CITY GUIDES / London / Best Pastries in London 🥐 🥮

Best Pastries in London 🥐 🥮

Life is too short for mediocre pastries. Here’s where to get the best in town.

By The Gstaad Guy

Birley Bakery 🥐🍫

Catching Up With Friends
Cosy
On The Go
Takeaway

Founded by Robin Birley — the doyen of London’s clubbiest members’ clubs — this is very much the 5 Hertford Street of bakeries. Located on Chelsea Green (away from the hubbub of the King’s Road) it’s quaint, gently maximalist — and perfect for a coffee rendez-vous.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

The almond pain au chocolat is a must — ideal for those who have difficulty choosing between an almond croissant or a pain au chocolat.

Makers 🍫

Guilt-free cravings
Excellent gifts
Hot chocolate with friends
Takeaway

Occupying a handsome corner spot on the Fulham Road, Makers is by far and away the finest chocolatier in Chelsea, crafting delicious concoctions that are completely free of refined sugar, seed oils, wheat and dairy.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Go for a hot chocolate fresh from the bubbling tap — or try founder Noor Freiha’s special soft-serve chocolate ice in the summer.

Reemies 🎂

Special occasions
Birthday parties
On the go
Takeaway

Operating from a tiny hole-in-the-wall in Chelsea, Remmies makes freshly-baked cakes to order in small batches, with a wait-time of 72-hours. (It’s worth it). But those impatient for their exquisite baked goods can buy a small selection in-store, too.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Order the burnt banoffee pie — a sweet-salty delight which layers dulce de leche with freshly sliced bananas and mountains of whipped cream.

The Connaught Patisserie 🥐

Pre-Shopping
Post-Shopping
Catching Up With Friends
Takeaway

The Connaught Patisserie, located right beside The Connaught Hotel on Mount Street, is known for its creative and delicious cakes and of course its magnifique pastries.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

You cannot miss the Fig amandine, Pain au chocolat, and Galette des rois (if it’s in season).

Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley 🍎 🥐

Breakfast
Catching Up With Friends
Après-Run
Coffee
Takeaway

Cédric Grolet has brought his pastries to London, with a patisserie at the Berkeley Hotel in Belgravia, no need to book a trip to Paris.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Go for breakfast: order a classic croissant or Pain suisse.

Harrods Food Hall 🥐 🍪

Popping-In And Out
On The Go
Post Shopping At Loro Piana
Takeaway

Perfect for a mid-shopping snack while in Knightsbridge.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

The pistachio pain au chocolat is The Gstaad Guy’s go-to.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred 💨 🚶🏽‍♂️

Popping-In And Out
Coffee
On The Go
Takeaway

A South Kensington Classic. Pop-in, grab a freshly baked pastry and an espresso, and pop-out.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

The pain au chocolat (it’s light, simple and flaky) and the brioche.

Arôme Bakery 🇫🇷 🇯🇵

Popping-In And Out
Coffee
Asian
On The Go
Takeaway

Arôme Bakery serves French pastries with Asian flavours. Come early, as things sell out fast. The queue moves quickly and so do the pastries.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Although not a pastry, The Gstaad Guy’s personal favourite is the honey butter toast. A thick slice of caramelised shokupan bread that is crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.