By Carly-Ann Clements
Think cake is just for celebrations? Well, it’s time to celebrate life and visit one of these delicious bakeries in London. From artisan cakes to unique crepes, there’s a whole load of sugar and wonder at these seven must-visit cake shops
Konditor & Cook
Celebrating 25 years of moist bakes, Konditor & Cook is one of London’s most beloved cake shop chains. Providing not only rich, delicious cakes that are baked using the finest natural ingredients, Konditor & Cook offers a range of indulgent brownies, decedent tarts and delightfully naughty biscuits. Celebrity endorsed and as fun as it is mouth-watering, this should be on everyone’s culinary bucket list.
Cutter & Squidge
Nestled in the heart of Soho lives Cutter & Squidge, artisan cake makers who specialise in extravagance and wonder. Serving up slices of uniquely flavoured and decorated cakes along with their signature Biskie - a mix of cake, biscuit and cookie topped with marshmallow, buttercream and other goodies - it’s a one-of-a-kind shop in London. And it’s not just for the dairy eaters and gluten-friendly. Cutter & Squidge also provide a wide variety of vegan and wheat-free treats.
Crumbs & Doilies
Internet sensation Jemma Wilson has been making people all over the world salivate uncontrollably thanks to her gorgeous creations. The self-made queen of baking has 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube and her very own shop in Kingly Court. Offering up hand-decorated cupcakes which come in over 40 flavours (including vegan and gluten free options), plus a range of decadent brownies, you’ll have to visit Crumbs & Doilies once a week for a year to get through the mouth-watering menu.
Flavourtown Bakery
If you like a good dollop of whimsy with your cake, look no further than Flavourtown Bakery. Specialising in classic flavours topped with on-trend decorations that will make you question if you should tuck in or not, Flavourtown’s cakes are beautiful, tasty and a hell of a lot of fun. Just like Crumbs & Doilies, Flavourtown Bakery started life in markets around London, but now they have a bricks and mortar shop in Fulham which is just as cute as the cakes that live there. So if you’re looking for the wow-factor or want to get the ‘gram racking up those likes, you know where to go.
Lily Vanilli
Self-taught baker Lily Jones has been the go-to queen of unique and whacky baking for over a decade. Prior to opening her shop in Bethnal Green, Lily created wonderfully macabre sweets including zombies and bleeding hearts. Now her bakes feature fewer skulls but still pack a wacky punch thanks to her creative flavour combinations. Endorsed by celebs including Elton John, Sadie Frost and the late Alexander McQueen, there’s something quite special about Lily and her cakes. But, and this is a big but, if you want to try Lily’s creations, you can only visit her shop on Sundays and things tend to sell out fast.
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Elegance and precision sprinkled with ultra-feminine charm. That’s what you’ll find at these posh, pink patisseries in Belgravia and Chelsea. Creating not only beautiful and flavour-filled baked goods, Peggy Porschen is famed for its dreamlike setting which will make you feel like an absolute queen.
Kova Patisserie
Fluffy soufflé pancakes, jiggly cheesecake and taiyaki may have all hit the internet like a whirlwind but there’s so much more to Japanese dessert than these viral sensations. Famed for the mille crepes - cakes made from layers of pancakes and delicate, airy custard which are available in four flavours, Kova is one of London’s most unique hotspots for baked goods. Alongside the signature creation sit a variety of cakes, cake rolls and tarts. Discover the spectacular and delicious flavours of Kova Patisserie at the Soho bakery… and why not try one of the on-trend teas, too.