The best desserts in London

The French cuisine is often regarded as one of the finest, and the country has produced some of the most famous and popular desserts in the world. To sample some authentic brasserie fare in the capital, you can’t go wrong with one of Gazette’s many outposts. Here these guys take this particular course seriously, and you’ll find all of the big stars on the menu, including an oversized madeleine, a decadent chocolate soufflé, an Insta-worthy thinly-slice apple tart curiously cooked upside down — and, of course, the crème de la crème of crème brûlées.

At Newens in picturesque Richmond, you’ll find one of the most unusual desserts in the city, one which boasts a history that’s as enticing as its flavour! The charmingly traditional Newens is the home of the original Maids of Honour Tarts, which were particularly enjoyed by notorious glutton Henry VIII. These saccharine morsels can be compared to a classic jam tart, while you’ll also find other delights available in the tearoom including opera slices, a chocolate Swiss roll, eclairs and chocolate sponge truffles.

If it’s a sugar-packed, OTT dessert that you’re dreaming of, then an American diner is pretty much always a good bet! In TGI Fridays’ buzzing London locations, you’ll find delights inspired by our friends across the pond, from stacks of buttermilk pancakes piled high with your favourite sweet treats to a range of sundaes that really bring the wow-factor. There’s one that brings together all the flavours of a s’more, including Biscoff biscuit pieces and toasted marshmallows, as well as another birthday cake variation, which is a rainbow covered dish filled with ice cream and sauce and topped with a full slice of Fridays® Legendary Birthday Cake!

Italy is another nation that rarely disappoints when it comes to sweet things, and you’ll find plenty of authentic examples at the family-run Italian spot Citro in pretty Highgate. The menu here is inspired by the recipes passed down to the two brothers who own it, Nunzio and Salvatore. You can expect freshly-made, in-house puds from a traditional tiramisu to homemade gelatos and sorbets in a range of flavours — from the naughtier Stracciatella, salted caramel and pistachio to the more palate-cleansing blood orange and cherry.

Impeccable French pastry chef and Instragram sensation, Cédric Grolet is at the helm in The Berkeley Cafe, and as you might imagine, his creations look as incredible as they taste. The menu changes seasonally, however you might find yourself biting into a lemon flower cake that looks like daisy or trompe-l’oeil fruits and nuts that reveal surprising fillings! He’s also created a special Goûtea experience that fuses both the traditional British afternoon tea with the French tradition of goûter, which means sweet snacking.

This Lola’s outpost also features an all-day cafe, so you can really spend some time enjoying the famous cupcake maker’s creations with your beverage of choice (and there’s a lot of choice!). In addition to its pleasingly pretty cupcakes, which come in ever-changing flavour combinations and include gluten-free and vegan options, you’ll find fabulous layer cakes and bakes, from apple pie to red velvet and even a vegan fudge showstopper! You can also get your favourite cupcake whizzed with ice cream and made into a shake!

This Italian spot on Holloway Road has been run by a family from the Calabrian Coast in southern Italy since the 90s, and it really transports you to blissful holiday mealtimes. While the pizza and pasta here is unmissable, you’ll want to leave room for one of the desserts, all of which are homemade on the premises. Whether you want to go all out with a creamy tiramisu or a lemony torta della nonna, or just have a little bite of something special and opt for a crunchy, ricotta-filled cannolo, we doubt you’ll be able to resist choosing at least one!

On a sunny London day, you could easily imagine you were dining on a terrace in Italy at this Covent Garden eatery, which boasts a dreamy courtyard space. In addition to its tempting bruschettas and rich, slow-cooked pasta and meat dishes, you’ll find a selection of Italian sweet treats including a classic tiramisu, a spectacular chocolate lava cake, and a chic affogato (vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso). You’ll find an extensive wine list here as well, so you could even sip on a sweet vintage to really round off the meal.

This elegant Ottoman-influenced restaurant in Pimlico offers up irresistible meze platters and mouthwatering marinated meats, however the dessert selection is equally as enticing and decadent. You’ll find handcrafted baklava drenched in honey syrup and served with delicate rose ice cream, a Cointreau and orange blossom syllabub with raspberries soaked in cherry brandy, and a traditional Turkish rice pudding made with rosewater. If you really can’t manage a full-on course, then you could opt for some dried apricots poached in cinnamon stuffed with walnut and rosewater cream.

The desserts at Daylesford are about as guilt-free as they can get, since most of its ingredients are sourced from its very own farm. Luckily, we can sample its flavoursome produce right here in the capital, since you’ll find farm shops and cafes in Pimlico, Notting Hill and Brompton Cross. Some of the delights on offer include Daylesford strawberries with elderflower cream, a salted caramel brownie, a cherry crackle choux bun served with fresh cherries and warm chocolate sauce, and an ever-changing selection of plant-based gelatos!