A local’s guide to the best carrot cake in London, with 9 bakeries and cafes to visit during autumn and winter from American Hummingbird Bakery to vegan Ruby’s!
Carrot cake is one of those classic baked goods I try to treat myself to as often as I can when I live in London.
Whether you’re indulging in the creamy cake with a nice cup of specialty coffee or celebrating a special occasion, carrot cake is the goat: it’s one of my favorite desserts in London.
Don’t get me wrong: I love classic British desserts like banoffee pie or trifle, and I love French pastries like Paris-Brest and macarons.
But when it comes to American-like pastries, like carrot cake, cheesecake or my beloved Red Velvet cake, I’ll try them all any chance I’m given.
Should you be visiting London in autumn or around Christmas time, you’ll find that enjoying a slice of carrot cake with a steaming cup of chai latte makes for the most wonderful experience 🙂
Carrot Cake in London: 9 Best Cafes and Bakeries to Eat At
Whether you’re a vegan, eat only gluten-free, or are simply craving a slice of something sweet, London’s bakeries offer something for every taste and dietary preference.
Vintage cafes with charming interiors, chain coffee shops like Caffè Ner,, and themed cafes like the Rolling Stones Cafe all offer their own special take on the iconic carrot cake.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s time to dig into the city’s best carrot cake destinations – you’ll hopefully find mounds of goodness that will leave you coming back for more!
Best Carrot Cake in London: Gail’s Bakery (Various Locations)
If you’re on the hunt for the best carrot cake in London, look no further than Gail’s Bakery, a beloved bakery chain with locations in posh Notting Hill, vibrant Soho and picturesque Battersea.
Known for its artisan breads, cinnamon buns, fresh burgers and other sweet treats, Gail’s Bakery offers cozy atmospheres and excellent coffee – and even makes for a perfect study cafe depending on the branch.
Gail’s Bakery’s version of the carrot cake features flavorful sponge made with freshly grated carrots, aromatic spices and complemented by a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.
The result is perfectly balanced and perfect for a pick-me-up when it rains in London.
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Hart & Lova Bakery, West Hampstead
I was lucky to call West Hampstead once, and spent much time discovering the posh area’s winding streets, village vibe, study cafes, and even the cool shops closer to Kilburn High Street.
West Hampstead is filled with small, local restaurants and cute coffee shops with a rustic vibe: one of them is Hart & Lova Bakery, a charming bakery tucked away in an unassuming street.
In addition to velvety carrot cakes, Hart & Lova Bakery also offers plenty of sweet treats, cakes and pastries: croissants, pains au chocolat, lemon tarts, and other pecan pies are all to be found there.
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Best Carrot Cake in London: The Hummingbird Bakery (Various Locations)
Now, for those in search of specifically American bakeries in London, the Hummingbird Bakery is a place you shouldn’t miss for the world, no matter what type of American-inspired baked goods you might be after.
With branches in elegant South Kensington and lively Spitalfields, the Hummingbird Bakery offers the most colorful desserts, from Red Velvet cupcakes to humongous birthday cakes.
If you’re ever after a delicious rainbow cake, this cute bakery also crafts some eye-catching layers of vibrant colors separated by tangy cream cheese frosting.
The Hummingbird Bakery’s carrot cake, with generously spread frosting and a great balance between spice and sweetness, is one you should definitely try, and one I remember enjoying with a hot chocolate for my first birthday in London years ago.
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Cutter & Squidge, Soho
Soho’s Cutter & Squidge, in addition to their signature biskies and their Harry Potter afternoon tea, and also renowned for all kinds of baked goods; from vegan cakes to small packs of treats to bring home, they simply have it all.
We’re here in one of the most colorful spots in the city, two steps away (not literally) from Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Oxford Street.
Cutter & Squidge is, in addition, a perfect photo spot for some lifelong memories; a bright orange bakery cafe with a rustic feel and a haven for dessert lovers.
With its extra-moist and fluffy texture, the carrot cake is one of the best desserts to get there coupled with a hot beverage before going shopping in Covent Garden or checking out the Christmas markets at Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
Best Carrot Cake in London: Flavourtown Bakery
With its locations in West London, in both Fulham and Richmond, Flavourtown Bakery is another must-visit spot for exceptional cakes.
They only use premium ingredients and know their craft through and through.
The carrot cake cupcakes are a standout there, with a moist, spiced sponge packed with spices and carrots and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a quick snack while you’re visiting West London.
If you decide to pop by the Richmond branch, you’ll come across one of the cutest villages of London, filled with unique shops, small cafes and a beautiful waterfront views.
If, however, you decide to visit the Fulham bakery, you’ll be able to nibble on your carrot cake cupcakes while discovering a pretty neighborhood filled with elegant shopfronts and houses.
And, if a carrot cake cupcake isn’t really what you’d like, Flavourtown Bakery also offers classic carrot cakes.
Choose any, but don’t miss out on the retro diner decor of this cute bakery!
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Lola’s Cupcakes (Various Locations)
I’ve mentioned Lola’s Cupcakes on The Working Line more times than I can recall; it’s one of my favorite bakeries in the city, especially when it comes to the Red Velvet cupcakes.
However, another cupcake I’ve tried and loved at Lola’s Cupcakes is the carrot cake-flavored one, and I’ve fallen utterly in love with it.
If you’re looking for a big carrot cake, maybe for an occasion, Lola’s Cupcakes also makes them – they don’t only taste amazing, but also look luxurious and elegant: almost too elegant to eat.
Visit their flagship in Mayfair to discover the area’s hidden gems, or grab a treat at one of their pop-up stands, like the one inside London Bridge station; wherever you eat the cakes, you’ll feel instantly comforted.
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Elan London (Various Locations)
If Elan Cafe is more famous for its instagrammable pink cafe aesthetic than for its cakes, you shouldn’t miss out on a brownie, a cookie, or a generous slice of carrot cake when you visit.
I have to admit that my favorite things to order at Elan Cafe are the colorful lattes – they come in all colors, from pink to blue and green, and make for a really pretty treat.
But if you’re looking for decadent carrot cake, Elan Cafe’s version, which features subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg and a moist sponge, is a must-try.
Pop by Elan Cafe on Hans Crescent, facing the Harrods department store, for cute floral walls and decor, or Elan on Wardour Street, Soho, for a stylish neon experience, and enjoy a delicious treat!
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Cakehole
If Cakehole is an ever-moving bakery present on various London markets, from Herne Hill to Bloomsbury Farmers’ Market, making the trip to the stall makes for a great experience for all kinds of fresh pastries and cakes.
From banana cakes to lemon drizzle cakes, Cakehole is one of the most authentic bakeries in which you’ll find nostalgic, homemade treats – and that includes carrot cake.
In addition to their presence on markets, Cakehole also takes online orders that allow us to enjoy every slice in the comfort of our own home.
PS. If you’re a chocolate lover, try Cakehole’s wonderful brownies – available in a classic version or an even more over-the-top sticky nuts version, they’re amazing for rainy days!
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Best Carrot Cake in London: Ruby’s of London (Various Locations)
Ruby’s of London started as a market stall in the gorgeous Greenwich area, and has since expanded into multiple locations.
Whichever branch you choose to visit, those who might need vegan or gluten-free cakes would do well to try Ruby’s at some point.
Famous for its wholesome cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods, Ruby’s of London offers a standout carrot cake that is both vegan and made with natural ingredients – the flavors are so incredible you wouldn’t know it’s vegan.
If you visit the Greenwich bakery, take some time to discover this historic neighborhood, with its many indie shops, cafes, winding streets and perfect views of Canary Wharf.
You’ll learn lots about maritime London at the Cutty Sark ship and the National Maritime Museum, and be able to enjoy some great lunch at places like Pizza Pilgrims nearby!
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Carrot Cake in London: 9 Best Cafes and Bakeries to Eat At
From traditional carrot cakes to creative, plant-based twists, London offers some of the finest examples of this international dessert.
Each of the bakeries and cafes I’ve mentioned today adds its own personal touch, and whether you’re into instagrammable cafes like Elan Cafe and Flavourtown Bakery, or a vegan bakery like Ruby’s of London, you’re bound to have the most indulgent experience.
Now, if you’re more into other pastries and sweet treats, make sure you check out the best spots for cookies as well.
One of them, Ben’s Cookies, has a branch conveniently located on Oxford Street, and some of the most decadent cookies in London!