had the chocolate pistachio number. My second visit will definitely involve the cinnamon bun, but let me know what you try if you go/have been - help a girl out with the aforementioned indecisive melt-down.

Jolene (Favourite Branch: Hornsey Rd)

Ah Jolene, honestly this place just oozes the epitome of calm, inspiring café atmosphere. I often come early, to sit and write before the crowd builds up. But even when there's a crowd, the décor and interiors keep it calm, nurturing positive energy to start your weekend.

I've always enjoyed their coffee, and I frequent their sourdough, while also enjoying their croissant from time to time. If you happen to be near by around Easter - do not miss the opportunity to try their hot cross bun (and no they won't be on sale here on Dec 26th).

Gail’s (Favourite branches: Kentish Town, Chelsea, Kensington High Street, Paddington, Barnes, Notting Hill)

Not original, but can't be left off a list of London bakeries and cafes to visit. I'm all for boutique coffee stops, but I have to admit I am a fan of a good ol' classic Gail's bundle. It was the first café I ever visited when I moved to London, sitting with my laptop most mornings applying for jobs, searching Spareroom - so perhaps I grew a sentimental affinity to it.

Either way, they are an easy and ever-reliable option when looking for a coffee or bite to eat.

They're easy to deal with, there's continuity in what they deliver no matter which branch you visit, and they really do have something for everyone.

The Roasting Party

I've doubled up on Pavilion Road here, but the two neighbours are worth the mention. The Roasting Party is a vibey little coffee and treat stop. It's like a tiny art deco living room, with coffee that hits and I love visiting whenever I'm nearby. An easy option for a Saturday morning before stopping for lunch at Duke of York Square Market.

Chestnut Bakery (Favourite branch: Covent Garden)

The location of this one, plus their delicious display really won me over here. I visited for a solo coffee date to do some writing in my Aspinal, and the charm of the setting in a London laneway really struck my soul and has stayed with me ever since. As for their pastries, well they just won UK Best Croissant of 2024, so if you weren't convinced already I say it's time you swing by.

England's Lane

A cute Belsize Park neighbourhood coffee stop. If eating in is your thing they have plenty of seating inside, for those on the go they have a take away window that connects from the outside so you can meet up, pat some cute pooches and grab a take away before walking around the gorgeous streets of Belsize Park, or take in Primrose Hill view, or get lost wondering in the paths of Hampstead Heath. Excellent coffee to accompany a charming weekend morning walk.

WatchHouse (Favourite branches: Seven Dials & Hanover)

I always feel so at ease visiting a WatchHouse. Their interiors nurture a vibe for the slow lane days, or creative inspiration days. A solo date or date with friend, conversation exchanged or simply sit with a pastry, coffee and a book - an easy and soothing way to pass an hour.

Bread Ahead (Favourite branch: Pavillion Rd)

As the name suggests they do bread (and pastries) WELL! Perfect for the mid morning cravings or any time of day craving. An array of options, this bustling spot also serves up sourdough pizza if you're visiting closer to lunch time.

Check them out on Instagram for all their locations - you never know, you might be closer to one than you think!

Aux Merveilleux de Fred (Favourite Branch: Leadenhall Markets)

I stumbled across this unintentionally, and it was a delightful surprise. Tucked into the stunning Leadenhall Markets (Harry Potter vibes anyone?), it's already impressive on the approach. But stepping into this chandelier clad café, it impresses once more.

The staff are cheery, the French treats on offer are tasty and the coffee soothing. Grabbing a bite here to wonder through the Harry Potter-esque vibes of Leadenhall Markets is a charming way to spend a Saturday morning.

I may be always hunting a croissant, but I can't be everywhere at once (as much as I may wish it). The following are at the top of my need-to-try-asap list - I'd love to hear your thoughts on them if you get to them before me!

Finks - ok, technically it's not a pastry it's their ice cream sandwich I want to try. But it's still high on the list.

Notting Hill Bakery - Cute Portobello corner - I've been past when there was a long line, eager to go early one weekend to get a seat to sip, eat and people watch.

Arome - their pastry display is everything and I am so eager to try! Another one I'd like to visit early, to get a seat and write the hours away.

Butter and Crust - this one is for when you don't feel like venturing out, or it's a comfy Saturday morning in type of vibe. They deliver fresh pastries to your door before 9am!! I'm yet to try them, but they look SO GOOD!

Fortitude - I've actually visited here but still not tried their Beignet, which I think is what it's all about? The cobble-stoned lane way, bakehouse set up oozes old style London, which adds to the visit.

Well, that's all from me for now on London Bakeries and Cafes to try. Be sure to message me below or on my Contact page if you get along to one soon, I'd love to hear what you think!

Happy coffee'ing.

See you again soon,

Dani xx