The UK's best cake shops for brownies, scones, crumble and more
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While we've told you where you can get the ultimate gluten-free meals and where the best brunch spots are in the UK, we're embarrassed to admit we've neglected one important food area: cake.
There's nothing we love more than having a cup of tea and a slice of cake. It helps to cheer us up after a hard day at work or celebrate when we're in a good mood. Either way, there's never a bad time for eating bit of Victoria sponge.
With that in mind, with the help of the lovely lot over at Yelp we've created a whole gallery dedicated to the most delicious shops in the UK. From cafes that offer knitting and delicious crumbles to the more contemporary Cronuts and Whoopie pies, this is every cake connoisseur's dream.
Time for a confectionery road trip we think.
Cuckoo's Bakery, Edinburgh
150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ
Hailed as the best cupcakes in Scotland, Cuckoo’s sweet creations are also available for delivery and can be crafted to suit any taste. For those who aren’t so keen on cupcakes, another ‘must try’ item on the menu is the delicious Oreo Cheesecake Brownie. Cuckoo’s also offer seasonal treats, such as gory-looking cupcakes made to look like brains or severed fingers, perfect for Halloween.
Cuckoo's Bakery, Edinburgh
Best on the menu: Cuckoo's scone
Cuckoo's Bakery, Edinburgh
Outsider Tart, Chiswick, London
83 Chiswick High Road, London W4 2EF
The hidden gem of West London, Outsider Tart offers a variety of tasty sweets, normally in the form of a tray bake, although there’s also plenty of cupcakes and cookies, too. American-themed Outsider Tart is widely thought to be the originator of the whoopie pie in London. From authentic Red Velvet cupcakes to massive brownies - this cafe has it all.
Outsider Tart, Chiswick, London
Best on the menu: Whoopie pies (classic Whoopie pictured)
Peel & Stone, Birmingham
Arch 33, Water street, Birmingham B3
The effortlessly cool Peel & Stone is Birmingham’s bakery gem, located in a warehouse. There’s an abundance of savory foods but their sweet treats are worth a separate visit. The delicious doughnuts and brownies come in very generous portions, so they’re great for sharing with friends.
Peel & Stone, Birmingham
Best on the menu: Cinnamon bun (pictured)
Peel & Stone, Birmingham
Ms Cupcake, Brixton, London
408 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8LF
The small shop is a heaven for sweet-loving vegans. Milk and egg-free treats taste just like your usual cupcakes, so you don’t have to be a vegan to fully appreciate the deliciousness that is Ms Cupcake’s creations. There’s also plenty of gluten-free options and treats for those who might not be so keen on cupcakes, including cookies and traybakes.
Ms Cupcake, Brixton, London
Best on the menu: 'The Ambassador' - Ferrero Rocher style cupcake (pictured, top right)
Ms Cupcake, Brixton, London
Hey Little Cupcake!, Manchester
Little Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HF
Hailed as the best cupcake shop in Manchester, the aptly named Hey Little Cupcake! offers gloriously indulgent treats. The ‘American Candy’, for example, has a mini oreo on top and in the middle, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and mini Hershey's bar on top as well as the icing and drizzle of chocolate sauce. And if there’s no enough, there’s also gluten-free options available.
Hey Little Cupcake!, Manchester
Best on the menu: Cheese cake brownies (pictured)
Hey Little Cupcake!, Manchester
Sunshine Bakery, Leeds
182 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4NZ
The Sunshine Bakery in Chapel Allerton truly inspires that 'kid in a sweet shop' feeling upon entry. Headed up by David Bennett, former Chef for Marco Pierre-White, this emporium of patisserie and pleasure is an indulgent stop, perfect some afternoon tea. Be prepared for glorious indecision as you approach the counter, since you'll be choosing from all manner of extravagant sweet eats.
Sunshine Bakery, Leeds
Best on the menu: Rose and vanilla cronuts filled with rose and vanilla Chantilly cream
Sunshine Bakery, Leeds
The Yarn Cake, Glasgow
148 Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow G20 8NY
The Yarn Cake is not only a shop for the serious knitter but also a lovely cafe with freshly made cakes and delicious beverages. However, if you’re not into knitting, don’t let this put you off. Relax, kick back, treat yourself to a cake and watch the world go by while the knitters knit. The Yarn Cake offers some fantastic German style baking, including cherry cakes and pear and marzipan cakes
The Yarn Cake, Glasgow
Best on the menu: Apple crumble
The Yarn Cake, Glasgow