Toklas Bakery

The downfall of many bakeries in London is the poky seating. Often the price you pay for an excellent pastry is having to eat it on a cold bench outside. But not at Toklas. This Aldwych bakery is spacious and calming, with a display of sweet and savoury pastries—pistachio cream laminated brioche, ham and cheese pain suisse, and your classic pain au chocolat. But one of our favourite things to get from this inviting spot is the strecci. A Roman-style pizza slice topped with excellent combinations like leek and crème fraîche, or potato and olive tapenade. It’s the perfect to-go breakfast, although we’d recommend taking a seat in their cafe. Plus, if you stick around for long enough, you’ll be able to get one of their hefty sourdough sandwiches for lunch. Know that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch