London’s best bakeries: The top places for sourdough, cakes and patisserie near you

There was a time when the phrase ‘British baked goods’ conjured up images of sausage rolls and suspiciously white Hovis, pre-sliced naturally.

However, now London’s artisan bakery scene is rising as fast as any of the following businesses’ cakes.

From Japanese-inspired custard buns to rosemary-infused pastry twists, London officially has a bake to suit every craving.

Hear are the best bakeries near you across the capital.

Little Bread Pedlar

34 Moreton Street, Pimlico, London, SW1V 2PD

Nichola Gensler and Martin Hardiman meeting by chance at a roller disco and deciding to open a bakery has to be one of our favourite founder’s stories of all time.

The deli delivery bikes that gave the company its name are no more, but Little Bread Pedlar (or LBP for those in the know) is still a byward for full-bodied, creamy sourdough in a burnished crust that has hints of caramel.

The secret behind the complex flavour is a closely-guarded combination of flours from different mills–and an absurdly talented team.

Tetote Factory

12 South Ealing Road, Ealing, London W5 4QA

This outstanding bakery turned 10 in 2021 and to celebrate handed out free budding bulbs to its many fans.

This is typical of Eisuke and Tomoe Tomita’s no fuss takeaway, which quietly produces the best Japanese pain in London as well as some of the fluffiest French baguettes.

Ealing locals know just how lucky they are, so order a day in advance to be on the safe side.

While you’re at it, better throw some of their incomparable vanilla custard buns in too.

Flor

1 Bedale Street, Borough, London SE1 9AL

James Lowe is a chef that really knows what he’s doing yet we were still initially surprised by the sheer gall of opening a wine bar come pastry shop.

Before swiftly asking ourselves why on earth there aren’t more of them?

All of their delicate treats are worth a go but the signature lardy bun laminated in pork fat and studded with brandy-soaked raisins is an icon for a reason.

Lanka

9 Goldhurst Terrace, South Hampstead, London NW6 3HX

On the face of it, Lanka is a somewhat confusing proposition: a Japanese couple selling french patisserie in a shop named after Sri Lanka because they’re a fan of Ceylon tea.

However, a glance at the cake counter will instantly reassure you that you’re in safe hands.

Masayuki Hara has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Le Gavroche, and his bakes are elegant in the extreme.

The bestselling green tea strawberry cake is a masterclass in understated brilliance: simply three-layers of sponge sandwiched together with fresh cream.

Get there by lunchtime to guarantee a slice or forever hold your peace.

Pophams

197 Richmond Road, Hackneym London E8 3NJ & 19 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF

Fans of Pophams will tell you it’s not just a bakery, it’s a lifestyle.

This absurdly photogenic pasta restaurant and bakery had so many enquiries about where they source their ceramics they’ve opened an online homewares shop, but it’s still the pastries that are the real works of art.

Tangy marmite and spring onion swirls, rhubarb and cardamom custard and rosemary and sea salt twists are just a few of the delights on offer, but as menus change daily there’s always an excuse to come back.