London is home to some of the best dessert shops in the world. Follow this guide to my favourite sweet shops that are equal parts delicious and Instagram-able!
1. Dominique Ansel Bakery, Belgravia, SW1W
If you’re a lover of pastries, baked goods and desserts, a visit to Dominique Ansel’s only bakery in Europe is a must. Awarded as the world’s best pastry chef, his bakery serves one of the most innovative desserts I have ever had. The bakery sits in the middle of Victoria and Belgravia. A visit to this dessert-heaven begins with a warm welcome by the beautiful flower arch on the shopfront that changes each season. Once you enter, the displayed desserts certainly make you want to try each one of them. The best out of the lot is certainly the famous Cronut, a hybrid of a croissant and a doughnut, a trademark of Dominique. Each month, the pastry chefs create a new Cronut flavour, making you want to go back to try them all. Also, don’t miss the Cookie Shot which is available on order. A warm chocolate cookie shaped like a shot glass and filled with cold Tahitian vanilla milk. I mean, who would want to miss this!
2. Cakes & Bubbles, Soho, W1B
Along Regent Street sits Cakes and Bubbles, located inside plush Cafe Royal Hotel. With stunning Italian marble adorned on the walls and beautiful interiors, it offers one of the best cheesecakes in a beautiful setting. Created by Spanish chef Albert Adria, the cheesecake literally melts in the mouth and is also served with miniature cookies – definitely the best cheesecake I’ve had. The most interesting part is the way they present the cheesecake. You feel like receiving a present wrapped in a ribbon.
3. Cafe L’eto, Wardour Street, W1F
With five locations in London and an online store, Cafe L’eto offers a delicious platter of desserts and drinks, that I doubt anyone can resist. The Soho branch has an inviting display of desserts on the shopfront. My personal favourite is the Honey Cake and the Dulce de Leche. Pair it up with the hot colour-changing magic tea!
4. WA Cafe, New Row, WC2N
A small Japanese patisserie at a 10-minute walk from LSE, WA Cafe serves one of the best matcha desserts and strawberry shortcake in town.
With freshly baked breads and matcha tea to compliment the desserts, WA Cafe is a must-visit. Try their Strawberry Shortcake and the Matcha Rolled Cake! Served in minimalistic crockery, the shop has a small seating and tends to get a little crowded on the weekends.
5. Peggy Porschen, Belgravia, SW1W
Peggy Porschen is a modern bakery that occupies the corner of a street in Belgravia. The outside seating and the perfect pink shopfront with its floral decor make it one of the most Instagram-able places in London. The parlour is famous for its cupcakes and salted caramel layer cake! With limited seating, the shop is always usually crowded.
6. Said Dal 1923, Broadwick St, W1F
This famous Italian chocolate shop opened its store in London a few years ago. Crowded at most times, Said serves undoubtedly the best hot chocolate in town. With a palette of chocolate desserts displayed in heaps and jars and the hot chocolate bubbling behind the counter, chocoholics are in for a treat. The rich and thick Gianduja hot chocolate and the Caprese cake are my favourites!
What are your favourite places for desserts? Do write back with your favourites!
I’ll also recommend Kova Patisserie Soho (W1F 0BB). Their Coconut Mille Crêpe is delicious!