Guide to the best cupcakes in London

Lola's Cupcakes has become a well-known presence in London, leveraging modern technology to expand beyond traditional stores and mall kiosks to include their own vending machines and collection boxes. This makes it easy and convenient to order cupcake delivery wherever you are. This widespread patisserie chain provides an array of celebratory cakes, cupcakes, and brownies suitable for any occasion. Additionally, they cater to various dietary preferences with a broad selection of free-from options.

Flavourtown Bakery, celebrated for its award-winning, vibrant rainbow cakes and expertly-crafted cupcakes, is a favourite for adding a burst of colour and taste to any celebration – or cheeky mid-afternoon snack. The business actually started because the founders couldn't find the kind of cupcakes they wanted, and they've spent the years since perfecting their craft. Made with fine ingredients, Flavourtown Bakery cupcakes come in a range of playful flavours.

Lily Vanilli has variously been pronounced the Queen of Cakes, the Queen of Baked Goods, and, crucially, the Queen of Cupcakes. Her Shoreditch bakery features a soothing setting where you can indulge in a range of sweet treats, including her signature cupcakes, available in various flavours. If you're looking to stock up on cupcakes for a special event, you can even reach out for bespoke orders. 

The stunning Peggy Porschen parlours attract hordes of amateur photographers with their captivating floral design and beautifully-made confections. The standout feature is the patisserie counter, boasting a variety of cakes and cupcakes. The latter have been hailed as some of the best in the world. They're available in a range of classic and seasonal flavours.

Since launching in 2004, The Hummingbird Bakery has expanded to multiple locations across London and become the go-to destination for indulgent American-style cupcakes, especially the Red Velvet variety. The bakery offers a wide selection of cakes and cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, and classic American pies, with vegan and gluten-free options available too.

Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden offers a floral and pink-themed setting with a variety of sweet treats and a menu that includes all-day brunch, salads, sandwiches, and quiches. Among their many treats you'll find a delightful selection of pretty cupcakes, baked by an expert team of French pâtissiers. The cupcakes are also available as part of Brigit's various afternoon tea experiences – you can even enjoy them on the bakery's double decker whilst sightseeing around the city!

Violet, a bakery and café started by Claire Ptak, who famously made Prince Harry's wedding cake, originated as a market stall and now delights Londoners with its unpretentious setting and organic, seasonal treats. The cupcakes here come in a variety of flavours, including seasonal options such as cranberry or fig. The café also features a garden for sunny days.

Situated in Greenwich Market, Rudy's of London is a bakery that specialises in plant-based and free-from baked goods. Whether you're planning a celebration and need a custom cake or require a quick pick from their fresh selection, Ruby's caters to your needs. Their range includes beautifully-presented vegan cupcakes in a variety of tempting flavours, such as forest berry, brownie bite, or chocolate salted caramel & hazelnut.

Crumbs & Doilies in the heart of Soho was founded by Cupcake Jemma, a YouTube content creator with more than two million subscribers, so you can be sure they know their stuff when it comes to cupcakes. There's a weekly menu of decadently-delicious treats to choose from, usually available in various wacky flavours such as caramel cornflake or Malteaser.

The female-owned Primrose Bakery in Primrose Hill is renowned for its custom-made cupcakes, layer cakes, loaves, and slices, with a notable celebrity following including stars such as Jude Law and Chris Martin. In addition to regular cupcakes in a range of flavours, Primrose Bakery offers adorable mini cupcakes that are perfect for kids' parties, as well as their adult counterparts – cocktail cupcakes that contain alcohol and are inspired by popular drinks such as Aperol spritz, espresso martini, or G&T.