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Where to Get the Best Sweet Pies in London

London’s sweet-pie scene is having a moment, and pumpkin pie is right at the centre of it. What used to be a niche expat craving is now something bakeries actually get excited about. We’re talking silky custards made with roasted pumpkin, gently spiced fillings that smell like autumn in a tin, and crusts so buttery they’re borderline dangerous. Some places keep it classic, others go all out with brûléed tops, brown-butter bases, rye or buckwheat crusts, maple whipped cream… it’s chaos, but in the best way.

This guide rounds up the spots we keep telling friends about: Fink’s, N5 Bakery, Jolene, Quince, Esters and more. They’re all doing something different with pumpkin pie, alongside their usual roasted-fruit tarts and custard numbers. And with Thanksgiving now properly part of London’s food calendar, it feels like every bakery is trying to outdo itself - which is great news for us. Basically, if you’re chasing the perfect slice of pumpkin pie, this is where to start.

Eat In Take Away

Finks

Fink’s has become one of London’s most quietly brilliant bakery-café groups - approachable, design-conscious, and deeply flavour-driven. Their sweet pies rotate with the seasons: think buttery double-crust apple pie, spiced plum pies, or zesty citrus pies when winter hits. Their pastry is rustic in the best way: flaky, bronzed, and not overworked. Around Thanksgiving, they often introduce a pumpkin-forward bake, sometimes folded with brown sugar, winter spices, or a salted caramel edge. It’s the definition of neighbourhood sweetness - unfussy, generous, and deeply comforting.

Jolene

Jolene’s grain-forward philosophy - using sustainably grown UK wheat and heritage flours - makes their pastry uniquely flavourful. Their sweet pies often feel like a celebration of British produce: plum and toasted oat, blackberry and rye crust, quince and brown butter, or treacle-balanced custard pies. Around Thanksgiving, Jolene sometimes introduces a new-school pumpkin pie made with heritage squash, subtle spices, and a robust grain crust that adds nuttiness and depth. The look is chic in that understated-Jolene way: matte ceramics, warm wood, and piles of seasonal produce.

Holborn Dining Room

Known for their spectacular savoury pies, the pastry team at Holborn Dining Room also excels in sweet pie craft. Their dessert pies and tarts - seasonal fruit pies, custard-filled creations, or glossy treacle tarts - show off the same architectural pastry work the Pie Room is famous for. At Thanksgiving, they have been known to produce a luxurious pumpkin pie, often more elegant and spiced with restraint. Think perfectly crimped edges, deep smooth filling, and a finish that feels celebratory without losing its British grounding.

Esters

A café beloved for its subtly innovative food, Esters brings that same creativity to its bakes - including some quietly brilliant sweet pies. Expect apple pies with miso caramel, pumpkin pies made with roasted Crown Prince squash, ginger-spiked custard pies, or tart plum pies in dark, flavourful crusts. Their seasonal pumpkin pie might be traditional one year and modern the next: brûléed, infused with brown butter, or blended with roasted squash for depth. Their attention to flavour makes it one of the most distinctive sweet-pie stops in North London.

N5 Kitchen

A true North London favourite, N5 Bakery is known for its laminated doughs and French-leaning pastry, but their sweet pies and tarts are standout. Expect pear and frangipane pies, apple and almond, or glossy seasonal custards in a delicate, expertly baked crust. Their take on the pumpkin pie leans more pâtisserie than diner-style: silky, lightly spiced, beautifully set, and occasionally finished with brûléed edges or crème fraîche. The interiors are tiny, sunlit, and warmed by the smell of butter - a perfect autumn stop.

Layla Bakery

A neighbourhood gem with a loyal following, Layla Bakery is beloved for its slow-fermented loaves and rustic Mediterranean-leaning bakes — but their pies and tarts are where they truly show off. You’ll often find buttery crusts filled with spiced fruits, fragrant citrus, or silky custards that reflect whatever’s in season. Their pumpkin tart is more elegant pâtisserie than classic pie: smooth, gently spiced, perfectly set, and often topped with a cloud of whipped cream or a dusting of nutmeg. The space is small, warm, and filled with the aroma of fresh bread — an idyllic autumn retreat.

Quince Bakery

Quince is one of London’s most delightful small bakeries - soft colours, warm light, beautiful counter displays - and their sweet pies are thoughtfully composed. Expect quince (of course) baked into buttery crusts, apple and bergamot pies, spiced pear pies, and lightly sugared shortcrust creations. Their pumpkin pie is often one of the most elegant in London: velvety custard, deep orange colour, a whisper of nutmeg, and a crisp, almost savoury crust that balances the sweetness. If you like your pies refined but still comforting, Quince nails it.

FAQ

What types of sweet pies are most popular in London?

Classic apple pies, spiced seasonal fruit pies, custard pies, treacle tarts, and increasingly, autumnal pumpkin pies around Thanksgiving.

Where can I find vegetarian or vegan sweet pies?

Many bakeries such as Jolene, Esters and East London cafés offer plant-based or dairy-light options, including fruit pies and grain-crust variations.

What’s the difference between bakery-style sweet pies and restaurant or dining-room pies?

Bakery pies tend to be rustic, fruit-driven and generous, while restaurants often offer refined pastry work, custards and plated versions with crème fraîche or ice cream.

Which sweet pie is the most iconic?

Apple pie remains the classic, but London’s modern bakeries have made pumpkin pie—especially new takes using heritage squash—an emerging seasonal favourite.