Where To Find London’s Tastiest Hot Cross Buns

Easter is just a couple of weeks away, which means hot cross bun season has well and truly arrived. While the sticky fruit buns are sold in some shops year-round, they’re widely enjoyed over the Easter period as part of Christian tradition, with the cross symbolising the crucifixion of Jesus. And during the spring, lots of bakeries get involved by adding hot cross buns to their menus. Here are London’s best, from classic recipes to twists featuring extra flavours, hybrid bakes and more.

Best Hot Cross Buns In London 2026

TOAD

For something a bit different head to cult Camberwell favourite TOAD, which is serving a hot cross bun bacon and black pudding sandwich using ingredients from local Peckham butcher Flock & Herd. Not up your street? There are also classic HCBs (plus don’t miss the little Easter honey bunnies made with brioche and mini egg whipped mascarpone).

Available now, 44 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8PX. toadbakery.com

FINK’s

North London bakery FINK’s, which recently opened a new branch at Clissold House in Stoke Newington, makes its hot cross buns with a heavily spiced dough dotted with earl grey soaked currants and Turkish golden raisins. The buns are then flavoured with candied citrus peel made in-house and finished with an Amalfi lemon and vanilla marmalade glaze for a heavenly treat.

Available now, locations across north London. finks.co.uk

Fortitude Bakehouse

If you’re a hot cross bun purist, stock up at Fortitude Bakehouse in Russell Square. Its buns are made with a two-day ferment and a sourdough base, then enriched with Earl Grey tea, spiced and studded with orange peel and sultanas. Why mess with a classic?

Available now, 35 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JD. mi1fej-ez.myshopify.com

Gelupo

Soho gelateria Gelupo is getting in on the Easter fun by bringing back its hot cross bun ice cream sandwiches, inspired by the much-loved Sicilian breakfast: brioche con gelato. The cold gelato melts into the warm bun for a truly delicious treat, with special spring flavours on offer including orange curd and brown butter honey (as well as all the classics).

Available 23 March – 6 April, 7 Archer St, London W1D 7AU. gelupo.com

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery

Like everything at this viral East London bakery, The Dusty Knuckle’s hot cross buns always sell out quickly, beloved for their extra-soft texture and made with the perfect amount of zest and spice.

Available from 16 March, locations in Dalston and Haringay. thedustyknuckle.com

Pophams

Pophams

Back by popular demand are Pophams’ croissant hot cross buns, which are made using the surplus mincemeat from the bakery’s equally beloved mince pies. The result is a delicious bun packed with raisins, sultanas, candied peel and apple, then brushed with a maple and cardamom glaze. They’re available to devour now from all three Pophams bakeries.

Available until 12 April, locations in Islington, London Fields and Victoria Park. pophamsbakery.com

St. JOHN

Of course esteemed bakery St. JOHN delivers on the hot cross buns front. Here they stick to the classic recipe, ensuring the dough is long-proved and slow-risen to achieve that deep flavour and fluffy texture, then mixed with dried fruit, candied peel and crystallised ginger. 

Available now, locations in Borough, Covent Garden and Bermondsey. stjohnrestaurant.com

Toklas Bakery

This Temple bakery has become a hotspot since opening in 2021, and its seasonal goodies have proven particularly popular. The mince pies were a big hit, as were the dark chocolate and honey biscuits – and now hot cross buns are returning to the menu. The team use the last of the year’s Todolí Citrus harvest alongside a blend of spices to create a zesty bun with flavours of cardamom and cinnamon.

Available from 16 March, 9 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND. toklaslondon.com