My favourite bakeries in London-ロンドンでパン活/美味さを求めて②
This is the second instalment of my previous bread-hunting blog.
There are still so many more places to cover—far too many to fit in here.
I’ll be introducing only the ones I actually visited, tasted for myself, and genuinely found delicious.
Best Bakeries in London 絶対行きたいロンドンのパン屋さん
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Best Bakeries in London 絶対行きたいロンドンのパン屋さん 〰️
1. Happy sky bakery
40 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UT
A bright and welcoming bakery where everyone gathers – opened by a Japanese woman named Motoko.
Following the Askew Road branch, a new location has recently opened near Tottenham Court Road Station, and there’s always a queue even before the doors open. I waited 20 minutes to finally get my hands on some treats – but it was well worth the wait!
The official website even lists the approximate times each type of bread comes out of the oven, so it’s worth checking beforehand and timing your visit.
British sliced bread tends to be... rather thin. So thin, in fact, that if you toast it, it turns completely hard and crunchy all the way through. I really missed Japan’s thick, fluffy slices of bread – and now I can get them here.
They even sell yakisoba-pan (fried noodle buns) and katsu sando (pork cutlet sandwiches). Unfortunately, they weren’t available when I visited this time, so I picked up the mochi croissant, matcha croissant, and honey toast instead. I’m definitely going back for the yakisoba-pan someday.
The Askew Road branch has a wider selection, while this central location is easier to get to. However, it’s takeaway only, and as each customer is served with care, it can take a little time.
117-119 Essex Road, London, N1 2SN
A bakery that’s been featured several times by the BBC and Time Out magazine,
it was started by Sophia and Jesse during lockdown as a way to support their local community.
Sophia grew up in Germany as the daughter of a baker and has been a passionate home baker all her life. It had always been her dream to one day open her own bakery and share her delicious baked goods with others.
Within just a few weeks of opening, the bakery had become so popular that long queues began forming outside their small flat – and they quickly ran out of space. It’s said that three more branches will be opening in 2025. They also sell some charming original merchandise.
Their crispy key lime ribbon croissant is a real standout – you can practically hear the crunch.
19 Prebend Street, London, N1 8PF
Another bakery located in the Islington area of London, about a 10-minute walk from Sourdough Sophia.
They also have a branch over in Victoria Park, on the east side of the city.
This spot functions as both a craft bakery and restaurant, where traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients are used to create beautifully handmade pastries and fresh pasta. They also sell wine and lifestyle goods in the adjoining shop.
Despite not being in central London, this bakery also draws long queues – and the most popular items tend to sell out quickly. I tried their almond croissant, one of their recommended offerings. The almond paste wasn’t overly sweet and was perfectly blended – it was delicious. It’s available only on weekends.
Since opening in 2017, their Maple & Bacon has enjoyed immense popularity. The crispy bacon topping paired with sweet syrup creates an unusual combination, but it works wonderfully. It’s a rich and mellow treat you won’t find at other bakeries.
Borough Market, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE
Possibly the most delicious doughnut shop in London?!
It’s a chain with several branches across the city.
The one in Borough Market is closed on Mondays, as the market itself doesn’t open that day. On other days, you can watch the doughnuts being made in the kitchen at the back.
Their crème brûlée doughnut is a standout and the most popular item. They also offer seasonal fruit cream varieties, which are a delight just to look at.
They run baking classes as well, and a few years ago, they opened a shop where you can enjoy afternoon tea. In addition to the full afternoon tea experience, you can also opt for a cream tea. I’m planning to try it next time!
Afternoon tea is served at their Chelsea location:
The Tea House, 249 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London, SW1X 0BP
Dalston: Abbot Street Car Park, E8 3DP
This bakery proudly took the number one spot in Time Out's recent “Best Bakeries in London” list.
And the name? Brilliant! It conjures up the image of someone throwing their fist in the air, covered in flour, kneading dough with passion. The staff even wear T-shirts with a little fist illustration – I told them I loved it and wanted one, but sadly, they’re not for sale...
It’s not located in central London, but definitely worth the journey. This place is best known for its sourdough bread. Early in the morning, you’ll see plenty of people queuing up with their tote bags in hand.
This time I tried the cinnamon roll and croissant, both delicious. Next time, I’m going back for the sourdough! The coffee here is also excellent.
6. Jolene
21 Newington Green London N16 9PU
Last but not least, this restaurant-slash-bakery – also featured in the Michelin Guide.
I always seem to be drawn more to the savoury than the sweet, and this time was no exception – I went for the classic ham and cheese combo. Just look at the photo – you can almost hear the crispiness. And yes, it really was that crispy!
It was fresh out of the oven, so the cheese inside was still piping hot. Ham and cheese is always a winning combination, but here, you can tell the quality is something special from the very first bite.
Definitely worth popping in if you’re nearby – and next time, I’d love to try the restaurant too.
A place I’ll absolutely be returning to!
