A local’s guide to iconic British desserts in London, with 7 restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shops to try them, from Eton Mess to the classic trifle!
When it comes to satisfying my sweet tooth, I know London will always have some new coffee shop or bakery for me to try.
And if I’m one who loves all kinds of bakeries, from French patisseries to American bakeries, when in London, why not get a slice of the proper UK life by trying out iconic British desserts?
Today’s not really about London’s pink cafes and other floral bakeries.
I really wanted to focus on iconic British desserts in London, from the delicate layers of a Victorian sponge to the decadent creaminess of trifle.
Classic British Desserts in London: 7 Food Spots to Try Them
To be fair, these are not the easiest desserts to find: cupcakes, cheesecake, carrot cake or cookies are much easier to come across.
The reason for that is that the desserts you’ll find here today (along with places to try them) are usually homemade, usually following family recipes.
Fortunately, you’ll find many bakeries like the Hummingbird Bakery or Gail’s to enjoy these slices of goodness, along with really local restaurants offering their traditional version.
Anyhoo – from Covent Garden’s quaint cafes to Soho, Chelsea and Belgravia, you’ll find here all the places to taste delicious British desserts in London!
Best British Desserts in London: Trifle
Trifle is one of my favorite British desserts, one that feels nostalgic and homely all rolled into one – this layered masterpiece of sponge cake, custard, fruit, jelly and cream is simply a dream to eat.
You’ll have less trouble getting trifle from shops than from bakeries and cafes; Marks and Spencer’s Our Best Ever is my favorite one to get from London’s supermarkets, seeing as it’s overly creamy and simply decadent.
Other traditional and local restaurants like Rules Restaurant or Simpson’s in the Strand are great places to find trifle, and once you’re done enjoying it, why not soak in the buzzy vibes of Covent Garden or make your way to beautiful Somerset House nearby?
Read: The Best Themed Cafes in London
Best British Desserts in London: Banoffee Pie
Banoffee pie combines toffees, bananas and whipped cream on a biscuit base, and is another crowd favorite you really shouldn’t miss when visiting London.
American bakeries like The Hummingbird Bakery, with its branches in Notting Hill and Spitalfields, offer a fabulous version of the British dessert, while Ottolenghi in Islington and Mews of Mayfair offer a more upscale take on banoffee pie.
When you’re done, if you’re not feeling too full and drowsy, talk a walk through the lively streets and shops of Central London, explore Soho and Carnaby Street, or pop by the Leicester Square Sculpture Trail.
If you feel like going shopping, check out Regent Street and Oxford Street for all kinds of clothing shops, perfume shops and other gorgeous shopping arcades.
Should you pop by Central London’s shopping arcades, make sure you do so also in the winter; that’s where you’ll see some of the prettiest Christmas decorations in the city!
Read: The Best Italian Cafes in London
Best British Desserts in London: Victoria Sponge Cake
Now, for another one of the best desserts in London: the Victoria Sponge Cake, which you can get pretty much anywhere, from supermarkets to gorgeous pink cafes.
The Victoria Sponge Cake, named after Queen Victoria, who was said to enjoy it with her afternoon tea, is a simple combination of light, fluffy sponge, jam and whipped cream.
You will find quick-to-eat versions in grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Waitrose or M&S for a more elevated version.
For a more classic Victoria Sponge, Elan Cafe, or Peggy Porschen in Belgravia are two of the best spots to combine the cake with a colorful latte.
If you decide to visit Peggy Porschen, you can then head to Harrods, Hyde Park for a lazy stroll, or enjoy some culture at the National History Museum, the V&A or the Science Museum in South Kensington!
Read: The Best Doughnuts in London
Best British Desserts in London: Rhubarb Crumble – Humble Crumble (Various Locations)
While it does not offer the classic and iconic rhubarb crumble, Humble Crumble is still a must-visit, taking the dessert to the next level with comforting, warm, cold and frozen crumbles to enjoy from fall to summer.
With locations in Borough Market, Spitalfields and other pop-up spots, Humble Crumble specializes in seasonal crumbles – the rhubarb, raspberry, orange and hot custard crumble is a standout.
The tartness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the buttery crumble topping; in addition, you can customize your crumble by choosing a variety of toppings, creams and custards, making this dessert an endless treat.
After indulging, if you choose to visit the Spitalfields location, make sure you explore the vintage shops, street food stalls and the historical sites still visible around the Old Spitalfields Market.
You’ll also find lots of cute, secret alleys around Spitalfields, and hidden gems closer to Liverpool Street station – with a sweet tooth satisfied, you’ll have plenty of strength to unravel London’s secrets!
Read: The Best Macarons in London
Best British Desserts in London: Bakewell Tart
The Bakewell Tart is another one of the very-easy-to-find British desserts in London; whether you get it fresh in bakeries like Cakehole or just want a quick bite from Tesco or Sainsbury’s, it never fails to satisfy.
Cakehole London’s Bakewell Tart is one I particularly love, and perfect to enjoy while walking around the city.
After enjoying your slice of jam and almond frangipane pie, why not stroll through the charming streets of Greenwich and enjoy the views of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers?
Alternatively, head over to Covent Garden for some shopping or check out the nearby Royal Opera House and pretty streets of the area!
Read: The Best Vintage Cafes in London
Best British Desserts in London: Treacle Tart
For a truly classic British dessert, the treacle tart is another must-try – it’s comforting, sweet, and feels perfect to eat especially in the fall and winter.
Made with a shortcrust pastry base, golden syrup and lemon zest, the treacle tart is one you will mostly find to-go in a cake format.
Gorgeous bakeries like the Primrose Bakery and Bonne Bouche in Marylebone offer this indulgent dessert; perfect to discover beautiful neighborhoods being going back home with an irresistible cake!
Read: The Best Breakfast in East London
Best British Desserts in London: Eton Mess
The Eton Mess is another one of the creamy yet tangy British desserts to try in London; typically made with crushed meringue, fresh strawberries and whipped cream, it’s simple buy absolutely delicious.
Believed to have originated at Eton College in the 19th century, hence the name, the Eton Mess has since become a staple in summer menus.
From a twisted version of an Eton Mess filled doughnut at Bread Ahead Bakery to Aviary’s classic take and its beautiful rooftop views, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the British favorite in the city.
If you decide to try the Bread Ahead Bakery Eton Mess doughnut in Borough Market, make sure you discover the many hidden gems, concept stores and free museums that surround this lively London Bridge spot!
Read: The Best Vegan Bakeries in London
Classic British Desserts in London: 7 Food Spots to Try Them
Treacle tart, Bakewell tart, trifle… As I type these words, I’m suddenly hungry.
I’ve actually been hungry ever since I started writing about the bakeries and cute cafes in which you’ll find all this British goodness – and so much more.
If you’re into that quintessential UK life, though, keep discovering customs, food, shops and history with these guides: