Where to find pastries, artisan bread and doughnuts
Find the best bakeries in London with this compact, streetwise guide. Start your day with fresh, warm bakes from spots across Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown and the Strand. Head out for artisan bread that London fans rave about, or pick up photogenic pastries for a quick break between sights. Use this guide to discover where to find pastries in London, from delicate tarts to filled doughnuts. We point you to top rated London bakeries that blend quality with easy, grab-and-go service. Expect Japanese precision, Italian bomboloni, Scandinavian rolls and classic bagels. Each pick is local and practical, ideal for budget-conscious travellers who value central spots and solid basics. Use route ideas to link stops, or relax with coffee and a pastry at a market counter.
Sakurado Japanese Patisserie London, Covent Garden
Image / Uber Eats
Delicate Japanese sweet treats in Covent Garden, perfectly presented, ideal for a quick tea stop.
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What to expect
Find a compact, polished shop front and a counter of neatly presented Japanese sweets. Staff are welcoming and ready to explain flavours and suggest pairings. Seating is limited, so plan for takeaway during busy periods, or grab a small table by the window when available. Flavours are delicate, presentation is photogenic, and the vibe feels calm and friendly right in the heart of Covent Garden.
Plan your visit
Head out in the morning for smaller queues and easier seating. If short on time, order to take away and explore nearby streets. Ask staff for flavour notes and a tea suggestion, bring a camera for close-ups, then relax with a short, delicious pause between sightseeing or shopping.
Master Bun Pastry
Image / Wheree
Tiny Chinatown bakery, fresh bakes and melt-in-the-mouth treats
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What to expect
Arrive to a lively, pared-back counter and a display that does the talking. Staff are friendly and ready to recommend favourites, and the scent of fresh baking fills the air. Service is quick, making this a top spot for a brief stop or takeaway. Seating is limited, so plan to carry your order to a nearby bench or continue exploring the neighbourhood.
Plan your visit
Head in during the afternoon for the fullest selection, check Instagram for snapshots of today’s display, and order at the counter. Takeaway works well for a wander through Chinatown, while small groups can share a few items between them. Expect a short queue at busy times, and ask staff for their top picks.
Bombolone Doughnuts
Image / Bombolone Doughnuts
Cloud-soft bomboloni, city-made joy in every bite.
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What to expect
Expect a bright, compact shop with a playful, retro feel and a focus on quality. The display changes regularly, with small-batch bomboloni that are pillowy and generously filled. Staff are friendly and keen to guide choices, making the visit feel personal. Seating is limited, so this is often a grab-and-go delight, or a cosy pause if a table is free. The vibe is relaxed and upbeat, perfect for sweet-toothed explorers or a casual coffee-and-treat pit stop.
Plan your visit
Head there mid-morning for the freshest selection, or early afternoon for a quieter stroll and a relaxed takeaway. Arrive early on weekends if a specific flavour is wanted, and treat seating as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Ask staff for recommendations, share a few different flavours with friends, and pair a doughnut with a coffee to stretch the experience.
Crumbs & Doilies
Image / London On The Inside
A colourful sugar fix in Carnaby: premium bakes and picture-ready sweet treats.
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What to expect
Step into a lively, design-forward bakery where vibrant, carefully crafted bakes take centre stage. The team focuses on texture and bold flavour, with choices that include plant-based options for different dietary needs. Service is friendly and efficient, though seating is scarce, so expect a counter-style rhythm to the visit. Presentation is polished and very Instagram-worthy, making this a go-to stop for a sweet souvenir or a quick pick-me-up.
Plan your visit
Aim for a midweek or earlier visit to see the widest selection, and allow time for takeaway if seating is full. Perfect for a solo indulgence, a catch-up with friends, or picking up a colourful gift to take home. Pair the stop with a stroll through nearby streets to make the most of the area.
B Bagel Strand
Image / B Bagel Platters
A Strand morning essential: warm bagels, bright service and a proper London buzz.
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What to expect
A lively café vibe with fast, friendly counter service and a wide selection of freshly made bagels. Expect inventive topping combinations and reliable options for different dietary needs, explained clearly by staff. Space suits grab-and-go visitors as well as those who want to sit and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Popular with locals and passersby, the spot is praised for consistent quality and a cheerful atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a casual work break: pop in for takeaway if short on time, or stay to enjoy the café atmosphere. Busy roadside location makes it easy to combine with nearby sightseeing, theatres and green spaces. Bring a small backpack or tote if planning to take food away.
B Bagel Soho
Image / B Bagel
Fresh, chewy bagels and bold fillings, Soho's quick-hit spot for feel-good bites.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, energetic deli vibe, with staff working at pace to assemble generous, flavour-forward bagels. The menu balances classic pairings and inventive vegan choices, and juices and coffees make great accompaniments. Seating is limited to a few stools, so many guests take orders away. Lines form at peak times, but turnover is quick and portions feel satisfying, ideal for solo travellers, pairs or friends on the move.
Plan your visit
Aim for early morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the longest queues, order at the counter, then either perch on a stool if lucky or take the bagel to enjoy nearby. Bring patience during busy spells, the team moves quickly and the food rewards a short wait.
Bageriet
Image / Bageriet
A cosy slice of Sweden in Covent Garden, where pastries feel like home.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, warmly lit bakery with an open display of freshly made bakes and a buzzy, friendly atmosphere. The interior is small, with a handful of indoor seats and pavement tables that add to the charm. Staff are welcoming and efficient, keeping queues moving during busy periods. Popular with solo visitors, couples and families, it makes for a satisfying sweet stop while wandering Covent Garden, though seating can be scarce at peak times.
Plan your visit
Pop in during a wander through Covent Garden, it works well as a pause between shopping and sightseeing. For a calmer experience, aim for quieter hours and take the order to one of the pavement tables or a nearby bench. The compact interior means service is brisk, so this is an excellent spot for a quick, delicious interlude while exploring the neighbourhood.
Lever & Bloom Coffee
Image / Bakery and speciality coffee shop | Giant cinnamon buns | London
A cosy West End coffee hideaway, where freshly baked pastries and friendly service brighten mornings.
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What to expect
Expect an intimate, relaxed setting with an emphasis on quality and craft. The counter showcases an ever-changing selection of pastries, and staff greet guests with genuine warmth. Outdoor tables offer a front-row seat to West End life, while takeaway packaging means treats travel well. The space suits solo working mornings, friendly catch-ups, or a quick, memorable stop between nearby sights.
Plan your visit
Aim for a morning visit to see the selection at its freshest, or choose a quieter weekday slot for an easier seat. Outdoor tables are limited, so be prepared for a short wait at busier times. Takeaway is ideal for picnics or exploring the area, and the open-bakery vibe rewards anyone curious about the craft behind each bake.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Image / Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Sweet moments in Leadenhall Market, where pastries and market charm meet.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, atmospheric patisserie tucked beneath the market’s arched roofs, where carefully finished pastries and quality coffee take centre stage. Service tends to be friendly and efficient, suited to takeaway orders or a lingering cup at outdoor tables that are sheltered and heated. The striking Victorian architecture provides a photogenic backdrop, making this a favourite stop for commuters, shoppers and visitors seeking a refined sweet pause.
Plan your visit
Drop in during the morning for the freshest selection, or make it a mid-afternoon pause while exploring the City. Outdoor seating is available and heated, so dress for the weather and bring a camera for the market’s photogenic surroundings. Suits solo visitors, casual meet-ups and quick business breaks.