5 Places to Get the Best Artisanal Croissants in Central London
Craving a perfectly flaky, buttery croissant but don't fancy the trek to a bakery? Let Butter & Crust deliver freshly baked artisanal pastries right to your doorstep.
While our weekend baked goods delivery service ensures you can enjoy top-notch croissants without leaving home, we understand that sometimes you might want to explore London's vibrant bakery scene.
For those occasions, we've compiled a list of five outstanding independent bakeries in Central London where you can savour some of the city's best artisanal croissants.
1. Aux Pains de Papy
Located in the heart of Fitzrovia, Aux Pains de Papy is a charming French bakery that brings a slice of Paris to London.
Their croissants are widely regarded as some of the best in the city, with a perfect balance of buttery layers and a delicate, crisp exterior.
What to try: While their classic butter croissant is a must, don't miss their almond croissant, which is generously filled with frangipane and topped with sliced almonds.
Address: 279 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8QF
2. Arôme Bakery
Nestled in Covent Garden, Arôme Bakery is a relatively new addition to London's bakery scene, but it has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional pastries.
Founded by patissier Alix Andre and backed by Michelin-starred chef Joakim Prat, Arôme offers a fusion of French techniques and Asian flavours.
What to try: Their signature croissant is a marvel of lamination, but for something unique, try their black sesame croissant or the intriguing miso caramel version.
Address: 9 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9QJ
3. Pophams Bakery
With locations in Hackney, Islington, and London Fields, Pophams has become a favourite among Londoners for its innovative approach to pastries.
While they're perhaps best known for their creative filled croissants, their classic butter croissant is a thing of beauty in its own right.
What to try: The classic butter croissant is excellent, but if you're feeling adventurous, try one of their seasonal specials, which have included flavours like bacon and maple syrup or rosemary and sea salt.
Address: 19 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF (Islington location)
4. Jolene
Situated in Newington Green, Jolene is more than just a bakery - it's a restaurant, wine bar, and community hub. However, their baked goods, particularly their croissants, are worth a special trip.
What sets Jolene apart is their commitment to using heritage grains, which they mill themselves.
What to try: Their classic croissant is outstanding, with a depth of flavour that comes from the high-quality, freshly milled flour they use.
Address: 21 Newington Green, London N16 9PU
5. Flor
While primarily known as a wine bar and restaurant in Borough Market, Flor's bakery arm has gained a devoted following for its exceptional pastries. The team behind Michelin-starred Lyle's brings the same attention to detail and commitment to quality ingredients to their baked goods.
What to try: Their croissants are a masterclass in lamination, with a shatteringly crisp exterior giving way to a tender, honeycombed interior.
On weekends, look out for their twice-baked almond croissant.
Address: 1 Bedale Street, London SE1 9AL
What Makes a Great Croissant?
Before we conclude, let's briefly explore what makes these bakeries' croissants stand out from the crowd:- Quality Ingredients: The best croissants start with high-quality butter and flour. Many of these bakeries use French or locally-sourced European-style butter, which has a higher fat content than standard British butter, resulting in richer, flakier croissants.
- Technique: Achieving the perfect lamination - the process of folding butter into the dough to create multiple layers - requires skill and patience. The bakers at these establishments have honed their techniques over years of practice.
- Time: Great croissants can't be rushed. Many of these bakeries use slow fermentation techniques, allowing the dough to develop complex flavours over 24-48 hours.
- Attention to Detail: From precisely controlling the temperature of the butter and dough to ensuring each croissant is shaped and baked to perfection, the best bakers pay attention to every detail of the process.
- Innovation: While respecting tradition, many of these bakeries aren't afraid to experiment with new flavours and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what a croissant can be.
Conclusion
While these five bakeries offer some of the best artisanal croissants in Central London, remember that you don't always have to venture out to enjoy a perfect pastry. Butter & Crust's baked goods delivery service brings freshly baked artisanal pastries right to your doorstep every weekend.
Our rotating selection of pastries from some of London's best bakeries means you can enjoy a variety of high-quality croissants and other baked goods without the hassle of travelling across the city. Plus, by ordering from us, you're supporting a local business committed to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry.
So whether you're in the mood for a weekend pastry adventure in Central London or prefer the convenience of home delivery, there's no shortage of ways to satisfy your croissant cravings in the capital.
Happy eating!
