London’s Best Cake Shops

I’m a firm believer that cake eating should not be reserved just for special occasions. On the contrary, enjoying a good cake can turn a bad day into something to celebrate! I’ve lived in London for 10 years now and regularly have my cake and eat it around the city. Below you’ll find 6 of my favourite sugary places to eat cake in London.

Ottolenghi – Upper Street, Islington

When I lived within spitting distance of this fine food establishment it was a health hazard. Whilst Ottolenghi’s fresh salads are much desired it was the cakes that I kept coming back for. From the pastel-coloured meringues piled up in the window to the blueberry cupcakes and fruity tarts, they all taste just as good as they look.

Ottolenghi Islington, 287 Upper Street, London, N1 2TZ

Drink, Shop, Do – King’s Cross

This café offers more than just a chance to enjoy tea and cake – they have a daily ‘do’ too. The weeknight sessions involve a wide range of creative events including building a Lego Robot and participating in a Papier Mache Monster Mash (not sure what this is but it sounds like fun!) My absolute favourite activities I’ve seen on the listings, however, are the nights dedicated to learning Beyonce’s dance moves. This is what every café-cum-bar should be offering! (The ‘Crazy in Love’ class is on the 9^th September 2013 and ‘Single Ladies’ is on the 23^rd. Tickets cost £12 and can be purchased here.)

 (Image by www.mycityvenue.com)

Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London, N1 9DX

Hummingbird Bakery – Notting Hill

These American-style cupcakes are some of the most famous in the city, perhaps because Hummingbird were one of the first to set up a cupcake shop of this kind when they opened in London’s Notting Hill back in 2004. Hummingbird have now opened a further 4 bakeries in London (in Soho, Spitalfields, South Kensington and Islington) and run a mobile unit which pops up at various festivals and food events. Their Red Velvet cupcake is one of the most well known, but to be honest they are all lip-smackingly good.

(Image by www.nottingchic.com)

Hummingbird Bakery Notting Hill, 133 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY

Buttercup Cake Shop – Kensington

I first tried a Buttercup cupcake half way through a shopping mission around Westfield West London shopping centre – desperately in need of the sugar to get me through the spree – and loved every mouthful. In their cute Kensington store they hold cupcake-decorating workshops. At £60 for the 90-minute session it isn’t a cheap event – but you do get to take your 6 handcrafted creations home. If visiting from outside of London there are lots of well-priced, 4 and 5 star hotels in Earls Court and Kensington that are located close to the cupcakes, shops and museums in this area.

(Image by www.buttercupcakeshop.co.uk)

Buttercup Cake Shop, 16 St Alban’s Grove, London, W8 5BP

Konditor & Cook – Borough Market

You utter the words Konditor & Cook and I melt into a daydream of luscious chocolate brownies. For 20 years the German born baker behind Konditor & Cook has been creating the chocolate cakes that my dreams are made of. Their wheat and dairy-free options are just as tasty as the main range and make you feel a little less guilty when indulging. My favourite Konditor & Cook location is the branch in Borough Market, where the atmosphere and coffee from Monmouth Coffee next door are exceptional. You can also find them in Waterloo, Soho and at the bottom of the Gherkin in the financial district.

(Image by ww.fashionbite.co.uk)

Konditor and Cook, 10 Stoney Street, London, SE1 9AD

Lily Vanilli – Columbia Road

Lily Vanilli is my latest delicious discovery and the newest bakery amongst my favourites. Lily started off selling her cakes on a market stall and now supplies sweet treats to stars like Elton John. Her bakery is situated in one of my favourite areas in East London, a tranquil courtyard just behind the floral blooms for sale at the Columbia Road Flower Market. I’ve haven’t had a chance to try them yet but hear the Bakewell Tarts are not to be missed.

(Image by www.styleslicker.com)

The Lily Vanilli Bakery, Ezra Street, E2 7RH

Are there any bakeries in London you love that aren’t on my list? Excuse me now whilst I go get me some sugar!