I recently saw a blue tick TikTok “food reviewer” make an outrageous claim. That the recently opened Tim Hortons does the best doughnuts in London and he said it with full conviction and confidence. My only conclusion is that either he is not from London or he isn’t a food reviewer / foodie. I mean how can you be either of the two or both and come to such an absurd conclusion. I mean even if Tim Hortons did amazing doughnuts (which I think they don’t), Krispy Kreme are arguably better, I’d go as far as saying that even Tescos do better doughnuts! So, as a result of coming across this mind boggling “review”, I’ve decided to list 5 places that are not only MILES better than Tim Hortons, but they’re also London born and bred too (support local businesses!).
1. Bread Ahead
Ask foodies of the capital and 8 out of 10 of them will tell you that Bread Ahead do the best doughnuts in London. In particular, their Borough Market branch is known for their high quality delicious treats. They’ve not only conquered London, they’ve gone on to even represent the country in the recent EXPO in Dubai. They’ve got a few branches in London, but as mentioned above, the Borough Market branch is the one you want to sample their goodies from. This is so good it has become an absolute must stop, a staple when visiting the historic London market.
2. Crosstown
Famed for their unique sourdough doughnuts, you’ll be amazed and intrigued and maybe even slightly confused by their super interesting flavour combinations. They’ve got a number of different toppings and fillings to satisfy any sweet tooth and doughnut lover and enthusiast. But our favourite and possibly London’s best kept secret is their Chinese New Year exclusive Pandan doughnut that is available only during the Chinese New Year month (which is usually around February). If you’re in London around that time, make sure you try one and if you’re not, make sure you be!
3. Doughnut Time
FUN! Fun is the adjective I think of when I think of Doughnut Time. Their range of doughnuts not only look amazing, but love love their play on words with the names too. Sooo fun! Also, decor of the place is like you’re walking onto a Simpson’s cartoon set. Awesome! We tried the Gordon Jamsey – it was very very sweet, maybe even bordering on a little too sweet (that’s coming from Mr. Sweet Tooth!). We shared this and fortunately for me I had the half without the jam inside (not planned!) but that’s fortunate because a) I don’t like jam and b) the jam half was def too sweet. Unfortunately, for my wife she had the jam half (lol!). Also, it’s a little difficult to have the biscuit and doughnut at the same time. So, we had to take it off and have it on it’s own. The doughnut amazingly tasted like you’re actually eating a Jammie Dodger!! So, if you love them, you’ll love this. It’s amazing when food messes with your mind like that – flavour of something familiar but texture of something completely different. Bravo for that!
4. St John’s Bakery
Michelin star doughnuts! Yes, you heard that right. St John’s is home to a Michelin star. And their bakery is famous for their doughnuts. No fancy name, no fancy flavours, no gimmicks. Just good quality traditional doughnuts. Sprinkled sugar coated with 3 generous filling options to choose from: vanilla, raspberry jam and chocolate. We wanted to try their most popular option which was the vanilla one, but they had sold out. So, we went for the chocolate one instead. It was decent, very very generous on the filling (a little overwhelming to be honest), but you can taste the quality that’s for sure.
5. Treats club
We haven’t actually tried this place yet, but I have to admit looking at their doughnuts on the socials look very interesting and appetising. Creative, innovative fresh and fluffy doughnuts served with intriguing little “sides” e.g. torched homemade marshmallow fluff (which is halal too) that add that extra bit of glam and glitz. I’ve seen foodies claim it to be the best doughnuts in London!
