The best croissants in London

In the vibrant culinary landscape of London, the humble croissant has been elevated to an art form by a plethora of artisan bakeries. For those seeking the perfect flaky, buttery delight, here are some of the standout bakeries that are a must-visit for any croissant aficionado.

Toad Bakery

Tucked away in the bustling high street of Camberwell, Toad Bakery is a gem that offers some of the best croissants in South East London. This independent bakery is known for its open-plan kitchen, where you can watch the bakers at work, creating fresh bread, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches every day. Their croissants are flaky, buttery, and perfectly baked, making them a perfect treat to start your day[2].

Sourdough Sophia

Located in North London, Sourdough Sophia is a cozy bakery with a pastel pink façade and wooden interior. This bakery stands out for its commitment to using flour from sustainable, regenerative farming practices. Their croissants are a testament to their dedication to quality, with a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. Arriving early is recommended to ensure you get the full range of their delicious offerings[1].

Pavilion Bakehouse

With multiple locations across London, Pavilion Bakehouse is renowned for its innovative and delicious pastries. In both North West and South East London, Pavilion Bakehouse offers a variety of croissant options, from classic plain and chocolate-filled to more adventurous creations like smoked salmon and cream cheese croissant dough sandwiches. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and slow-fermentation techniques sets their croissants apart from the rest[1][2].

E5 Bakery

In the vibrant area of Hackney, E5 Bakery is a local favorite that stands out for its dedication to traditional baking methods combined with a modern twist. Their croissants are baked to perfection, with layers that unfold beautifully and a rich, buttery flavor. E5 Bakery's commitment to using natural ingredients and traditional techniques makes it a go-to destination for high-quality croissants[2].

Chestnut Bakery

Recently crowned the overall winner of the Isigny Sainte-Mère Best Butter Croissant Competition, Chestnut Bakery is a name that commands respect in the London baking scene. Located in a quieter corner of the city, this bakery excels in creating croissants that are crispy on the outside and tenderly soft on the inside, thanks in part to the use of Isigny Sainte-Mère’s special puff pastry butter[4][5].

KURO Bakery

Located at 95 Notting Hill Gate, KURO Bakery is a recent but significant addition to the London bakery scene. Their almond croissant is often described as one of the best, but the real showstopper is the Sākuro, a 'croissant roll' filled with unctuous chocolate or vanilla cream, encased in a flaky, sugar-dusted exterior. This innovative creation is a must-try for any croissant enthusiast[1].

For those who prefer the convenience of having these artisanal treats delivered right to their doorstep, consider using Butter & Crust, a premium baked goods delivery service that partners with top-tier bakeries to bring you the best of London's baking scene.

References

[1]: The best croissants in North West London - Butter & Crust
[2]: The best croissants in South East London - Butter & Crust
[3]: Best Croissant in London: Our Top in 2024 - Comptoir Gourmand
[4]: Back in London: The Best Croissant Competition returns to Great Britain
[5]: The competition — Best Croissant 2024