A Guide to the Best Scandinavian Bakeries in London

There are many Scandinavian bakeries and cafes in London. Scandinavia’s renowned rituals of afternoon coffee and cardamom buns, after-work beers, and spending time in the sauna all mark pivotal moments to slow down. From hygge to lagom Scandinavians have found ways to bring moments of peace to daily life; perhaps that’s why Londoners are so taken with the Scandi traditions.

Scandinavia’s calming approach to design further adds to the appeal: simple wooden furnishings, plenty of white contrasted by vivid green plants and modern art, and flickering candle light make for a welcoming setting amidst the constant noise in the city.

Here are all the best Scandinavian bakeries and cafes in London:

Ole & Steen

At this contemporary Copenhagen import, Ole & Steen, classic seeded sandwiches and cinnamon-spiced pastries are on the menu alongside lesser-known Scandinavian staples such as tebirkes (flaky, sweet almond remonce pastry flecked with crispy poppy seeds), hindbærsnitter (raspberry jam sandwiched between buttery shortbread-like dough), and a no-waste hero, dark chocolate logs, made by marrying leftover Danish pastries with a decadent dark chocolate ganache. Ole & Steen’s Danish rye bread is also classic, made with their 100+ year old sourdough starter.

See more locations here.

Fabrique Bakery

Stockholm bakery chain Fabrique has replicated its success and aesthetically pleasing decor in London, with vintage red-and-white checkered flooring, flickering candle lighting, and round marble tables adorning sites across the British capital. The buns are renowned for their fragrant cardamom spice, sturdy yet soft texture, and an absolutely mesmerising twisted-dough top.

Söderberg

Söderberg is a modern Scandinavian bakery and cafe in the heart of Soho, and more recently South London’s family-friendly neighborhood of Dulwich. The interior is calming, dressed in a deep marine-blue color palette with touches of pale wood and slick industrial lighting. 

The all-day menu marries traditional Swedish delicacies with more contemporary, intercontinental flavors, in dishes such as avocado toast with crème fraîche, crispy kale and herby dill sauce, and vegan-friendly sourdough pizzas served with lingonberry-spiked prosecco cocktails on weekends.

Its signature “Frukostbricka” makes for a very nourishing and sociable start to the day, with small portions of cheese, cured meats and fruity jams dotted around dark crispbreads and toasted sourdough for piling everything onto. It’s Sweden’s sophisticated answer to the quintessentially British “picky bits” scenario. 

26 Grains

Inspired by seasonal cooking in Denmark, chef Alex Hely-Hutchinson has been revolutionising breakfast at Neal’s Yard hotspot, 26 Grains, since 2015.

The all-day menu includes perfectly executed porridge with white balsamic, pistachio brittle and strawberries, or house-spiced hazelnut butter with sliced apple and lemon thyme.

Sourdough toasts, piled up high with pesto blanco and honey-roasted delica pumpkin perhaps, are delicious and nourishing.  

Scandinavian Kitchen

Since opening in 2007, Scandinavian Kitchen has been a treasure-trove for Scandi expats seeking out nostalgic childhood comforts in London. Its grocery shop downstairs stocks everything from salty liquorice to legendary names in chocolate (Polly, Tupla, Plopp, etc) as well as fresh herring, pickled gherkins, and more.

In the cafe upstairs, porridge sits in pools of warm, creamy milk, lifted with the pleasing sour-sharpness of lingonberries scattered over the top. Once noon hits, breakfast dishes make way for outstanding Swedish meatballs, served with a silky, spoonably soft potato mash, bright lingonberry jam, a few pickles, and generous glügs of beautifully rich brown gravy – or three salads if you must. 

Willows


Willows in Clapham takes its cue from Copenhagen’s trendy brunch cafes. At this popular, khaki-green painted local, expect relaxed dishes such as cheesy scrambled eggs and nostalgic cherry bakewell granola by day, while fine Italian charcuterie boards and wine pairings turn the vibe more romantic at night.

Bageriet

Nestled in an alley away from the Covent Garden crowds, Bageriet is a cosy, independently run Scandi bakery with traditional Swedish home baking at its heart. Tuck into golden cinnamon buns studded with pearl sugar nibs for a satisfying crunch, and mark your calendar when semla season begins – chef Daniel Karlsson puts extra care into making the ground almond filling, and it shows. Bageriet is a favourite at Christmas time, selling Julmust, gingerbread sponge (pepparkaka), saffron buns (lussebullar / lussekatt), swedish Christmas bread (vörtbröd) and Pepparkaksmazarin (gingerbread mazarin).

HELMA

Helma’s commitment to seasonality and plant-focused dining shines in their monthly menu, led by Swedish chef Therese Gustafsson and her partner Kosta Chkadua. The signature “Helma” bowl puts the spotlight on fresh British tomatoes and pickled red onion, a wonderfully sharp contrast to its nutty buckwheat base. 

The décor is very Scandi, with simple wooden furnishings, potted plants, and modern art hung on soft-pink walls.

HJEM

Named after the Danish word for home, Kensington’s neighborhood cafe HJEM lives up to expectations with light wooden furnishings and an exposed brick The plant-draped courtyard round the back creates a snug feel. Visit for the ethereal Danish dream cake (drømmekage), a pillowy soft vanilla sponge with sticky, sweet caramelised coconut on top.

Also, their rye breads and traditional Danish ‘Brunsviger’ are favourites of the locals. Hjem also stocks Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, Lakrids by Bülow, and lots of other Scandinavian gifts and goodies.

Want to know more about Scandinavian cafe culture? Read about Norwegian coffee culture, the best coffee shops in Copenhagen, and the best places for fika in Stockholm.