Best Bakery and Cake Shops in Temple Bar

"If you gave a bunch of five year olds a box of crayons and told them to draw birthday cakes, you’d probably end up with something that looks quite a bit like the celebration cakes at this Soho bakery and café. That’s not a bad thing. Cakes with names like “Strawberry Eat-On Mess”*, “S’Mores”, “Apple Pie” – as a cake, and “Popcorn Drip” are short on cake and very long on globs of frosting, fillings, toppings and childlike humor."

"A biscuit isn’t quite a dessert – unless it’s in the hands of Cutter & Squidge, that is. Enter the Biskie, the Soho bakery’s signature dessert which sees two discs of a cake-cookie hybrid sandwich an array of flavoured creamy fillings. The chocolate s’more version is filled with buttercream and a handmade marshmallow, while the blueberry cheesecake version layers jam, cheesecake cream and a wedge of digestive biscuit."

"Join dynamic duo, Cutter and Squidge, for a delicious afternoon treat. The sisters are passionate about creating healthier treats, so all fillings use real fruit and minimal sugar. Their speciality is the biskie, a decadent dessert sandwich featuring a variety of handmade buttercreams, jams and sauces."

"Restaurants Bakeries Soho. Crosstown’s delightfully chewy sourdough doughnuts are handmade, fresh every day. Classic flavours such as chocolate truffle are presented alongside more creative additions, like rhubarb, raspberry and ginger – and a vegan’s delight: there are dairy-free offerings that have been perfected (so much so that Crosstown actually have a completely vegan shop in Marylebone)."

"You don't actually have to cross town for these, not now they've got vans, bars and stockists all over the place. You would, though, if you had to — for somewhere among the Standards, the Mini Bites and the Seasonal Specials is the doughnut of your dreams. They use sourdough for a denser, chewier doughnut at Crosstown, one thing which sets them apart from the doughnut masses."

"Vegan 'Peanut Butter and Blackcurrant Compote' from Crosstown Doughnuts. Crosstown Doughnuts in Marylebone. Crosstown Doughnuts' vegan 'Lime & Coconut' doughnut"

"Flor, in Borough Market, comes with serious credentials; after all, it's the long-awaited little sister to the Michelin-starred Lyle’s. Its ground-floor wine bar doubles as a bakery, already known for its sourdough; supplies are limited, so invest in a loaf on arrival. Stools—reserved for walk-ins—line the window and marble counter, which overlooks the kitchen (tiny is an understatement; even four chefs seems a squeeze)."

"From the people behind Michelin starred Lyles comes Flor - a wine bar, bakery and restaurant in Borough Market. Settle in upstairs for great views of the street below and ask for recommendations – the team here know their stuff."

"You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Flor (@flor.london)"

"OK, now we know this next suggestion for the best desserts in London, isn’t a restaurant or cafes – but if you’re looking for an amazing dessert on-the-go, then I don’t think you can top Ben’s Cookies for deliciousness and price. Yummy, gooey, tasty cookies that dreams are made of."

"Everyone deserves to have a bakery as good as Uncle John’s on their road. Technically, this Ghanaian bakery in South Tottenham is on everybody’s road now, thanks to the internet and their nationwide delivery. Aside from their majestic sweet bread and addictive servings of chin chin, their miniature fried coconut doughnuts are our favourite thing here."

"A post shared by Uncle Johns (@unclejohnsbakery) on Jun 10, 2020 at 6:13am PDT. This Tottenham bakery's been making traditional Ghanaian breads, pies, chin chin (thin, peppery snacking biscuits) and coconutty cakes for about two decades now. The Sweet Bread loaf's their signature — squashy and gently vanilla-ed, brilliant just saltily buttered."

"You don’t need to be taken out to the ball game to enjoy a half-time hot dog. At Bubbledogs, you can enjoy the finger-food thrills of the fast food snack in a considerably more upmarket setting, with dozens of types of Champagne available to quaff while you scoff at this Fitzrovia bar. The hot dog menu boasts eight different options, ranging from the New Yorker with beef fat-caramelised onions and creme fraiche, to the French Connection with shaved foie gras and sherry vinegar jelly."

"Conveniently located behind the Bubbledogs, the Kitchen Table prepares a new menu every single day. The tasting menu will cost you £125 and dishes change according to the seasons. With seats for only 19, you are in for a fine dining experience for sure."

"Hot dogs are an all-American classic and a junk food favourite. Bubbledogs fuse champagne and sausages to form a sizeable menu. The meat in each dog can be customised — be it pork, beef or a veggie substitute — and there are 11 types to choose from."

"Despite its location on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, Hawkes is in fact London's first ever cidery. A brewery and taproom in the heart of the area, you'll find an excellent selection of Hawkes' homemade cider, a great line up of guests on the bar, alongside a tasty menu of wood-fired pizzas."

"Situated just a few doors down from North Wembley train and tube stations, Ayur Hair & Beauty specialise in women's hair and beauty treatments. From inside this friendly independent salon, you'll find a selection of beauty essentials alongside all the hair staples from brands such as Keune, L'Oreal, CND Shellac and OPI. Menu highlights include the popular keratin-infused Brazilian blow dry, detailed highlights finished with tailored cuts and an impressive selection of manicures and pedicures finished with a choice of classic or longer lasting gel lacquers."

"Thai Square Spa Covent Garden is a nominee in the 2017 World Spa Awards and is a revolution in elegance, opulence and tranquillity. We recommend the traditional Thai Massage which covers the neck, back and shoulders. The massage works on heating the body temperature and muscles using hot oils massaged into pre exfoliated skin."

"Bethnal Green's thermal spa is thoroughly relaxing and thoroughly affordable. York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 9PJ. Tube: Bethnal Green Underground Station"

"Park Plaza County Hall enjoys a superb location on the South Bank, rubbing shoulders with many of London’s most famous attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Named ‘Best Family Friendly Hotel’ at the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards 2011, the hotel specialises in treating children like VIPs through its Family Fun in the City package. Spacious family rooms include substantial closets and plenty of space to relax and unwind, while Studio Rooms and Penthouse Apartments afford an enhanced feeling of indulgence with defined sleeping and living areas."