A Coeliac’s Guide To London’s Loveliest Gluten Free Bakeries
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5 days ago
A cheat sheet to the capital’s finest baked GF goods
When I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, my first dilemma was this: how will I survive without my weekly (okay, daily) croissant? Like most people, I love sinking my teeth into freshly baked bread, a crumbly pastry or a rich slice of cake – so to suddenly not have access to the things that fill me with culinary joy was a tough challenge to navigate. Now, a few years down the line, I know exactly where to find the best gluten free bakeries, patisseries and cake shops in London. (And I’ve even managed to stock up on an impressively buttery collection of croissants.)
Below, you’ll find my – Charlie Colville, C&TH’s resident coeliac – guide to some of the capital’s best spots for finding a little treat (or two). Happy snacking.
London Best Gluten Free Bakeries
Borough22
For a long time, it was only possible to get your hands on a box of Borough 22 doughnuts via local delivery, but these days, all you need to do is swing by the Selfridges Food Hall to get your fix. This doughnut destination specialises in classic flavours – sugar-coated, jam- and custard-filled, glazed (even yum yums are up for grabs) – as well as more playful, seasonal flavours that make the occasion feel special. (Candy cane doughnuts for Christmas? Sign me up.) But if it’s your first time, make sure to get founder Ryan Panchoo’s top pick: ‘Start with the vanilla glaze. It’s something else. We use a hot glaze on a hot doughnut, so you get a crystallisation – and I just think it’s quite superior to the other doughnuts.’
Editor’s Pick: Plant-based custard-filled doughnut
Where? Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB (located in the Food Hall)
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Copains
When Parisian import Copains first landed on British soil, it was to an incredibly warm welcome – and queues trailing out its front door for weeks. The buzz is still there, months later, and now gluten free bakery lovers have their choice of two locations: the buzzing centre of Covent Garden and the chic high street of Angel. As for the (baked) goods, they’re well worth the visit. The bakery itself is completely gluten free and organic, and some of its most popular treats include pistachio croissants, chocolate praline financiers and matcha cookies. For the savouries, you also have your pick of freshly made bread, focaccia and generously filled sandwiches.
Editor’s Pick: White chocolate and pistachio Leo
Where? 54 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9PA | 133 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QP
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Manna Dew
This legendary bakery is known by coeliacs throughout the capital (and across the UK). Manna Dew was set up in 2015 in Hackney, with the goal to create baked gluten free goods that rivaled traditional ones – and it’s safe to say it’s done just that. Its pastries are some of the best in London, with founder Mohamed Aboughazala serving up some of the city’s top croissants (that just so happen to be gluten free). Manna Dew delivers its pastries and breads across the UK (and can even send out boxes to the US and Canada), but London locals can get their fix by swinging by its bricks and mortar bakery in Battersea.
Editor’s Pick: The croissants (all of them are worth a mention)
Where? 169 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3JS
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Ma Ma Boutique Bakery
If you find yourself strolling through leafy Chiswick, make sure not to pass up a visit to Ma Ma Boutique Bakery. Known for its award-winning breads, pastries and cakes – made in a 100 percent gluten free kitchen – this family-run bakery is something of a local legend. And it’s easy to see why. Everything is baked fresh daily using local and organic ingredients where possible, resulting in some seriously delicious flavours and moreish textures. (If you can’t make it to West London, fear not – Ma Ma Boutique Bakery also regularly makes an appearance at Borough Market. Follow along on Instagram to find out when you can visit.)
Editor’s Pick: Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls
Where? 30 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 1TE
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Libby’s
This Notting Hill hotspot has a dedicated foodie following, thanks to its delicious gluten free bakes. Libby’s was founded back in 2021, having started out as a pop-up in Queen’s Park, and has since become a cult London bakery in its own right. Whether you’re after a stuffed bagel, a well-seasoned focaccia, a classic croissant or a sweet treat, you’re always guaranteed something delicious at Libby’s. Can’t make it in person? Not to worry: Libby’s also offers delivery across the UK via its online shopping platform.
Editor’s Pick: Sausage roll croissant
Where? 61 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA
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Dendara
You’ll often find this Kensington bakery teeming with people – usually spilling out the door awaiting for their fix. All of Dendara’s bakes are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and low sugar, made fresh each morning by the team in its onsite kitchen. Recipes draw on founder Salma’s background, blending Egyptian flavours with the Parisian flair for patient, slow cooking. Bakes span everything from pastilla, hawawshi and quiche to tarts, cookies and sweet loaves.
Editor’s Pick: Salted tahini brownies
Where? 43 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BA
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Free From Bakehouse
You might have already seen Free From Bakehouse’s tasty treats nestled amongst the shelves of Wholefoods and Selfridges – but did you know it has its own stand at Borough Market too? Trading from Tuesday to Sunday every week, coeliacs can get their fill of carrot cake, bakewell tart, cookies, brownies and lamington (with a seasonal rotation balancing the classics with fun, fresh flavours).
Editor’s Pick: Bakewell tarts
Where? Borough Market – Green Market Area, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
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Cream Dream
‘Our love language is food,’ says the team at Cream Dream, a plant-based and gluten-free cafe in the heart of Covent Garden. Here you’ll find a huge selection of cakes and pastries, including Ukrainian bakes like Kyiv cake – a sweet dish made from layers of crunchy hazelnut meringue, toasted hazelnut pieces and smooth buttercream. It’s not just the food that makes a visit special either; Cream Dream’s pretty pink interiors are seriously swoon-worthy (and will no doubt look great on your Instagram feed).
Editor’s Pick: Kyiv cake
Where? 46 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HA
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