London is a haven for sweet tooths, with bakeries creating some of the finest doughnuts in the city. These treats go beyond simple desserts, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of bakers experimenting with unique flavours and designs.
Over the years, doughnuts have become a highlight of London’s food scene as bakers introduce innovative ideas while perfecting timeless classics. There’s something for every preference, from traditional recipes to bold, modern twists.
To make your search easier, I’ve rounded up some of the best doughnut spots in London. Let’s look at where you can find your next favourite treat.
1. Bread Ahead
Media credit: breadaheadbakery
Address: Borough Market, Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE
Contact: +44 20 7407 7851
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Bread Ahead is the go-to spot for doughnuts with light, airy dough and indulgent fillings.
Their vanilla custard is my favourite, with its real vanilla flecks that sing in every bite. Meanwhile, the salted caramel strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
What really keeps me coming back, though, are the seasonal specials like tangy passionfruit curd and rich chocolate-orange. Their flavours change regularly, offering something fresh and exciting each time I visit.
Honestly, once you’ve had a Bread Ahead doughnut, it’s hard to imagine going anywhere else—they’re just that good.
Pro tip:
Visit in the morning when the doughnuts are freshly baked, and take one of their baking workshops to master the art yourself.
2. Crosstown Doughnuts
Media credit: crosstown
Address: 4 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HJ
Contact: +44 20 7018 6722
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Crosstown Doughnuts stands out with its focus on quality ingredients and a creative, gourmet style for baking. The flavours feel thoughtfully crafted, not just sweet for the sake of it.
Their sourdough base is made fresh every day. It has a light, chewy texture that’s unlike anything else—perfect for a satisfying bite without feeling too heavy.
The Matcha Tea doughnut is my go-to when I want something unique—it has this earthy, slightly sweet flavour that’s so refreshing.
Their vegan range is honestly some of the best since they use plant-based alternatives, making them a guilt-free treat that feels just as premium as the rest of their menu.
Pro tip:
Look out for their “Doughnut of the Month” for a creative, limited-edition treat.
3. St. John Bakery
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Address: 72 Druid Street, SE1 2DU
Contact: +44 20 7553 9844
Operating Hours:
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sun: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price Range: ££
St. John Bakery’s doughnuts are easily one of London’s best-kept secrets, as they are an extension of the renowned St. John Restaurant. Their doughnuts are only available three days a week, making them a rare treat.
The bakery has a no-frills approach to baking, which prioritises quality over quantity.
Each doughnut is handmade with soft, slightly chewy dough. It serves as the perfect base for their standout fillings, which include silky vanilla custard and seasonal fruit jams.
Pro tip:
Check their schedule carefully as doughnuts are only available three days a week. Arrive early to avoid disappointment—they sell out fast!
4. Dum Dum Donutterie
Media credit: dumdumdoughnuts
Address: 15 Boxpark Shoreditch, E1 6GY
Contact: +44 20 7729 9588
Operating Hours:
Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: £
Dum Dum Donutterie is my favourite for guilt-free indulgence—they bake all their doughnuts instead of frying them.
Their doughnuts and croissant-doughnut hybrids (known as “cronuts”) are made fresh daily using natural ingredients. They’re give you this lighter and less oily treat without losing any of the flavour.
Their Crème Brûlée Croissant Doughnut is a personal obsession. The caramelised sugar layer cracks perfectly with each bite, and the silky custard filling perfectly balances sweet and creamy.
Pro tip:
Try the Zebra Doughnut—a layered masterpiece of croissant dough and chocolate.
5. Doughnut Time
Media credit: doughnuttime_uk
Address: 96 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5ED
Contact: +44 20 7930 0030
Operating Hours:
Mon–Sun: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Doughnut Time is my go-to when I want something bold, fun, and indulgent. Their doughnuts are freshly made daily, which you can tell from the fluffy texture and flavourful fillings.
I always grab the Ice Ice Bae Bae—the caramel glaze is perfectly smooth, and the vanilla custard is luxuriously creamy.
For something playful, the Love at First Bite doughnut is a must-try with its strawberry cheesecake filling and vibrant pink icing.
What stands out for me is their vegan range. The Pump Up the Jam is bursting with fresh raspberry filling and is dusted just right with sugar—so good; you’d never guess it’s vegan!
Pro tip:
Don’t leave without trying their Vegan Deluxe Mini-Doughnut Box—it’s perfect for sharing, though I usually end up keeping it all to myself!
6. Krispy Kreme London (Iconic Chain)
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Address: 7-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7X
Contact: +44 121 725 4750
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sun: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: £
Krispy Kreme may be a global favourite, but the London branches are a go-to for their unbeatable freshness and variety.
The Original Glazed is iconic for its light, fluffy texture, and perfectly sweet glaze. For those craving something richer, the Chocolate Dreamcake with its gooey chocolate filling is a must-try.
Krispy Kreme London stands out for its focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Their vegan range, including the Vegan Original Glazed, offers plant-based eaters the same delicious experience as the classics without compromise.
Pro tip:
Pair your fresh doughnut with a cappuccino for the perfect balance of sweetness and a rich, creamy coffee kick.
7. Rinkoff Bakery
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Address: 224 Jubilee Street, E1 3BS
Contact: +44 20 7790 5560
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sun: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price Range: £
Rinkoff Bakery, a family-run shop since 1911, is famous for its innovative take on the doughnut: the Crodough. These croissant doughnut hybrids are a buttery, flaky dream with a soft, doughnut-like texture that’s satisfyingly sweet.
The Salted Caramel & Pistachio is always my first pick—the caramel filling hits the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the crunchy pistachio topping seals the deal.
What makes Rinkoff unique is its ability to blend tradition with creativity. Their focus on quality, small-batch baking using family recipes passed down through generations ensures that each doughnut is fresh, flavourful, and crafted with care.
Pro tip:
If you’re grabbing a box of Crodoughs from Rinkoff Bakery, try warming them up for a few seconds in the oven or microwave at home. It brings out the buttery layers and enhances the flavour of the fillings.
8. Bageriet (Swedish Bakery)
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Address: 24 Rose Street, WC2E 9EA
Contact: +44 20 7240 0338
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Bageriet, hidden on Rose Street, is a small Swedish bakery that feels like a cosy slice of Scandinavia in London.
Their doughnuts have their own authentic flavors, especially the Vaniljbulle—a soft, fluffy bun filled with smooth vanilla custard and dusted lightly with sugar. It’s not overly sweet, and the custard has a lovely homemade flavour that stands out.
Every doughnut is handmade using authentic recipes, meaning you get a taste of Sweden with every bite. Plus, the warm, inviting aroma of fresh baking as you approach the bakery makes you more excited before you even step inside.
Pro tip:
Try their Semlor buns, a cardamom-spiced buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream, traditionally enjoyed during Lent for a seasonal twist on doughnuts.
9. Longboys
Media credit: longboys_uk
Address: Boxpark Wembley, HA9 0JT
Contact: +44 20 7993 2777
Operating Hours:
Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Longboys is famous for their éclair-style doughnuts, a finger-style doughnut with a light, handmade soft brioche base.
The taste of their doughnuts is not your typical overly sweet treats—they’re thoughtfully crafted, balanced in sweetness, and filled with house-made ingredients.
Longboys also shines with its inclusivity. It offers vegan, nut-free, and dairy-free options. Among my favorite is their Peanut Butter Jelly (vegan), which tastes just as indulgent as their classic selections.
Pro tip:
Check their website for collaborations with local chefs, introducing limited-edition flavours that you can try the next time you buy from them.
10. Donutelier
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Address: 48-50, Charing Cross Road
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sun: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: ££
Donutelier is a boutique bakery in central London that turns doughnuts into stunning edible art. Each one is handmade daily with soft, airy dough and intricate designs that make them feel exceptional.
My favourite is the Honoratus, a rich chocolate ganache-filled doughnut with gold accents—indulgent without being overly sweet. The Marry Me is another standout, filled with smooth vanilla cream and beautifully decorated with fresh flowers.
Donutelier’s level of craftsmanship and their use of premium ingredients makes it exceptional. Every detail is carefully thought out, making their doughnuts perfect for special occasions or just as a personal treat.
Pro tip:
Visit their boutique early to catch limited-edition creations that often sell out quickly. For the full experience, enjoy your doughnut on-site, where you can appreciate the arts while sipping one of their expertly brewed coffees.
11. Rodeo Doughnuts
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Address: 96 Shaftesbury Ave
Contact: +44 20 3940 0594
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: £
Rodeo Doughnuts is worth trying for its variety and bold flavours. They offer classic favourites to creative seasonal options.
Their vegan and gluten-free doughnuts are just as satisfying as the regular ones, making it an inclusive spot for all tastes.
The doughnuts are generously sized, with a light, fluffy texture and toppings that are rich without being overwhelming.
Pro tip:
Check for their limited-edition releases—they often introduce unique flavours that are worth the trip everyday.
