Who doesn’t love a good crumb? To celebrate the new season of The Great British Bake Off, we take a look at some of the UK’s best places to satisfy your sweet cravings, and there isn’t a soggy bottom in sight.
Forget Mayweather vs. McGregor. The must see television event of the year has finally arrived.
After much controversy, and a very public breakup, a new season of The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens this Tuesday. Yes, it has moved to Channel 4 and yes, national treasure Mary Berry will sadly no longer be judging, but fear not! Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and we have a feeling we are all going to be glued to the screen as some of our country’s best amateur bakers battle it out to claim the title.
What better way to celebrate the start of the new series of GBBO than by tucking into something sweet? However, if you don’t fancy yourself a baker, or simply don’t have the time to whip up a three tier cake (and honestly, who does?), we’re here to help! We’ve scoured the country and rounded up some of the UK’s best bakeries and cake shops. So sit back, relax and tuck into a slice of cake as you watch the drama unfold!
E5 Bakehouse, London
Image credit: E5 Bakehouse
While London is teeming with excellent bakeries, E5 Bakehouse, nestled underneath the London Fields Archways in Hackney, is a standout. A favourite among locals - and London’s most prestigious restaurants - E5 is churning out some of the best loaves in the city, all baked in their handmade wood-fire oven. With a range of fresh, seasonal and organic selection of pastries and cakes, from traditional British Bakewell Tarts to Scandi inspired cinnamon buns, you won’t struggle for choice. However, if you only pick up one thing, make sure it’s their signature Hackney Wild. The sourdough loaf is simply mind-blowing.
E5 Bakehouse can be found at Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, London E8
Lovecrumbs, Edinburgh.
Image credit: Graeme Pow
Eschewing the traditional cake display, a beautiful wooden wardrobe stocked with mouth-watering tarts, cakes and other sweet treats, takes centre stage in Lovecrumbs, Edinburgh’s go to stop for all things sweet. While traditional chocolate cakes and Victoria sponges are on offer, you’ll also find more innovative recipes that feature seasonal ingredients (sweet potato & pecan cake anyone?). With its’ Instagram friendly interior (the quirky furniture includes a full sized piano table!), Lovecrumbs is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a very generous slice of cake. And for those with a dietary requirement and a sweet tooth, you’re in luck - gluten free and vegan options are available.
Lovecrumbs can be found at 155 West Port, Edinburgh
Baltic Bakehouse, Liverpool.
Image credit: The Telegraph
Although only opened in 2013, Baltic Bakehouse has quickly become the place to grab some of the city’s best artisanal bread. If you are after something sweeter, Baltic also serve ‘99 doughnuts’ filled with rich vanilla custard and rhubarb, as well as some truly spectacular banana and salted caramel buns. Often completely sold out before closing, make sure to get there early to avoid disappointment.
Baltic Bakehouse can be found at 46 Bridgewater Street, Liverpool, L1 0AY
Hart’s Bakery, Bristol.
Image credit: @rachelays
Bakeries are popping up underneath our country’s railway arches left, right and centre. And we aren’t complaining! Named after owner and baking extraordinaire, Laura Hart, Hart’s (located underneath one of Brunel’s railway arches) has firmly established itself as a strong contender for the best bakery in Bristol. Locals queue to buy a loaf of the sourdough bread, while handmade pastries, seasonal cakes and savouries are equally sought after (the sausage rolls are a must). Freshly made each morning, grab a pastry and make sure to pick up a coffee too, it’s some of the best in the city. Trust us.
Hart's Bakery can be found at Arch 35, Bristol Temple Meads
Sugardough, Hove
Image credit: @sugarloafbakery
Skip the fish and chips. If you’re hungry in Hove, Sugardough is the place to go. Using only traditional baking techniques and top-quality ingredients, the handmade breads, cakes and pastries on offer have quickly become a hit with locals and tourists alike. The homely interior, vintage china and friendly service only add to the experience. With another branch in Brighton, trips to the British seaside just got a whole lot sweeter.
Sugarloaf Bakery can be found at 5 Victoria Terrace, Hove, E Sussex