In the realm of desserts, London certainly doesn't hold back. 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. Here are some of HELLO!'s favourite places to feast...
Cutter & Squidge
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cutter & Squidge, and let me tell you - I was blown away. This charming family-run bakery in the heart of Soho is a true haven for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it perfectly satisfies my sugar cravings!. Just in time for Wimbledon, the famous bakery has launched a new collection consisting of the Tennis Ball XL Brownie Truffles. These fudgy, hand-rolled brownie bites are coated in white chocolate crumb and packaged like real tennis balls. There's also the limited edition Eton Mess Cake, which is a playful twist on the iconic British dessert, with layers of fruity strawberry buttercream, strawberry jam and light vanilla sponge, and topped with a beautiful scattering of freeze-dried strawberries and sweet meringue shards. Perfect for gifting, sharing (if you must), or treating yourself during a match, they bring a fun, nostalgic twist to British summer snacking. With strawberries-and-cream bakes and picnic-ready bites rounding out the collection, this is a winning serve for tennis fans and foodies alike.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid
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!
Right now, they have released the Lola's Mother's Day collection - and it is as beautiful as it is delicious with handcrafted cakes, cupcakes and brownies all adorned with pressed edible flowers, delicate macarons, luxe chocolate details and silky, pastel buttercream. They also offer personalised messaging and nationwide delivery, allowing you to send love wherever they are, making every Mother's Day celebration that little bit more special.
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 HELLO! 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 HELLO! 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.
Common Breads
Common Breads offers a remarkable menu that’s both concise and bursting with flavour, highlighting two of Lebanon's most cherished bakes: the purse-shaped ka'ak and the classic manouche flatbreads. Each item is made to order, honouring traditional recipes while infusing them with a contemporary twist that feels effortlessly at home in London. The ka'ak was a delightful contrast of textures—perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside while the manouche delivered a mouthwatering blend of spices and herbs that made each bite unforgettable. Their sweet treats are a must-try, especially when paired with expertly brewed coffee or tea. The Knafeh, with its delicate kataifi pastry, ricotta, nuts, and a hint of orange blossom, is a standout, as are the decadent chocolate tahini brownies and the irresistible date and peanut butter cheesecake on a ka'ak crumb base.
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!
