The best bakeries in Covent Garden

Visit Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden for a sweet treat or hop on board the roving afternoon tea bus. The bakery and café is decked out in white and pink with plenty of florals. Afternoon tea is a big attraction but guests also come for treats like cupcakes, healthy smoothie bowls, and lunch options.

Arôme Bakery Covent Garden is considered one of the finest bakeries in the country, crafting French and Asian fusion bakes. There's also a sister bakery in Marylebone. French techniques and classic Asian ingredients are used for the unique products here like pastries, shokupan bread, and savoury quiche. Dine in or get yours to take away.

Ole & Steen is a well-established chain of bakeries that began in Copenhagen but are now a familiar sight around London. Whether you want some Danish bread, a flavoured bun, warming soup, or an open sandwich, this contemporary spot has something for you. Products are available to eat-in or take away.

Buns From Home rose rapidly to become one of London's favourite bakeries. The utilitarian and bustling bakeries often get busy with customers queuing up for the buttery flavoured buns here. Classic flavours are available like cinnamon or cardamom plus adventurous options like cheesecake or tiramisu. Stock varies throughout the day so drop in to see what's available.

Blondies Kitchen is a contemporary small-batch bakery that focuses on indulgent cookies. Shop for giant cookies, vegan or gluten-free options, personalised gifts, or ever-changing seasonal recipes here. The flavours are full of imagination. You can also get cookies delivered to you or order corporate gifts with this bakery.

Discover traditional Swedish baking at Bageriet. This bakery is modern but rustic and has an on-site café for coffees and snacks. Typical Swedish breads are available here plus classic pastries, cakes, and biscuits. Traditional celebration cakes like the green Prinsesstårta or savoury smörgåstårta sandwich cake are also available here.

Chestnut Bakery does baking with an international touch and has a site in Covent Garden. You can choose diverse international breads, sweet bakes like babka and cinnamon buns, and sandwiches for lunch or a snack. You can have something to eat in the bright and contemporary surroundings or get a takeaway.

Thriving French bakery and patisserie Orée has a number of blue-painted bakeries around the city where you can shop for fresh products or enjoy something to eat. The space is simple and welcoming. The goal is to bring authentic French baking to Londoners. Expect fresh bread and pastries each morning and savouries and sandwiches throughout the day.

You get luxurious modern baking at Donutelier by Roladin, just on the edge of Covent Garden. Doughnuts are the speciality here, fusing classic techniques with contemporary style. The menu features Insta-worthy seasonal doughnuts plus pastries and cookies with strong flavours like pistachio and raspberry. Don't miss this place if you're craving something sweet in Covent Garden.

Fabrique started out in Stockholm but now also has several locations around London. This Nordic bakery uses natural ingredients and time-honoured techniques to produce artisan bread and pastries. It's particularly well-known for its traditional cinnamon buns. Get something to eat on-the-go or sit back with a coffee in this rustic setting.

Ong Ong Buns wants to challenge the preconceptions Londoners have about Asian baking. Started in lockdown and run by a husband-and-wife team, this Chinese bakery has a broad range of products but filled buns are the speciality - choose from sweet or savoury fillings. Added to that, this simple and bustling spot does mochi, cakes, pastries, and milk bread.

St. John's Bakery, from the team behind the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, is a must-visit if you're a fan of doughnuts. That's not the only treat you can get here though. Some of the other tasty options you can by at this crisp and compact bakery include cinnamon buns, scones, croissants, and bread loaves and baguettes.

Memorable Japanese patisserie WA Café combines classic French techniques with distinctive flavours from Japan. Japanese breads, pastries, and desserts are available here, served in a tranquil and minimalist space. Choose from options like cheesecake, mousses, and sponge cakes, accompanied by a tea or coffee. These treats are also available for delivery.

Portuguese bakery Santa Nata is all about that famous national bake, pastel de nata. Here artisan pastry chefs prepare these traditional treats with some added theatricality. Listen for the sound of a bell ringing at this lively bakery – it signifies that a fresh batch of pastries is now ready to devour.

Ladurée is a French patisserie famed for its colourful macarons but it also offers an assortment of pastries and other sweet bakes. The brand has a tea salon in Covent Garden where you can buy their signature sweets, try them with champagne or a hot drink, or sample refined all-day dining options like sandwiches and omelettes.