In the realm of desserts, London certainly doesn't hold back. Whether you're a fan of classic British puddings or are a connoisseur of artisanal chocolates, here, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying your cravings.
From elegant patisseries to hidden gems crafting exquisite confections, each dessert is a work of art, inviting you to embark on a delectable journey of indulgence. Here are some of HELLO!'s favourite places to feast...
Borough 22
The holiday season is officially upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a box of indulgent, festive doughnuts? Borough 22 has truly outdone themselves with their limited-edition Festive Box - six irresistible, handcrafted treats that are not only gluten-free but also 100% plant-based, kosher and halal. Whether you're treating yourself or gifting to a loved one, these doughnuts are pure joy in every bite.
Available online from 1 December, the Festive Box features six holiday-inspired flavours, each thoughtfully crafted for the season: Candy Cane, S'mores, Boston Cream, Cranberry Glaze, Mince Pie and NoEgg Nog. As someone who's tried the Borough 22 Festive Box, I can say these doughnuts are every bit as good as they sound.
Reviewed by Megan Bull
The Hummingbird Bakery
The Hummingbird Bakery has truly embraced the magic of Christmas with their stunning Christmas Red Velvet Wreath Cake. Known for their irresistible bakes, the bakery's festive cake collection will leave you spoilt for choice. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, planning an office party or searching for the perfect gift, this cake really delivers.
This version is a seasonal twist on their beloved Red Velvet Cake. The showstopper is beautifully moist with a deep-red vanilla sponge and a subtle hint of chocolate. It's layered and topped with Hummingbird's signature cream cheese frosting. Make sure to order yours in time for the celebrations - you won't want to miss out!
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
Lola's Cupcakes
© Lola'sLondon's leading bakery brand Lola's Cupcakes is somewhere me and a group of friends always turn to. Celebrating a friend's birthday recently, we were treated to a selection of their finest flavours including Red Velvet, Cookies & Cream and Triple Chocolate - even our vegan friend was able to enjoy one thanks to the sumptuous Caramel Biscuit. What's more we didn't even have to worry about breaking any the cakes while transporting them from the store as they were able to be delivered to our door!
The beloved bakery has teamed up with Your London Florist to create a beautiful bundles of bouquets and Lola's famous baked goods. The spring-coloured confections of all things floral and frosted feature a simply gorgeous arrangement of: Pink Mondial rose, Yellow Piano Rose, Ranunculus, Clematis, Oxypetalum, Asparagus Fern and Green Rabbit Tails accompanied by your choice of tempting Lola's treat.
You can pick a delicious, light vanilla sponge cake, layered with raspberry compote and swathed in smooth vanilla buttercream pr a box of six moreish handmade cupcakes in a selection of seasonal flavours including: Lemon & Elderflower, Raspberry & Rose, and a beautiful pink Vanilla, all finished with an array of showstopping toppings. But the deliciousness doesn't stop there, you can even opt for a box of six Belgian chocolate brownies paired with delicious pink and white ganache and topped with edible flowers and petals making them pretty as a picture and (almost) too good to eat.
Reviewed by Matthew Moore
Heavenly Desserts
Fancy a sweet treat? I can only recommend Heavenly Desserts' mouth-watering menu. The delicious options include Cinnamon Caramel Monkey Bread, a unique cheesecake BonBon on a stick, Biscoff and Banana Fresh Toast, warming Raspberry and Apple Crumble Tart, a range of creamy cannolis and so much more. Their mouth-watering selection is the perfect winter warmer. There are even vegan and gluten-sensitive options, although coeliacs beware as it is sadly not free from cross-contamination. Head down to Marylebone to try them out for yourself!
Reviewed by Isabelle Casey
Krispy Kreme
© Krispy KremeYou can't go wrong with an iced doughnut – and Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts are pretty hard to beat! We were kindly sent two dozen packs to sample in the office. Unlike some extravagant doughnuts you see these days, Krispy Kreme's 'OG' doughnuts are the perfect size without being overtly sweet and sickly. As far as texture goes, they're deliciously soft and melt-in-the-mouth, whilst the outside glaze has just the right amount of crunch for a satisfying chomp. A perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Hankering after a sweet treat? Krispy Kreme is giving away thousands of 'Ghosted Boxes' this Halloween. The empty boxes will be filled with delicious Original Glazed doughnuts for free when taken into any Krispy Kreme shop.
Reviewed by Phoebe Tatham
Crosstown
We love a Crosstown doughnut! I'm always left amazed at the endless options this London dessert venue offers. There is a variety of doughnuts, small-batch ice cream, homemade cookies and extraordinary chocolate that's released each month. They know how to experiment with unique flavours, and are never afraid to push the boundaries - as well as being delicious, they look incredible each time. They sell a delicious range of vegan sourdough doughnuts, made with alternative ingredients such as chia seeds, coconut butter and silken tofu.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
Candy's Cupcakes
We recently indulged in the Pick & Mix cupcake box from Candy's Cupcakes, and let me tell you - it’s a sweet lover's paradise! Each cupcake featured a unique topping, and we were instantly impressed by the gorgeous presentation. The cakes were perfectly moist and fluffy, with just the right level of sweetness that complemented the toppings without overpowering them.
Whether you're a fan of classic vanilla or craving a rich chocolatey treat, this box offers something for everyone. Ideal for sharing (if you can resist!), these cupcakes are a must-try for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth in style.
Donutelier
Donutelier offers sweet lovers an exquisite gourmet doughnut experience. Each creation is visually stunning and bursting with flavour. The atmosphere is chic and inviting, perfect for casual meet-ups or indulging solo. This year's summer collection includes the Apricot Crumb, the Raspberry Rose Crème and the Yuzu Meringue. Exceptional service complements the delightful treats, making Donutelier a must-visit for doughnut enthusiasts and those seeking a sweet escape.
Reviewed by Megan Bull
Common Breads
Common Breads offers a remarkable menu that’s both concise and bursting with flavour, highlighting two of Lebanon's most cherished bakes: the purse-shaped ka'ak and the classic manouche flatbreads. Each item is made to order, honouring traditional recipes while infusing them with a contemporary twist that feels effortlessly at home in London. The ka'ak was a delightful contrast of textures—perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside while the manouche delivered a mouthwatering blend of spices and herbs that made each bite unforgettable. Their sweet treats are a must-try, especially when paired with expertly brewed coffee or tea. The Knafeh, with its delicate kataifi pastry, ricotta, nuts, and a hint of orange blossom, is a standout, as are the decadent chocolate tahini brownies and the irresistible date and peanut butter cheesecake on a ka'ak crumb base.
Reviewed by Emmy Griffiths
Longboys
I recently had the pleasure of indulging in a trio of Longboy doughnuts, and I have to say, they've completely transformed my doughnut expectations. Each variety I tried was incredible, blending a classic doughnut with a more innovative and decadent flavour. There are three new flavours to try from; Salted Caramel Pretzel, Tropical Pavlova and Victoria Sponge. The Salted Caramel Pretzel was perhaps my favourite out of the three - the doughnut base was light and fluffy, with a hint of rich cocoa. The salted caramel crème inside was heavenly, offering just the right balance of sweet and salty. But what truly sets this doughnut apart is the dulce de leche spread on top and the roll-in toasted crushed pretzel. Divine!
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
