Doughnuts are a cornerstone of Western bakery culture, prized for their pillowy texture and that perfect balance of sweet and fried. What began as humble fried dough has evolved into a canvas for creative twists—glazes kissed with exotic flavours, fillings piped with precision, and presentations that make you pause in front of every bakery window.
Their story spans centuries. Early versions of oily cakes turned up in European kitchens long before Dutch settlers brought “olykoeks” to America in the 1700s. The ring shape and stuffed varieties came later, cementing the doughnut’s status as an enduring comfort food—and a playground for bakers’ imaginations.
London’s doughnut landscape embraces that legacy with enthusiasm. From yeast‑raised classics to vegan and gluten free donuts in London that taste anything but compromise, the city’s bakeries deliver on both craftsmanship and flavour. If you’ve ever searched for best donuts in London or hunted down a fresh glazed donut near you, this guide will take you to seven spots that truly stand out.
The London Doughnut Scene Today
London’s doughnut scene has exploded in recent years, with everything from indie ateliers to global chains delivering top‑tier sweet rings. Vegan and gluten free donuts in London have moved from niche offerings to mainstream hits—brands like Borough 22 prove that allergy‑friendly can also mean flavour‑forward.
At the same time, inventive glazes (think yuzu‑matcha or miso‑caramel) and filled varieties fuel endless “donuts near me” searches, even as legacy favourites like Krispy Creme donuts in London maintain cult followings.
7 Best Doughnuts in London You Need to Try in 2025
Here are 7 of the best doughnut shops or bakeries that will leave you enchanted:
1. Ikkan Sushi (Yes, doughnuts!)
Ikkan Sushi’s Baker Street outpost isn’t just about sushi—its crisp, airy Ikkan Donuts are soaked in vanilla bean glaze and finished with seasonal toppings like sakura‑matcha or black sesame crunch. It’s the unexpected twist that makes it one of the best donuts in London, perfectly blending Japanese finesse with bakery flair.
Address: 142 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PH (Baker Street)
Site: ikkansushi.com
2. Donutelier
Donutelier’s Charing Cross Road bakery turns out glowing glazed donuts with a whisper‑thin sugar coat and a pillowy center—then elevates them with rotating specials like yuzu-lemon and matcha-black sesame. Each ring is hand‑shaped and glazed on site, making it one of the best donuts in London for texture and balance.
Address: 48–50 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB (Covent Garden)
3. Boro 22
Boro 22 has turned allergy-friendly foods into a flavour triumph, serving gluten-free donuts in London that taste anything but compromise. Try their pistachio‑rose or vegan lemon‑curd filled rings at the Selfridges Food Hall, where each bite proves that free-from treats can steal the show.
Address: Selfridges Food Hall, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
4. Doughnut Time
Doughnut Time’s Covent Garden kiosk (96 Shaftesbury Avenue) is a playgroundr pop-culture-inspired donuts, where each creation—from unicorn-sprinkled rings to vegan‑friendly classics—demands an Instagram snap before you bite. Their fresh‑made doughnuts have cult status among Londoners chasing novelty and nostalgia in every bite.
Address: 96 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5ED (Chinatown)
5. Longboys
Longboys pioneered the “finger doughnut” with its signature long‑form brioche dough, hand‑rolled and filled with curds and compotes like lemon-meringue and raspberry‑rose lychee. Finding them at Coal Drops Yard is aadventure, and each bite proves why they’re among the best donuts in London for craftsmanship and flavour innovation.
Address: 37 Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA (Borough Yards)
6. Chestnut Bakery
Chestnut Bakery’s Covent Garden outpost on Floral Street is better known for its croissants, but their doughnut-inspired sticky buns and cronuts bridge the gap between pastry and ring dough. Stop by for a seasonal twist—like a rhubarb-custard custard bun—and see why it’s a must on any “donuts near me” hunt.
Address: 24 Floral Street, London WC2E 9DS (Leicester Square)
7. Crosstown
Crosstown’s sourdough‑base doughnuts—available at 157, Brick Lane and Soho’s 4 Broadwick Street—offer a chewier crumb and inventive vegan flavours like matcha white chocolate and dark chocolate truffle. It’s a bold, tangy-sweet experience that stands out on any list of best donuts in London.
Address: 57 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB (Brick Lane)
Conclusion
From soft, glossy rings to thick, cream-stuffed beauties, London’s got doughnuts down. Doesn’t matter if you’re after vegan, sourdough, gluten-free, or just the sugary stuff your inner kid craves — there’s a bakery out here doing it right.
So yeah, grab a mate or just go solo, pick a few of these spots, and make a day out of it. Nothing hits like a fresh doughnut straight from the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best glazed donut in London?
If you’re after that perfect glossy, melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, Donutelier on Charing Cross Road should be your first stop. They do the simple stuff with serious care — fluffy texture, clean glaze, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Are there gluten free donuts in London that actually taste good?
Absolutely — Boro 22 is your go-to. They’ve nailed the texture game with their gluten free and vegan options. You wouldn’t even guess they’re allergy-friendly. Pistachio rose and vegan custard-filled are worth tracking down, especially if you’ve been stuck with dry, bland “healthy” donuts in the past.
What’s the difference between classic and artisan doughnuts?
Classic doughnuts are usually yeast-raised or cake-based, with familiar fillings like jam, custard, or simple glaze — think Krispy Creme style. Artisan doughnuts, on the other hand, are a step up in both creativity and craft. Spots like Crosstown and Longboys focus on handmade doughs, unique shapes, seasonal flavours, and premium fillings.
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