London can be a bit of a grey drizzle sometimes. But that just means it’s time to add a splash of sprinkles and a dollop of frosting to your day!
If you’re feeling like that, get ready to explore the sweetest side of London with our guide to the city’s top cake shops. Whether you’re craving a classic Victoria sponge, a decadent chocolate masterpiece, or a beautifully crafted patisserie treat, the capital has a cake for every taste.
How much is the average cost of a cake in London?
The average rate for a simple cake in London starts at around £30. However, this varies significantly depending on the shop and type of cake selected.
How we chose
- Variety of offerings – The shops we chose are based on their wide range of choices, innovative creations, and options catering to dietary restrictions such as vegan and gluten-free selections.
- Taste and quality – We prioritised cake shops with a reputation for exceptional baked goods. This includes fresh ingredients, skilled techniques, and a deliciousness factor that makes each bite memorable.
- Atmosphere and experience – A great cake shop isn’t just about the food. We considered the ambience, service, and overall sense of charm that makes a visit feel special.
- Neighbourhood gems & renowned favourites – We aimed to create a list with a balance of both beloved institutions and those delightful hidden gems that offer more local, under-the-radar experiences.
- Pricing and value – We understand that value for money is important. Our selection includes shops across a range of price points, ensuring delicious options for different budgets.
1. Cutter & Squidge
Media from cutterandsquidge
Location: 20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7734 2540
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Cutter & Squidge, the city’s only all-natural bakery, was founded by two sisters with a passion for quality and creative desserts. Their menu offers a wide range of playful baked goods, with prices from £3 to £30.
You’ll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Conveniently located near Piccadilly Circus, it’s a great place to discover a unique taste of London.
The bakery’s commitment to fresh, natural ingredients is evident in every treat. From their savoury cakes and delightful vegan options to their signature Biskies (a must-try!), Cutter & Squidge is a worthwhile stop for those seeking something a little different.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Variety in offerings
- Central location
Cons
- Few reports of high expectations that are often not met
- Online ordering issues
Responsive customer service and timely delivery
“I sent my daughter who is living in London a Valentine’s Day Package. We live in the USA. She loved it. The package arrived on time and when I asked if they could leave the package, Theo responded and was able to leave the package without my daughter being home. Customer Service was responsive! We will be visiting London in March and I plan on visiting the store for a treat!”
Ackelley88, Google Review
Creative food and great service
Had an amazing afternoon tea at Cutter & Squidge in The Common Room! The sandwiches and scones which came in a cute spell book were a nice touch and were delicious. The selection of tea to choose from was great and the buffet items were splendid – everything was delicious, from baby biskies to trifles and cookies. There were also two cakes to choose from – you could cut your slice. My only regret was that I couldn’t eat more! The staff was fantastic too and we felt well looked after. Thank you Cutter & Squidge!
Julia, Google Review
2. The Hummingbird Bakery – South Kensington
Media from hummingbbakery
Location: 47 Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3JP, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The Hummingbird Bakery in South Kensington has built a reputation since its opening in 2004, attracting both locals and tourists with its selection of American-inspired desserts.
The bakery offers a variety of sweets, including cheesecakes and pies (in a bright, and fuchsia-coloured environment). Among its offerings, the Red Velvet cake stands out – we thought it a great sample of their ingredient quality.
They’re the best choice if you’re seeking a dessert spot in the area, whether it’s for a casual visit or to find a notable cake for an event, with vegan options also available.
Additionally, for convenience, the bakery provides delivery and pick-up services, allowing you to enjoy their products without needing to visit in person.
Pros
- American-style offerings
- Dietary options available
- Variety of options
Cons
- Limited seating
- Pricing concerns
Top-notch desserts and exceptional service
“The Hummingbird Bakery truly deserves five stars! I recently visited and had the most delightful experience. Their hot chocolate and cakes are simply divine – the perfect blend of flavours and sweetness. What truly sets this place apart is its wonderful, calm staff. Their service is exceptional, making you feel like a cherished guest. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Every bite of the cake was a heavenly delight, and the hot chocolate was rich and indulgent. The cosy ambiance coupled with their delectable treats creates a perfect spot to unwind. I can’t recommend this place enough! If you’re looking for a delightful dessert experience with top-notch service, The Hummingbird Bakery is the place to be. I’ll be returning for more of their heavenly treats.”
Sean Chiang, Google Review
Helpful cake customisation
“Extremely happy. Very impressed with the service. I arrived and bought a rainbow cake for a birthday party. They wrote my aunt’s name on top and packaged the cake very well for transport. While they were doing that I enjoyed a coffee and a slice. The rainbow cake had the perfect balance of sponge, frosting etc. Very moist and not so sweet. Will return.”
Jpridge1280, Google Review
3. Jack and Beyond
Media from jackandbeyond
Location: 146 Battersea High St, London SW11 3JR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7593 310545
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Jack and Beyond stand out not only for visually appealing cakes but also for innovative flavours.
You can expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats. Their display showcases a variety of cakes and pastries, featuring flavours like peanut butter and chocolate, Biscoff, and cheesecake crumble, among others.
One distinctive offering is their bottomless cake challenge, where you can enjoy unlimited cake slices for 90 minutes (for £22 per person). This bakery caters to various needs, whether you’re seeking a custom cake for a celebration, a quick snack, or a unique dining experience in London.
Pros
- Bottomless cake offering
- Artistic presentation
Cons
- Price points
Offer cakes with great taste and quality
“The raspberry and pistachio birthday cake and cupcakes were absolutely wonderful and incredibly tasty. It was my first time trying your bakery and it has been a great choice. I’m coming back 🙂 Thank you for making our day more special.
Tomasz Przytuła, Google Review
Delicious birthday cakes with perfect sweetness
“We ordered the pistachio and raspberry birthday cake which was yummy and enjoyed by all. The cake wasn’t too sweet and had a nice firm texture and was super tasty. We also ordered for next-day pickup, which was accommodated. Would recommend Jack and Beyond!”
Amanda, Google Review
4. Kova Patisserie Soho
Media from kovapatisserie
Location: Unit 5, 9-12 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0BB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7494 9866
Opening hours:
- Thursday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re in the mood for a bit of Tokyo flavour without leaving London, Kova Patisserie in Soho is worth checking out. Hidden in St Anne’s Court, it’s like stumbling upon a secret spot where desserts from the East and West come together.
They’ve got this cool mix going on, blending Western cake styles with Japanese flavours. So, you can expect to find things like soft matcha roll cakes and tender mochi, all showing off that classic, subtle sweetness and smooth textures that Japanese treats are famous for.
Pros
- Unique flavours
- Cake selection
Cons
- Premium pricing
Delicious pastries and great bubble tea
“Currently, my favourite place to get bubble tea is their signature boba which has such a great strong tea flavour, it reminds me of the more traditional Hong Kong-style bubble teas. Their pastries are also really good, I’ve had a fair few of them now and all have been well done. The actual shop is a little small so you may struggle to find seating but everything else is great”
Leslie Pang, Google Review
Great spot for a sweet treat
Really good crepe cakes here. The early grey crepe cake is super good and great paired with a matcha latte. It’s a bit on the pricier side for a slice of cake but it’s good. There are a few seats inside and a table outside. Great spot for a coffee break!”
Olivia M, Google Review
5. Crumbs & Doilies
Media from crumbsanddoilies
Location: 1 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8874 8885
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Founded by YouTube’s baking queen, Cupcake Jemma, this Soho bakery is a technicolour of sweet treats. Her loyal fanbase of over a million subscribers is proof that Crumbs & Doilies is a must-visit for those who love both gorgeous-looking and delicious desserts.
Their display cases are a feast for the eyes that’s overflowing with everything from classic Red Velvet cupcakes to limited-edition brownies. And if you need a show-stopping birthday cake, their bespoke option is guaranteed to steal the spotlight (you get to build your cake).
Crumbs & Doilies also offers next-day delivery across the UK, bringing their New York Cookies and gooey, decadent brownies straight to your doorstep.
Pros
- Celebrity baker founder
- Creative designs
Cons
- Hidden location
Simple treats with amazing taste
I just loved it! I’ve been following the channel and I was really afraid I might be disappointed. No such thing! We had the Birthday cookies and it blew our minds how good it was, did not expect this from simple cookies. Then the red velvet cupcake, I could taste the cream cheese in the frosting. Stunning!
Lia V., Google Review
Top recommendation for cookie lovers
Undoubtedly the BEST cookies in all of London. Don’t bother trying Creme or Ben’s Cookies, this place is significantly better. We tried the Kinder Bueno, Cookies & Cream, Biscoff, and Red Velvet (in order of most to least favourite) but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything here.
Wathiq Abumaali, Google Review