Guide to the best doughnuts in London

Each day, the bakers at Crosstown skillfully shape dough into rings, balls, and scrolls before frying them to create little tasty works of art. Depending on the shape and flavour, the doughnuts are either glazed and topped with garnishes or dusted with sugar and filled with all kinds of fillings. Sometimes, you even get a combination of both. The result? A heavenly, pillowy-soft, often vegan-friendly treat with the chewiness of a bagel. If doughnuts aren't your thing, don't worry - they also offer baked cake versions.

St. John's doughnuts have achieved a devoted following for good reason. Initially available exclusively on weekends, the doughnuts at St.John's Bakery have led to the main bakery being open daily, granting doughnut enthusiasts a chance to indulge throughout the entire week. These traditional treats are crafted by double-proofing the dough and frying it to perfection before dusting them with caster sugar. They come filled with various fillings such as vanilla custard, raspberry jam, and more.

Longboys have become renowned for their distinctive brioche doughnuts shaped more like a hotdog than the usual signature round shape we're used to. These tasty treats come in a range of mouth-watering flavours, such as apple crumble, strawberry white chocolate, or lemon meringue pie. The menu is updated monthly with the introduction of specials, so there's always something new to try. They also cater to different dietary needs, offering vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free options alongside their regular offerings.

Chestnut Bakery has perfected the craft of  baking, offering a diverse range of treats, from bread representing different cultures to sweet treats like cinnamon swirls and croissants. They're famed for their savoury croissants, which come in a range of flavours, like aubergine parmigiana and za'atar and cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, you've got options like banoffee croissants or the timeless pain au chocolat. Doughnut fans will be happy: they also serve some pretty mouthwatering versions of the sweet treat.

Setting itself apart from typical doughnut shops, Urban Legends goes above and beyond by offering a unique selling point: their doughnuts are incredibly low in calories compared to their peers. Their secret lies in their approach - steaming instead of frying. They've also replaced a portion of the sugar with stevia, a natural sugar substitute. Rest assured, these doughnuts retain their fluffiness and lightness without compromising on flavour.

Bread Ahead Bakery specialises in fresh sourdough bread, award-winning filled doughnuts, and croissants. With multiple locations around London, Bread Ahead has established itself as a go-to destination for baked treats, including their iconic doughnuts and assortment of mouth-watering pastries, such as delectable cinnamon swirls and luscious pistachio pains au chocolat. 

Roladin transforms deep-fried dough into artistic creations, all crafted from premium ingredients. You'll find displays of doughnuts on elegant brass cake stands and glass fittings inspired by pâtissiers' piping bags. You can see the doughnuts being made in-store, available in all kinds of flavours, from vanilla cookie cream to chocolate topped with a pretzel.

With a rich history spanning over a century, Rinkoff Bakery has earned a reputation as a top spot for baked goods in the capital. Renowned for their creation of the highly sought-after crodough - a unique fusion of croissant and doughnut - Rinkoff Bakery is known to sell out quickly. Their diverse selection includes sourdough, challah, baps, bagels, layer cakes, and a selection of tasty treats. It's the perfect place to savour a steaming cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry.