London's dessert scene is nothing short of extraordinary. 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.
Whether you're planning a special outing, searching for the perfect celebration cake, or simply in need of a midweek pick-me-up, these spots deliver memorable bites every time. Consider this your go-to guide for sugar-lovers - a curated list of HELLO!'s favourite places to feast, sip and satisfy every craving.
Cutter & Squidge
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cutter & Squidge in Soho and discovered this place is a treat for anyone looking to gift something sweet to a loved one. The family-run favourite is known for its joyful, handcrafted bakes, and its Red Velvet Cake is a true showstopper. This indulgent cake has a soft, airy sponge with a natural red hue, layered generously with homemade vanilla buttercream.
Finished with white pearls, sprinkles and red velvet crumbs, the cake also comes wrapped in a limited-edition Valentine's sleeve, making it ready to gift. For an extra-special touch, you can upgrade to a keepsake embossed Cutter & Squidge tin - ideal for storing love notes or secret chocolate supplies. Whether you're sharing with a partner, surprising a friend or self-gifting, this is a lovely way to spread a little love (and a lot of cake).
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
Dum Dum Donutterie
We recently got to try a VIP box from Dum Dum Donutterie, and we can confidently say these are not your average doughnuts. Known as London's first baked doughnut brand, Dum Dum does things a little differently - and it shows. Their doughnuts are lighter than the traditional fried kind but still wonderfully tasty, with the bonus of using only natural ingredients and no artificial colours or preservatives. It's the kind of treat you can enjoy without feeling overly heavy afterwards (though you'll still want more than one). The classics absolutely live up to the hype. The Crème Brûlée Doughnut was a standout with its caramelised top and silky filling. The Zebra Croissant Doughnut is a fun creation with flaky, buttery layers while the Yum Yum delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Badiani
I always like checking in on what Badiani is doing, and their seasonal line-up right now is a good one. Alongside their gelato, they've introduced a traditional Italian Colomba cake - a soft bake topped with a crunchy almond glaze - plus a new Hot Cross Bun flavour gelato. The Colomba (often called an Easter panettone) comes in two versions: a classic Classica and a Dark Chocolate for something a bit richer. It's light, fluffy and easy to share - the kind of thing that works well as a centrepiece if you're having people over. On the gelato side, the seasonal flavours include Colomba and Hot Cross Bun, available in cones, cups or take-home boxes.
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!
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
Donutelier
For London Fashion Week, Donutelier has created something truly irresistible with artist Charlotte Posner. The Icons Box is a limited-edition four-pack of doughnuts that look as good as they taste. Each one celebrates a different classic flavour, from the nutty richness of Pistachio and the rich decadence of Black Forest, to the delicate sweetness of Berry Macaron and the indulgent cream-filled St. Honoré. The doughnuts are beautifully crafted, with glossy finishes, generous toppings and that signature Donutelier light, fluffy dough. Paired with Charlotte's playful sticker sheet and postcards, it’s a box that feels like a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds – this was a proper Fashion Week showstopper.
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 Best Quality Designer Handbag 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
Paul Bakery
PAUL's summer lineup is here - and we love it! Highlights include the raspberry croissant for a fruity twist on pastry, the sweet yuzu éclair, and the indulgent pistachio macaron. The Fraisier and Cake au Citron round out the experience. We can safely say that the Fraisier cake was the crowd-pleaser thanks to its layers of light Genoese sponge, silky mousseline cream and fresh strawberries, all topped with a pale green marzipan crown. The limited-edition macaron‑topped version is a feast for both eyes and appetite. All these creations are a chic, photo-ready and palate‑pleasing celebration of French pâtisserie.
Reviewed by the Best Quality Designer Handbag team
Raphia Flavours of Morocco
Raphia Flavours of Morocco is worth the visit! We sampled their much-talked-about Kunafa & Pistachio chocolate bar, and it was brilliant. You can see why the Dubai chocolate has gone viral. The delicate crunch of the kunafa pastry with rich chocolate and salty, nutty pistachios is the perfect combination.
We also indulged in some of their Ghriba biscuits, which offered a delightful contrast. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness were the perfect counterpoint to the boldness of the chocolate bar. Raphia isn't just about sweetness; it's about the art of flavour, playing with textures and profiles in a way that genuinely surprised and delighted. If you're looking for desserts that break the mould and excite your palate, Raphia is a must-visit.
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.
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!
