London
in England

We wouldn't go as far to say it's a hole-in-the-wall spot, but Araret Bread is pretty quaint for a London bakery. Specialising in one thing only, it's fair to say they've mastered the art of flatbreads. With only three options - plain, cheese, or meat - they're all just as tasty, and leave you wanting to go back for more. 

Birley Bakery is a sweet little bakery in the heart of London with a fab selection of artisan breads and treats. Things lean classic French here, so expect elegant (sometimes OTT!) pastries.

If you're into food (and really, who isn't) you'll ascend straight to heaven when you wander through Borough Market. The food market is packed to the brim with stalls serving up everything from fresh bread to cheese, pastries and everything in between.

Chatsworth Bakehouse gives us a reason to spring out of bed in the morning. Though this neighbourhood bakehouse is well stocked in ridiculously delicious baked goods - think hot cross buns come Easter, the creamiest Maritozzi and the most decadent Guinness cake - it's the sarnies that are completely and utterly irresistible. Call by this red-licked tiny store for the perfect sandwich combo. Our favourite? The pole caught tuna tucked between two thick slabs of focaccia and laden with a basil and garlic aioli, smashed artichokes, jalepeño salsa, wild rocket and balsamic pickled shallots. 

Don't Tell Dad is a neighbourhood haunt that seems to have perfected the art of pretty much everything. Bakery by day, open kitchen and bar by night, this sibling-led venture is a top-notch spot. The artichoke, sage and lancashire pain suisse rivals the buttery, crispy croissants found only in France, though it's the dinner menu that has us tantalised. 

Add it to your list as this bakery under the train tracks is one to stop by. A cool decor, matched by an even cooler crowd: pop to FORNO for a pastry to start the day; a slab of pizza for lunch; or for some of the fresh pasta sold in the deli. Their sandwich specials are also quite something!

When Fortitude Bakehouse opens its bright blue shutter doors, the smell of the fresh bread and sweet pastries quite literally fills the air. Nestled down a little cobblestone alley in Bloomsbury this bakery has such a selection of goodies it's hard to know where to begin. We must say the beignets are really something. 

Another gem from the team behind KURO Coffee, KURO Bakery has an incredible selection of fresh, handmade pastries with a Japanese bent. The selection is masterminded by head baker Adam Morley and includes seasonal filled croissants, Danish delicacies, Shokupan and Kuro’s own Sakuras (wheel-shaped croissants filled with cream).

Run, don't walk to Layla Bakery. From their seasonal specials - including a blood orange pistachio danish, or an earl grey meyer lemon - to the classics, Layla Bakery is the neighborhood spot of Ladbroke Grove. Sit on the patio on a sunny day and watch the people go by. 

This is a stock-drop type of place, meaning that if you're hankering for the full assortment of baked goods and sweet treats you have to commute to Maya's Bakehouse early. Serving everything from miso and sesame cookies, a nutmeg and custard swirl to the most moorish brioches filled with paprika spice, wild garlic butter, mozzarella and plenty of cheddar. Though there's no seating inside, grab your goods and tootle over the road to Brockwell Park to munch and, if you're feeling adventurous, have a dip in the Brockwell Lido. 

You could easily spend hours wandering through Borough Market, picking up tasty treats at every turn. But if you don't stop at Pavilion Bakery when you're on your culinary Odyssey, you've made a huge mistake. Swing by this sweet little bakery for great sourdough, excellent craft coffee and delicious sweets. 

We can't get enough of St. JOHN - no matter the iteration. This wonderful bakery is naturally no different. They've got traditional loaves and insanely good doughnuts to take away or enjoy at one of their outdoor tables.

The Dusty Knuckle has become somewhat synonymous of the bread scene in London. It has a cult following, is stocked by the likes of Ottolenghi, and has sandwiches that sell out in minutes...or just about! Prepare to wait in line, but we advise you to stock up on your doughy needs and grab the sauciest, filled-to-the-brim focaccia delicacy one could imagine. 

TOAD Bakery remains a firm favourite in our extensive London bakery guide, if not for the impeccably cool atmosphere then for its cornbread croissant with a polenta crunch and cayenne kick. This Peckham hotspot serves up pastries, savoury bakes and deliciously sweet treats that rival any French boulangerie. Best believe us with one nibble of the mushroom and savory cheesecake. If you do happen to miss the sandwich special, head over to Mondo Sando next door and grab a sweet treat instead from TOAD. The perfect south-east London morning.