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...
Cutter & Squidge
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cutter & Squidge, and let me tell you - I was blown away. This charming family-run bakery in the heart of Soho is a true haven for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it perfectly satisfies my sugar cravings!. Just in time for Ramadan, Cutter & Squidge has launched a delightful new collection of sweet gifts and hampers, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their Ramadan Selection Box is a dream come true, packed with an irresistible assortment of bite-sized treats, including baby biskies, mini cupcakes, delicate macarons and indulgent mini tarts. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or simply want to treat yourself, Cutter & Squidge offers a little slice of dessert heaven that's not to be missed!
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
Lola's Cupcakes
London'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!
Right now, they have released the Lola's Mother's Day collection - and it is as beautiful as it is delicious with handcrafted cakes, cupcakes and brownies all adorned with pressed edible flowers, delicate macarons, luxe chocolate details and silky, pastel buttercream. They also offer personalised messaging and nationwide delivery, allowing you to send love wherever they are, making every Mother's Day celebration that little bit more special.
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
Little Dessert Shop
We've just found our new favourite brownies. Little Dessert Shop recently launched their Little Dessert Shop Postals service, bringing their treats straight to your front door nationwide. The HELLO! team tried the 'Signature American Brownie Box’, which went down a storm.
The brownies were so rich that a little went a long way; the flavour packed a serious punch and the texture was so moreish – just the right amount of fudgy! In fact, they were so good that I left them on my desk and returned to a completely empty box.
The elegant presentation means it would make the perfect gift. And with surprise boxes, DIY kits, and gifting options in the mix, there’s plenty to choose from.
Reviewed by Kate Thomas
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
Heriots
I treated myself to Heriot's 8-inch Strawberry Gateau, and it was, without a doubt, incredible. The sweet treat had delicate layers of vanilla sponge peeking through the creamy frosting, glazed strawberries and roasted nibbed almonds. The sponge was incredibly light and airy, melt-in-your-mouth soft. It wasn't overly sweet, instead, it was a beautiful balance of sweet and slightly tart. The fresh cream was equally delightful. It's a classic, elegant and utterly delicious. Well done, Heriots!
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!
