Best desserts in London - London Adventures Walking Tours and Experiences

Best Desserts in London: From Afternoon Tea to Sweet Hidden Gems

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

London’s Sweetest Spots

London is a city that knows how to indulge. Beyond iconic landmarks, it offers desserts worth travelling for.

From buttery scones at glamorous afternoon teas to gooey puddings in historic pubs, London desserts mix tradition with creativity. You’ll also find markets, patisseries, and luxury hotels competing to serve sweet treats that surprise and delight.

Visitors often ask: where can I find the best desserts in London? This guide answers with our favourite spots, from legendary classics to hidden gems. Whether you crave a rich sticky toffee pudding, a delicate pastel de nata, or an over-the-top freakshake, London delivers. Each dessert tells a story of history, culture, or pure indulgence.

So pack your sweet tooth and prepare to explore London’s most tempting flavours. This is your ultimate guide to the best desserts in London—and exactly where to try them.

Afternoon Tea - Madhatter — Afternoon Tea – Madhatter

Afternoon Tea Classics

Afternoon tea is one of the most asked-about experiences in London, and with good reason. It combines tradition, indulgence, and desserts all in one. From delicate pastries to warm scones and elegant cakes, afternoon tea is every dessert lover’s dream.

Claridge’s – Timeless Elegance

Claridge’s remains one of the most glamorous places for afternoon tea. Silver trays arrive with delicate pastries, fluffy scones, and seasonal creations. Each bite feels like a celebration. It is the perfect choice for visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence. You can pre-book your table here to secure a spot in advance.

The Ritz – Quintessential Tradition

If you want the ultimate British afternoon tea, The Ritz is hard to beat. It is served in the opulent Palm Court, where chandeliers sparkle above. The menu features finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream, and ornate desserts. Each creation looks almost too pretty to eat. Afternoon tea at The Ritz is iconic, so it’s best to reserve ahead through an online booking partner. Book here.

Sketch – Playful & Artistic

For something more modern, head to Sketch in Mayfair. The setting is as memorable as the food, with its famous pink velvet dining room and quirky décor. Desserts here are colourful, creative, and full of surprises. This is the choice for those who want to combine delicious flavours with a dash of theatre. Booking online is strongly recommended, especially for weekends. Book here.

Sweet Homemade Strawberry Trifle Dessert with Custard and Cake

Iconic British Puddings

No dessert list is complete without Britain’s traditional puddings. Rich, comforting, and full of history, they shine in London’s most iconic restaurants and pubs.

Trifle at The Ivy (Covent Garden)

Trifle is one of Britain’s most nostalgic desserts. At The Ivy, it is layered with cream, custard, fruit, and sponge. The presentation is elegant, and the taste is timeless. To make the experience even more memorable, you can reserve a table online or book as part of a dining package.

Sticky Toffee Pudding at Rules (Covent Garden)

Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, has been serving British classics since 1798. Their sticky toffee pudding is legendary—rich, gooey, and utterly indulgent. It is best enjoyed after a hearty meal. You can also book a table through online dining platforms to secure your visit in advance.

Treacle Sponge at St. John (Smithfield)

St. John is famous for celebrating traditional British cooking. Its treacle sponge pudding is a warm favourite, served with silky custard. Simple yet deeply satisfying, it is the definition of comfort food. Many foodies reserve a table online to guarantee a chance to taste it.

Want to be closed to dessert central. Stay in Covent Garden or nearby hotels for easy access to the best desserts places.

Best desserts in London — Chocolate Bombe at Bob Bob Ricard

Over-the-Top Creations

London also does dessert with flair. These spots serve sweets that are as much performance as they are indulgence.

Chocolate Bombe at Bob Bob Ricard (Soho)

Bob Bob Ricard is famous for its “Press for Champagne” button. It also serves one of London’s most dramatic desserts. A chocolate sphere arrives at the table and melts when hot sauce is poured over it. Hidden layers appear underneath, making it a true showstopper. This is perfect for a special night out. You can book tables in advance through dining platforms to secure this sought-after experience.

Knickerbocker Glory at Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)

The Knickerbocker Glory is a retro British classic. This towering sundae comes piled high with ice cream, fruit, jelly, and cream. At the historic Fortnum & Mason Parlour, it feels as nostalgic as it is indulgent. You can also combine it with shopping or afternoon tea upstairs for a full day of foodie delights. Reservations for the Parlour can be made online to guarantee a seat.

Freakshakes in Soho

Maxwell’s take milkshakes to the extreme. Freakshakes are towering creations topped with doughnuts, brownies, or even slices of cake. They are outrageous, fun, and made for Instagram. The easiest way to discover the best spots is by joining a guided London dessert tour, which often includes a freakshake stop.

Market Favourites

London’s markets are heaven for dessert lovers. From gooey doughnuts to flaky egg tarts, you’ll find many of the city’s favourite sweet treats here.

Bread Ahead Doughnuts at Borough Market

These pillowy doughnuts have become a London legend. Filled with flavours like vanilla custard or salted caramel, they are worth the queue. Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies, and you can even join a guided food tour that includes Bread Ahead tastings, making sure you don’t miss the best bites.

Churros at Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street is smaller and less touristy, but its churros are unforgettable. Served hot and crispy, they come dusted with sugar and paired with thick chocolate sauce. Visiting with a local guide or food tour helps uncover these stalls, along with hidden gems you might miss otherwise.

Egg Tarts in Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is packed with bakeries, but egg tarts are the star attraction. Flaky pastry and creamy custard make them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Pair your visit with a Chinatown food tour to discover not only the best egg tarts but also dumplings, bao buns, and other sweet surprises.

Ottolenghi Cakes — Ottolenghi pistachio and rose cakes, chocolate hazelnut tarts, and Lemon and Labneh Mascarpone cake

Global Sweet Influences

London’s desserts are not just about British classics. The city’s multicultural flavour means you can enjoy world-famous treats without leaving town.

Ottolenghi Cakes (Notting Hill, Spitalfields)

Yotam Ottolenghi’s bakeries are piled high with colourful cakes and meringues inspired by Middle Eastern flavours. Think pistachio and rose cakes, chocolate hazelnut tarts, and giant pavlovas. These bakeries are destination spots in their own right, and you can book Ottolenghi-inspired cookery classes in London if you’d like to recreate the magic at home.

Pastel de Nata at Café de Nata (Soho & Camden)

These little Portuguese custard tarts have a cult following. Crisp, flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and caramelised tops make them irresistible. Café de Nata is the go-to spot, but you’ll also find excellent versions at many cafés. Joining a food tour often includes a stop for these sweet bites.

French Patisserie at Dominique Ansel Bakery (Belgravia)

Dominique Ansel is the creator of the famous Cronut®, and his London bakery is heaven for pastry lovers. Expect delicate tarts, glossy éclairs, and desserts that look like works of art. For an indulgent foodie day, you can combine a patisserie visit with a luxury afternoon tea booking nearby.

Hot Cross Bun at Gail — Hot Cross Buns at Gail

Seasonal & Quirky Treats

London shines brightest during festive seasons. At Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day, the city always offers desserts worth celebrating.

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream at Gelupo (Soho)

Gelupo is one of London’s top gelaterias, famous for inventive flavours. At Christmas, they serve a festive twist—Christmas pudding ice cream. Rich with spices and dried fruit, it is the perfect winter treat. You can also pair it with a Soho food tour to discover even more sweet surprises nearby.

Valentine’s Chocolates at Hotel Chocolat (Covent Garden)

Hotel Chocolat is a British favourite for luxury chocolate. Their Covent Garden café is ideal for sampling seasonal creations. Valentine’s brings heart-shaped truffles, champagne-filled chocolates, and gift-worthy boxes. You can also book a chocolate-making workshop online to add a fun experience to your trip.

Hot Cross Buns at Gail’s Bakery (multiple locations)

When spring arrives, Londoners flock to Gail’s Bakery for its legendary hot cross buns. They are fragrant, perfectly spiced, and best enjoyed with a coffee. Because Gail’s has branches across the city, it’s easy to find one during your sightseeing. You can also pair a stop at Gail’s with our itinerary planning service to add foodie moments to your London adventure.

Indulge in London’s Sweetest Side

London is a city that truly knows dessert. From sticky puddings in historic restaurants to pastel de nata in Soho, the city delivers. You can enjoy luxury afternoon teas, playful freakshakes, or seasonal treats that bring festive cheer. There is a sweet experience for every mood and occasion.

The best way to enjoy desserts in London is to mix it up. Try a traditional pudding, book an afternoon tea, and stop by a market stall for something casual. With so many options, dessert can be a highlight of your trip, just like the museums and monuments.

Want us to help plan a foodie-inspired London adventure? Check out our Itinerary Planning Service for custom-made itineraries.

Don’t miss out! Join our club or subscribe to our newsletter

Best London Travel Tips, Hidden Gems, Events and Promotions on Facebook: London Adventures Club
Get our FREE London Transport Guide and our Newsletter for the latest travel tips and hidden gems: Subscribe
Check out our guided walking tours: London Adventures Walking Tours

Have questions on planning your trip to London, please Contact us.

I work with affiliate partners, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through links in this post—at no extra cost to you. The services and products I recommend are ones I personally stand by and would use (or have used) myself.