Coffee and Cake Spots in London: A Guide to the Capital’s Sweetest Cafés

Few things bring joy like a well-crafted cup of coffee paired with a slice of rich, buttery cake. London’s café culture is as diverse and creative as the city itself, offering something for every mood and moment. Whether you crave a tranquil spot for a solo afternoon treat, a chic patisserie for catching up with friends, or an Instagrammable gem to share online, London’s coffee and cake scene delivers.

This guide explores the most delightful coffee and cake spots in London, from traditional tearooms to modern cafés with a twist.

1. Kaffeine – Fitzrovia

A staple in London’s speciality coffee scene, Kaffeine is known for its Australian-inspired coffee culture and artisan bakes. Located in Fitzrovia, this independent café serves expertly pulled espresso from Square Mile coffee alongside a rotating selection of cakes and pastries.

Must-try cake: Banana bread with espresso butter
Atmosphere: Minimalist, busy, and stylish
Why go: Perfect for coffee purists and creative workers on the go

2. Peggy Porschen – Belgravia & Chelsea

Peggy Porschen’s pastel-pink exterior and exquisite cake displays have made it a social media icon. But behind the picture-perfect façade is a serious dedication to baking excellence. Their cupcakes, layer cakes, and seasonal specials are handcrafted with precision and style.

Must-try cake: Strawberry & champagne cupcake
Atmosphere: Feminine, whimsical, and Instagrammable
Why go: Ideal for a girly day out or a celebratory treat

3. Ole & Steen – Multiple Locations

A Danish bakery chain that has charmed Londoners with its Nordic sensibilities, Ole & Steen offers hearty, satisfying coffee alongside indulgent Danish cakes and pastries. Their cinnamon social slice is legendary.

Must-try cake: Cinnamon Social
Atmosphere: Scandi-chic, modern, family-friendly
Why go: Reliable quality with plenty of locations across London

4. The Attendant – Fitzrovia, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell

Housed in a converted Victorian toilet (yes, really), The Attendant Fitzrovia is one of London’s quirkiest cafés. But it’s not just novelty—here you’ll find excellent coffee and inventive cakes served in a truly memorable setting.

Must-try cake: Lemon & poppy seed loaf
Atmosphere: Unique, atmospheric, underground
Why go: For a conversation-starting café experience

5. Pophams – Islington & Hackney

Pophams is known for elevating pastries to an art form, using seasonal British ingredients and technical finesse. Though it leans more pastry than traditional cakes, their almond croissants and custard tarts are as indulgent as any cake.

Must-try cake: Rhubarb custard pastry (seasonal)
Atmosphere: Artisanal, airy, creative
Why go: For Instagram-worthy bakes and top-tier coffee

6. Gail’s Bakery – Across London

With more than 100 locations, Gail’s is a reliable favourite for coffee and cake lovers. They combine rustic baking techniques with modern flair, offering everything from rich chocolate brownies to fluffy sponge cakes and seasonal specials.

Must-try cake: Flourless chocolate cake
Atmosphere: Community-driven, cosy, convenient
Why go: Excellent quality and great for takeaway treats or a casual coffee date

7. Cutter & Squidge – Soho

A creative bakery hidden in the heart of Soho, Cutter & Squidge is known for its biskies (a cookie-cake hybrid), as well as its vibrant layer cakes and vegan treats. Their cakes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Must-try cake: Salted caramel layer cake
Atmosphere: Playful, colourful, welcoming
Why go: Fun and inventive bakes, plus vegan options

8. Saint Aymes – Marble Arch

This luxurious café is a visual treat with interiors featuring 24k gold coffee and flower-covered walls. A popular spot for influencers, Saint Aymes also delivers on flavour with indulgent cakes and quality coffee.

Must-try cake: Rose & pistachio cake
Atmosphere: Luxurious, elegant, high-fashion
Why go: For a luxurious break or a special occasion

9. Lily Vanilli Bakery – Columbia Road

Open on Sundays only, this bakery near Columbia Road Flower Market is a hidden gem. Lily Vanilli’s creations are creative, often unexpected, and always delicious. You’ll find unusual flavours and artful presentation here.

Must-try cake: Blood orange & olive oil cake (seasonal)
Atmosphere: Intimate, indie, experimental
Why go: A hidden foodie spot for weekend explorers

10. Tina, We Salute You – Dalston & Peckham

This laid-back café offers great coffee, cool vibes, and a rotating menu of homemade cakes and bakes. Tina is a neighbourhood favourite for locals looking for a relaxed spot to chill.

Must-try cake: Sticky toffee loaf
Atmosphere: Creative, unpretentious, chilled
Why go: Offbeat, friendly and dog-friendly too

11. Hummingbird Bakery – South Kensington, Spitalfields & More

Famous for introducing the American cupcake trend to London, Hummingbird Bakery is still going strong. With a focus on rich layer cakes and nostalgic American flavours, this is the place for red velvet fans and those with a serious sweet tooth.

Must-try cake: Red velvet cake
Atmosphere: Retro Americana, friendly, sweet
Why go: Iconic cakes and crowd-pleasing flavours

12. Dominique Ansel Bakery – Belgravia

From the creator of the famous Cronut®, Dominique Ansel Bakery brings cutting-edge pastry to central London. Their cakes are both beautiful and boundary-pushing, perfect for those who like their desserts with a twist.

Must-try cake: Mini meyer lemon yuzu tart
Atmosphere: Chic, calm, international
Why go: For innovation, flavour, and finesse

What Makes a Great Coffee & Cake Spot?

When choosing a café in London for your coffee and cake fix, consider the following:

• Coffee Quality: From third-wave espresso to creamy flat whites, look for cafés that prioritise bean sourcing and barista skill.
• Cake Variety: Whether you prefer a dense chocolate brownie, a fluffy Victoria sponge, or a plant-based lemon drizzle, variety is key.
• Atmosphere: Some cafés are made for laptop work and quiet contemplation, others for chatty catchups and weekend lounging.
• Location: London’s coffee scene thrives in every borough—from West London elegance to East London’s hipster cafés.

Honourable Mentions

• Arôme Bakery (Covent Garden) – For French-Asian fusion pastries like the honey butter toast
• Maison Bertaux (Soho) – A historic patisserie with traditional French cakes and quirky décor
• Nordic Bakery (Soho) – For dense rye bread and cinnamon buns in a minimalist setting

Final Thoughts

The best coffee and cake spots in London are more than just places to eat—they are little pockets of comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, these cafés offer a perfect pause in your day. London’s ever-evolving café culture means there’s always something new to discover, and always a perfect cake waiting to be paired with your favourite brew.