Soft, fluffy, and sweet doughnuts are drool-worthy desserts that go well in meetings, hangouts with friends, and even birthday parties. They offer a succulent taste sensation and have recently seen a major resurgence in London.
From classic ring-shaped to long, round, and even flower-shaped, these delicious fluffy treats come in different shapes and sizes. Now, you can enjoy different fillers and flavours of doughnuts at different dessert shops.
When it comes to sourcing these flavourful desserts, London can offer you a lot of delightful options. In this article, we will introduce you to some amazing places in London where you can find the tastiest doughnuts. Some of them are so good that you will barely notice the avalanche of sugar all over your face.
Top Doughnut Places in The UK
Here are some places to find some of the best doughnuts in town. While some have introduced unique new flavours, others are simply popular for the classic version.
Poplar Spice
Who says you need to visit a dessert shop to enjoy doughnuts? Poplar Spice, an Indian restaurant, offers irresistible mini doughnuts that you'll love.
Their mini doughnuts, always fresh and delicious, come in packs of 10. These bite-sized treats are perfect after a spicy and filling dinner, satisfying you without feeling overwhelmed.
Next time you're craving something sweet but not too big, order their mini doughnuts through the ChefOnline platform or via their mobile apps, which are available on the App Store and Google Play.
Doughnut Time
When Doughnut Time arrived on Shaftesbury Avenue from Australia, it caused quite a buzz. Known for their "more is more" approach, they offer many flavours, garnishes, and sugar. Fans love their pop culture-inspired doughnuts, like Bruno Mars and David Hasselhoff, which rotate regularly to keep the menu fresh.
For those who prefer the classics, the Violet Beauregarde, a glazed doughnut filled with sticky, sweet blueberry jam, is always a hit.
You can always enjoy doughnuts as snacks when you’re hungry or as desserts after having some spicey foods like Chicken Tikka, Palak Paneer, etc.
Longboys
Longboys specialises in finger doughnuts resembling five-inch-long hotdog buns. These baked treats are filled and topped with various garnishes, creating a visual and flavourful delight. Each sugar-dusted doughnut is sliced lengthwise and generously filled, then beautifully displayed behind a glass counter.
The fruit-filled doughnuts stand out for their intense flavours, delivering sweetness without being overly sugary. Longboys' approach emphasises quality and presentation, making each bite a memorable experience.
Whether you're indulging in a classic or trying one of their innovative flavours, Longboys offers a unique take on doughnuts that will leave you wanting more. Their commitment to flavour and craftsmanship sets them apart in the world of pastries.
St John’s Bakery
St John's doughnuts, once a rare weekend treat, are now available daily at their main bakery and other locations around town. These cult favourites specialise in the traditional doughnut style: airy, twice-proofed, and butter-enriched dough, fried to golden perfection and dusted with caster sugar.
Each doughnut is generously filled with vanilla custard, raspberry jam, chocolate, or seasonal flavours. St John's commitment to quality and tradition makes their doughnuts a standout choice for anyone seeking a classic, indulgent treat. Their expanded availability ensures you can enjoy these delightful creations any day of the week.
Butterscotch
If you're on Barking Road, don't miss out on the amazing Butterscotch dessert shop. They offer a variety of mouthwatering treats, including pastries and doughnuts, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Although they have many other desserts, their three types of doughnuts are especially worth trying. Be sure to taste their custard doughnut; it's a must-have!
So, next time you're craving something sweet, visit Butterscotch or order a takeaway to enjoy these delightful treats.
Chestnut Bakery
Chestnut Bakery is famous for its spectacular sourdough loaves, especially the charcoal and Kalamata olive ones. While doughnuts aren't their main focus, they do offer one incredible flavour: a mixed fruit jam that's hard to identify but absolutely delicious.
Even late in the day, when the fluffy doughnut starts to deflate, the sweet and sour burst from the jam brings it back to life. Chestnut Bakery's doughnut may be simple, but its unique quality and flavour make it a hidden gem.
Japan Centre
Doughnuts are a new addition to the Mochi Bar at Japan Centre, located on the left as you enter. These Japanese treats, known as pon de ring, are made by joining individually rolled dough balls and deep-frying them. The unique texture comes from a blend of wheat and glutinous rice flour, making them much chewier yet still light and airy compared to regular doughnuts.
Available in flavours like sakura cherry blossom and matcha, the original glazed version showcases the best texture. These doughnuts offer a delightful twist on the traditional, bringing a taste of Japan to your palate.
Crosstown Doughnuts
Crosstown has something for everyone. Every day, their bakers hand-shape sourdough into rings, balls, and scrolls (like cinnamon rolls) before frying them. Depending on the shape and flavour, the doughnuts are either glazed while still warm and garnished or dusted with sugar and filled—sometimes both.
The result is a double-height, pillowy-soft treat with the chewy bite of a bagel. It is often vegan-friendly and always delicious. These are some of the tastiest doughnuts in London. And if doughnuts aren't your thing, they also offer baked cake versions. Crosstown truly covers all bases, ensuring there's a perfect treat for everyone.
Wrapping Up
Doughnuts are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, and London offers a variety of top-notch options. From classic recipes to innovative new flavours, there's something to satisfy every doughnut lover's craving. Whether you're enjoying a pop culture-inspired creation at Doughnut Time, savouring the fruit-filled delights at Longboys, or indulging in the traditional flavours at St John's Bakery, each spot brings its unique twist to this beloved dessert.
Don't forget to explore hidden gems like Chestnut Bakery and the Japanese-inspired doughnuts at Japan Centre. London's doughnut scene will surely leave you sweetly satisfied wherever you go.
If you've enjoyed the food and service at any of these restaurants, show your appreciation by nominating them for the upcoming Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, one of the highest honours in the restaurant industry. To learn more, visit artauk.com.
