Is it any wonder that one of the highlights of our recent trip to London was the neighborhood bakery? In doing our research for fun places to eat, we found several sources that directed us to a small cafe and bakery in Bloomsbury near our AirBnb, and it didn’t take long to form our opinion that Fortitude Bakehouse is one of best bakeries in london
Fortitude is located in a cobbled alley in Bloomsbury, around the block from the Russell Square tube stop. It is identified by the tall, deep blue doors and the small white sign, plus the small crowd gathered out front on a couple of benches.
Enter the doors and you’ll find a warm and bustling bakery. Trays of fresh pasta welcome you, while beyond them the team rushes to knead dough, fill beignets, remove trays from ovens, fill savory fillings and wrap sandwiches. You will be greeted warmly and asked for your order.
The selection rotates daily, but based on our 5-6 visits (yes, over the course of our eight days in town), we think it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with anything you choose—sweet or savory.
Savory puff pastries and scones rotated with fillings like cheese and red pepper, feta and spinach, cheese and leek.
Some are stuffed with sausage and vegetables.
One day we tried this beautiful chicken salad sandwich loaded with grilled chicken and veggies.
The shop also features a full espresso bar. As you place your order, you’ll be prompted for a coffee and tea selection before heading to the end of the line.
They’ll wrap your cakes to go, and you can take them with you, find a seat on the benches outside, or just stand in the alley and have a party.
All the pies are very reasonably priced, especially considering the quality, and very filling. Check out these sausage rolls!
We went back many times to the chocolate cinnamon rolls and the jam and custard filled morning rolls.
Here’s that chicken salad sandwich again and one of the stuffed beignets.
On one of our weekend visits they presented a lovely croque madame with bacon, cheese and a golden egg yolk in a savory puff pastry.
Fortitude is open seven days a week, starting at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. on weekends. Expect a bit of a queue on weekends. We noticed that the shop was popular with many cycling groups that came in droves.
The next time we come to London, and wherever we end up staying in the city, you can be 100% sure we’ll be finding our way back to Fortitude.
Fortitude Fortitude
35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1JD, United Kingdom
44 20 7837 5456
Website: fortitudebakehouse.com
IG: @fortitudebakehouse