London is a city that knows how to celebrate in style, and when it comes to birthdays, finding the perfect cake is an essential part of the festivities. Whether you are toasting up at a rooftop bar, getting together for a weekend brunch or having a private dinner with your closest friends, The Handbook has you covered with some of London’s best birthday cake spots whose cakes look and taste amazing. If you’re also looking for location ideas, see our pick of the top birthday party venues to book.
Violet Cakes
Best for: Customisable and fresh flavours
Violet cakes is run by food writer, cafe owner, and cake maker Claire Ptak, who who is a master when it comes to a perfectly fluffy and beautiful looking cake. She boasts a 232k Instagram following, and there is no doubt why.
She changes her menu seasonally, so that her flavors (Amalfi Lemon & Elderflower anyone?) are always as fresh as possible. And with the option to add fresh flowers and sugared fruits as decoration atop your cake, you are able to create a truly custom cake for whoever you are celebrating.
47 Wilton Way, London E8 3ED
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Pink Cooker
Best for: The pretty (but still tasty) cakes you see on Instagram
These custom-made, all organic cakes are the perfect treat for celebrating. With fun icing piping, dainty writing for your birthday message, and lots of cherries to top, these cakes are so cute they will be sure to make the Instagram feed.
custom ordering on instagram
Harrods
Best for: Classic birthday cake flavours, taken up a notch
If you are looking for a more elevated take on the usual birthday cake, Harrods has what you are looking for. Their options of classic flavours such as Red Velvet and Chocolate Fudge look just as delicious as they taste. They also offer different size options to choose from that can serve up to 35 for those of us with a longer birthday guest list. Or you can stick with their mini option for just £20.
multiple locations
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Luminary Bakery
Best for: A minimalistic look with maximum flavour
Luminary bakery sticks with a minimalist look on their cakes, topping them in their signature crescent moon shape with various fruits and other sweet treats. There are six delicious flavours to pick from, including an Orange, Pistachio & Cardamom flavour, but choosing only one might prove to be harder than it seems. They also offer two plant-based options that look just as tasty.
camden / hackney
Cutter & Squidge
Best for: All-natural naked cakes and fruity flavours
From show-stopping dripped cakes to the prettiest naked cakes we’ve ever seen, Cutter & Squidge is the bakery to go to if you’re in need of a special birthday treat.
All of their cakes are made with 100% natural products and as little sugar as possible- don’t worry, they still taste devilishly sweet.
They work for all budgets too, with seriously Instagrammable celebration cakes starting from around £35.
20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Anges de Sucre
Best for: Decadent toppings and decoration
When you are often considered “London’s best cakes,” you’ve got to be doing something right. Enter Anges de Sucre, which means ‘sugar angels’ in French (how sweet?)
The family-run business of cake makers and decorators founded by Reshmi Bennett should be your go-to if you’re after a birthday cake topped to the nines. If you are looking for a smaller budget option, their adorable 4-inch mini cakes are almost too sweet to eat.
56-57 High St, London TW8 0AH
Hummingbird Bakery
Best for: Classic flavours you know will taste delicious
Stalwarts of the London cupcake scene, Hummingbird were making the most delectable, Instagram-ready (before Instagram was even a thing) cakes long before most. We still love them, particularly their signature Rainbow and Red Velvet offerings.
multiple locations
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
April’s Baker
Best for: The cutest colourful cakes
If you’re after a gloriously retro-looking cake that looks plucked straight from the 1960s check out Instagram sensation April’s Bakes.
We are kind of obsessed with the frou frou, pastel-coloured cakes topped with lashings of perfect piping and glacier cherries. Choose from a range of fabulous flavours, from Rose & Raspberry to Vanilla Peach Custard.
Unit 12 The Long Shop Merton Abbey Mills, London SW19 2RD
Patisserie Valerie
Best for: Last minute celebrations
Dreamy chocolate cakes, fruity flavours, and macaroon toppings are just a few of the reasons to place your order from Patisserie Valerie. However, it gets even better knowing that their single layer cakes are almost all under £45. An easy option for a last minute order, these cakes can be delivered straight to your door to ensure a no-stress celebration.
multiple locations
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Rosalind Miller
Best for: Luxury cakes
On the more luxurious side of things, Rosalind Miller creates flawless cakes that are ready-to-order as well as customisable. The buttercream collection offers various colours and flavours of single layer cakes that are perfectly iced, priced at £145. These cakes are so beautiful, it will be hard to actually cut a slice out of.
Unit C, Ground Floor, Emperor House, Dragonfly Pl, London SE4 2FL
PAUL’s Bakery
Best for: Variety of options
Not just the home of a quick croissant and coffee run, PAUL’s Bakery also do some seriously stylish, French patisserie-inspired cakes for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
For tiered cakes with toppings that will impress any chocoholic to classic fruit cheesecakes, there’s one for every taste and occasion.
Plus, free personalisation is also available on selected cakes, making the treat even more special when delivered to the lucky recipient.
Celebration cakes start from around £30.
multiple locations
View this post on Instagram
