Mentioned by The Handbook
11 of London’s Most Instagrammable Bakeries
"No longer need we rely on our stateside cousins for doughnut decadence with these guys around. Once a market stall on Leather Lane, Crosstown Doughnuts have opened 5 permanent locations around London in the last 2 years, serving up their unique take on the American classic. Crosstown bake their doughnuts from sourdough, giving them a bread-like texture, topped and filled with myriad intriguing flavours, from Yuzu & Passionfruit to Beetroot Lemon-Thyme."
"With multiple locations across the city and an impressive range of flavours rotated daily, Crosstown’s handmade fresh doughnuts are not to be missed. For a seasonal snack, the Pumpkin and Nutmeg Custard Doughnut is full of wintry flavour, including pumpkin sourdough, cream cheese icing, pumpkin seeds, and orange zest. Similarly, the Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble Doughnut is bursting with the taste of maple, pecan, and autumn fruits."
"For something fresh and unique, we suggest trying one of Crosstown Doughnuts’ multiple locations. The bakery makes its doughnuts with rising sourdough bread and leans heavily towards fruit flavoring. Some of the options you can get there include Peach & Nectarine, Homemade Raspberry Jam, and Yuzu & Passionfruit."
"Family run business, Rinkoff Bakery has been serving up delicious baked goods and sweet treats for over 100 years and their quality hasn’t faltered once. You can enjoy their special home baked treats from both of their stores, including their infamous Crodoughs, a fun take on the croissant and doughnut trend. Location: Jubilee Street & Vallance Roadwww.rinkoffbakery.co.uk"
"Established in 1911, Rinkoff bakery is a family run business in the heart of Whitechapel. With over a hundred years of honing its baking skills, Rinkoff bakery is sure to sell you the perfect doughnut. Crodoughs, a gorgeous croissant-doughnut hybrid is Rinkoff’s most renowned menu item."
"Feast Your Eyes|Photograph by Maz McEwan | Courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts. Betsy and Jo, founders of pop-up stand You Doughnut, have perfected the art of the bitesize doughnut, resulting in mouth watering morsels with a choice of toppings and sauces. The doughnuts are always fresh, ensuring that they are consistently delicious."
"Rivalling the ring shaped doughnut, Longboys are the tasty treats bringing some serious patisserie credentials to the dessert scene. The eclair-doughnut crossover is a unique idea, combining traditional techniques and creative fillings. From a zesty lemon meringue pie to a sweet and salty take on the classic peanut butter jelly, there’s a sweet treat to suit all tastes."
"A long, light, brioche-based doughnut with shavings of caramelised white chocolate on top and a luxuriously thick, salted caramel crème inside, the glossy, golden liquid just oozes out after one bite. Address: 119 Lower Stable Street Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR or Boxpark, 18 Olympic Way, London HA9 0JT"
"Found just outside London Designer Outlet, their lush desserts and heavenly drinks will curb that sweet tooth in no time."
"Restaurants Crêperies Southwark. Your kids don’t have to wait till Shrove Tuesday comes around for their pancake fix – thanks to this bright, buzzy venue squeezed into one corner of Flat Iron Square. Sweet and savoury buttermilk varieties abound, from 1,000 baby greens to banana with praline and marshmallow."
"Restaurants Crêperies Southwark. Minimalist and airy (with an outdoor terrace), this independent little pancake spot in Flat Iron Square does one thing: pancakes. But boy, does it do them well."
"St Mary-le-Bow has held a place in London folklore for generations and it is said that east Londoners can only call themselves true cockneys if they were born within earshot of the Bow Bells, which ring from St Mary-le-Bow church. The church’s long, thin spiral pierces the east London skyline, standing out as an anomaly in and amongst the otherwise fairly nondescript Cheapside setting. For all its history, St Mary-le-Bow has got plenty to offer today too — the church’s extensive programme includes lectures, musical recitals and live bell ringing, where people can hear the famous bells rung up close and personal."
"True Cockneys need to be born within earshot of the Bow bells, which were said to have turned back Dick Whittington when on his way to Highgate 2"
"Westminster Cathedral is the most important Catholic church in Central London that’s located just minutes from both Buckingham Palace and the equally as striking Westminster Abbey. Built during Victorian times, it’s famed for its red and white striped brick exteriors and oriental-style domes. Indoors, you’ll find Westminster Cathedral’s huge central nave (which can seat a whopping 1000 people!) decorated with smooth marble, mosaics and glittering gold detailing."
"The second London cathedral is the one Roman Catholic church on our list. Westminster Cathedral is quite a surprise as you walk along Victoria Street towards Westminster. The red and white striped church looks like something out of Ravenna or Constantinople rather than London."
"Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, has the tower viewing gallery 210 feet above street level. The cathedral is near Victoria so the views are best over south and west London."
"Source: Photo by Flickr user Roel Hemkes used under CC BY 2.0. Another Westfield chain, Westfield Stratford City Shopping Center offers a wide variety of shops, as well as dining and entertainment. With 83 restaurants, including those serving halal and vegetarian dishes, everyone will find something on the menu."
"One of the newer additions to London’s shopping scene is Westfield Stratford City. This shopping centre opened in September 2011 and it’s considered to be one of the largest in Europe. It bears a retail floor area of 175,000 m2!"
"Located in a complex of historic railway arches off Deptford High Street, the Market Yard is a hip hub of indie shops, bars and on-trend street-food eateries. If you’re peckish, head to the Tapas Room for Spanish nibbles and fine wine or Mama’s Jerk for funky Caribbean classics. If you’re simply after some booze, set your sights on Taproom SE8 (a real ale and craft beer mecca with pizza) or Little Nan’s Bar, where the cocktails are served in teapots."