Top 10 Bakeries to Visit in Central London This Summer

Craving some carby goodness? Look no further! We've rounded up the best spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and pastry passion in the heart of London. From flaky croissants to decadent cakes, these bakeries are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

1. Ben's Cookies

Address: 13 Kensington Arcade, 123 Kensington High St, London W8 5SF

Overview: Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie that's practically bursting with melted chocolate chunks. That's the Ben's Cookies experience! These heavenly treats come in a variety of flavors, but let's be honest - you'll probably want to try them all.

TripAdvisor Review: "Best cookies in London! Soft, gooey, and full of flavor. The dark chocolate chunk is my favorite. I may have bought a dozen... for research purposes, of course!" - Sarah L, June 2024

Address: Borough Market, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Overview: If you haven't tried a Bread Ahead doughnut, have you even been to London? These pillowy delights are filled with the most luxurious custards and creams. Pro tip: bring napkins. Lots of napkins.

TripAdvisor Review: "The doughnuts here are out of this world. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and filled with the most delicious custard. I may have drooled a little while eating it. No regrets!" - John D, April 2024

Address: 11 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6RL

Overview: Gail's is like that reliable friend who always has a shoulder to cry on - except instead of a shoulder, it's a loaf of perfectly crusty sourdough. Their pastries aren't too shabby either!

TripAdvisor Review: "Always reliable for great bread and pastries. Their sourdough is particularly good. I'm pretty sure I could live off their almond croissants alone." - Lisa M, June 2024

Address: 17-21 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9RP

Overview: Home of the famous Cronut, this bakery is where pastry meets mad science. If you've ever wondered what a croissant-doughnut hybrid tastes like (and who hasn't?), this is your chance to find out.

TripAdvisor Review: "The Cronut lives up to the hype! Also loved their DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann). A must-visit for pastry lovers and Instagram addicts alike." - Alex W, May 2024

Address: 116 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QQ

Overview: If Marie Antoinette opened a bakery in the 21st century, it would probably look like Peggy Porschen. Pink, pretty, and oh-so-photogenic, it's a cake lover's paradise.

TripAdvisor Review: "Not only are the cakes beautiful to look at, but they taste amazing too. The rose latte is also a must-try. I felt like pastry royalty!" - Rachel S, July 2024

Address: 10 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD

Overview: Konditor is German for 'pastry chef', and boy, do they live up to the name! Their cakes are so good, you might be tempted to face-plant right into one. (We won't judge.)

TripAdvisor Review: "Their Curly Whirly cake is to die for! Also loved the brownies. Great spot for a sweet treat. I may have bought extra 'for later'... which became 'for now' on the walk home." - Tom H, April 2024

Address: 279 Gray's Inn Rd, London WC1X 8QF

Overview: This French bakery is so authentic, you'll feel like you've been teleported to Paris. Just don't try to pay with euros - you're still in London, after all!

TripAdvisor Review: "The most authentic French pastries I've had in London. The pain au chocolat was perfect! I attempted to order in French and the staff kindly pretended to understand me." - Sophie L, June 2024

Address: 24 Rose St, London WC2E 9EA

Overview: A slice of Scandinavia in the heart of London. Their cinnamon buns are so good, you might start spontaneously speaking Swedish.

TripAdvisor Review: "Loved the cinnamon buns and cardamom buns. A little taste of Sweden in the heart of London. I'm considering moving to Stockholm now, just for the pastries." - Michael K, May 2024

Address: 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1JA

Overview: Fortitude by name, fortitude by nature - you'll need some serious willpower to resist buying one of everything here. Their slow-fermented cakes are a unique must-try.

TripAdvisor Review: "Amazing pastries and cakes. The slow-fermented cakes are unlike anything I've had before. I may have developed a slight addiction to their morning buns." - Emma R, July 2024

Address: 9-12 St Anne's Ct, London W1F 0BB

Overview: East meets West at Kova, where Japanese-inspired pastries steal the show. Their mille crepe cakes are so light, you might worry about them floating away!

TripAdvisor Review: "The mille crepe cakes are heavenly! So light and not too sweet. The matcha flavor is particularly good. I'm pretty sure I floated out of the shop on a sugar cloud." - David T, June 2024

There you have it - ten of the best bakeries in central London to satisfy your carb cravings this summer. Remember to bring your appetite, your camera (for those Instagram-worthy shots), and possibly some stretchy pants.

Happy eating!