The Best Scones in London

The best scones in London are out there waiting to be discovered. As a longtime Londoner, I’ve spent years sampling scones all over town in my quest to find the absolute finest. Join me on a scone scavenger hunt as I share some of my favorite spots to find the best scones in London.

Clapham Common Farmers Market

Every Sunday, you’ll find me at Clapham Common Farmers Market. This south London gem is packed with local producers selling all sorts of delicious treats. But the real star is the stall run by The Scone Witch – she bakes the best scones in London hands down.

Flavors rotate but you can always count on classics like raisin and cranberry. The Scone Witch is a whiz with both savory and sweet, and her scones are light, flaky perfection. Be sure to get there early before they sell out!

Bread Ahead Bakery

For individually perfected scones, head to Bread Ahead in Primrose Hill. Baker Tom Carr has the best scones in London dialed in with a magic touch. Whether you go for a traditional fruit scone or push the boundaries with exciting flavors like rose and pistachio, you simply can’t go wrong. The bakery is tiny but worth the wait. Grab a scone and coffee and enjoy the show – Tom’s skilled dough handling is an art form in itself.

The Attendant

Based in Shoreditch, The Attendant knows a thing or two about great coffee…and great scones. While their coffee menu draws the hipster crowds, savvy scone seekers head straight for the display case. Flavors change daily but you’re guaranteed to find the best scones in London – light, crumbly morsels packed with plump fruit and a perfect dusting of sugar. Pair one with a latte for the ultimate pick me up.

Maison Bertaux

For a taste of old world Paris in London, make a pilgrimage to Soho’s Maison Bertaux. Stepping inside is like a Proust-inspired madeleine moment, transported back to belle epoque France. Alongside exquisite pastries and hot chocolate, they bake the best scones in London – think tender, buttery shortbread studded with currants and a snowy top. Enjoy yours with a cafe creme on the sunny terrace. It’s easy to while away an afternoon in this scone-fueled scented wonderland.

The Wolseley

The grand dame of Mayfair, The Wolseley never fails to impress. While afternoon tea is the main event, savvy scone seekers make a beeline for the best scones in London at the counter. Flaky, generous rounds come topped with clotted cream and fruity preserves – a taste of the English countryside in the heart of the city. Sit back and soak up the elegant surroundings as you savor every last crumb. Who says scone scavenging can’t be luxurious?

Fernandez & Wells

For an eclectic array of the best scones in London, head to Soho’s Fernandez & Wells. This deli/cafe hybrid is a treasure trove of artisanal goodies. Beyond charcuterie and cheese, their bakery churns out an ever-changing lineup of creative scones. Think marmite and cheese, or rhubarb and custard – flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Pair one with a glass of natural wine for the perfect low-key scone session.

E5 Bakehouse

Venture to Hackney’s E5 Bakehouse for an authentic East London scone experience. Bakers Tom and Henry have serious scone skills, turning out tray after tray of the best scones in London. Flavors focus on seasonal British ingredients, like blackberry and apple or mushroom and thyme. The scones are hearty yet tender, best enjoyed with lashings of cream and jam. Grab yours to-go for Victoria Park picnics – just be sure to get there early before they sell out!

Homeslice

For an Italian twist on the classic scone, head to Homeslice in Shoreditch. This Neapolitan pizza joint also happens to bake the best scones in London. Think soft, yeasted scones dotted with olives, tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. They’re best enjoyed warm from the oven, whether you go savory with butter or sweet with jam. Wash it down with an Aperol spritz for the full Italian experience.

Peggy Porschen

For the ultimate in luxury scone indulgence, make a reservation at Peggy Porschen in Knightsbridge. This palace of patisserie excellence has been baking the best scones in London for over 60 years. Flakey, buttery rounds come filled with seasonal jams and cream. Enjoy yours with a pot of tea in the elegant cafe, or box some up for a very special picnic. It’s a special treat but totally worth it for scone connoisseurs.

St. John Bakery

Just down the street from St. John restaurant in Smithfield lies their bakery, churning out the best scones in London. Head in early for trays of fat, flaky scones hot from the oven. Flavors focus on seasonal British ingredients like blackcurrant and apple or cheese and chive. They’re best enjoyed warm, whether you go sweet with jam or savory with butter. Be sure to also pick up some of their famous sourdough bread – the perfect scone accompaniment.

Mildreds

Tucked away in Soho, hip vegetarian cafe Mildreds is renowned for the best scones in London. Bakers here have mastered the savory scone, packing them with ingredients like sun-dried tomato and basil or mushroom and tarragon. The scones are light, fluffy wonders whether enjoyed with soup or on their own. Wash it down with a freshly-squeezed juice and you’ll leave feeling satisfied yet not too full. A top pick for lighter scone sessions.

The Breakfast Club

For scone indulgence with a side of people watching, head to Shoreditch’s The Breakfast Club. Their display case groans under the weight of the best scones in London. Flavors rotate but you can always count on classics like fruit and plain. Sink your teeth into a generously sized scone – they’re dense without being heavy, perfect for dunking. Enjoy yours with a cup of tea in the bustling cafe, or grab a takeaway bag for Victoria Park.

Le Pain Quotidien

With locations all over London, Le Pain Quotidien is a reliable spot for a scone fix. Their bakery turns out tray after tray of the best scones in London throughout the day. Flavors focus on seasonal fruits and often have an international twist. Whether you go for a traditional fruit scone or push the boundaries with flavors like pistachio and rose, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. Pair yours with a salad or soup for a more substantial scone session.

Honey & Co

Based in Dalston, Honey & Co is renowned for Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and incredible pastries. Their savory scones should not be overlooked though – packed with ingredients like za’atar, halloumi and olive, they might just be the best scones in London. The scones are dense without being heavy, perfect for dunking. Enjoy yours with a cup of mint tea for an authentic scone experience with an Eastern twist.

The French House

Soho institution The French House has been pouring wine and baking bread for over 70 years. Their bakery case groans under trays of the best scones in London, whether you want a classic fruit scone or something more adventurous like rose and pistachio. Sink your teeth into a generously sized scone, still warm from the oven. Enjoy yours with a glass of natural wine for a taste of la belle France in central London.

Eat. London

Based in Shoreditch, Eat. London is a cafe, bakery and deli all in one. Their savory scones should not be overlooked though, packed with ingredients like gruyere, caramelized onion and pancetta. The scones are dense without being heavy, perfect for dunking. Enjoy yours with a cup of tea for a hearty scone fix with an east London twist.

The Scone Jar

For a true scone indulgence, seek out The Scone Jar – a travelling scone van that pops up at various London markets. Bakers here have mastered the best scones in London whether you want a traditional fruit scone or more adventurous flavors like Marmite and cheese. The scones are fat, flaky indulgences best enjoyed warm from the oven. Follow their Instagram to track down their next market appearance for the ultimate scone experience.

Final Thought

I hope you’re now fully equipped to seek out the best scones in London during your next visit or day out in the city. Be sure to check market schedules and bakery hours to time your scone scavenging appropriately. And most importantly, enjoy the journey – you never know when a new favorite might pop up. Scone adventures are about discovery as much as consumption. Happy scone hunting and let me know if any other spots deserve to be added to the list!