Cupcakes in London
This post has been a long time coming. Cupcakes. They’re possibly my favourite thing to eat, ever, and my love for them is so well known that at my last birthday all of my gifts (all, er, three of them) were cupcakes of some form. I even had a cupcake cake – that is, a cake with mini cupcakes on it. And besides eating them, I’m also quite passionate about baking them, decorating them, and foisting them on people. And I love looking at people’s pictures of cupcakes, which I’ll admit is slightly sad, but there are definitely worse vices.
My search for the best cupcakes in London has led me from the frosting-heavy delights of Hummingbird to the sugary neon treats of Candy Cakes along with countless other venues in between.
The cupcakes in London trend is showing no signs of stopping, with both Candy Cakes and and Primrose Bakery recently setting up shop in Covent Garden. Other new arrivals include Chewies in Belsize Park, Love Bakery in Chelsea and Cupcake Emporium by Lancaster Gate. And only the other day I popped by Albion in Shoreditch and had to make myself leave to keep from spending my few pounds for lunch on a cupcake instead.
The latest big news on the cupcakes scene is that Marks and Spencer are getting in on the act with a cupcake range – I haven’t tried them yet but I’m sure I’ll inevitably buy some and see how they measure up to other cupcakes in London that I’ve sampled!
So what makes the best cupcakes? Whilst I’m a fan of the dense sponge and heavy buttercream frosting combo so popularised by Magnolia Bakery via Sex in the City, I won’t turn my nose up at the flat topped, sugar icing of a traditional British fairy cake, either – in fact, when I’m making my own cupcakes I usually go for icing sugar style frosting, mainly because it’s so easy to colour. The best part, though, are the sprinkles, and I admit I’ll happily choose ones that look pretty (or sparkly…) over the more interesting flavour combinations – despite the fact that it doesn’t really make a difference in the taste!
With loads of shops that sell cupcakes in London you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to varieties – surely there must be someone out there who’d do a cupcake tour, where we can walk around to different cupcake shops? I’d be the first in the queue, armed with some napkins and loads of water… and maybe a toothbrush.
Comments
by 21/04/2009 @ 19:06
I am thinking of opening a sandwich shop in Bath. That said Cup cakes are on my hit list. Are they still a developing phenomenom or have i missed the boat? Should cup cakes be highly decorated and plain, or flavour combinations?
by 24/04/2009 @ 18:29
I don't think it's ever too late for cupcakes! The decorated ones are my favourite, but I know lots of people who don't like too much icing as well. Good luck with your shop!
by 22/06/2009 @ 13:55
Hi Michelle,
I'd really love you to try my Hand crafted cupcakes, can I bring or send you some samples? It would be fab to get your opinion. My company is nearly 5 months and its really satisfying making a product that everyone is enjoying. I have recently started supplying
London Zoo with my Animal cupcakes and they are proving to be popular. Lots of hard work but great doing a job you enjoy. Sally
by 30/06/2009 @ 18:45
Important cupcake update! Sally sent some of her cupcakes to our office and we all thoroughly enjoyed them. The sponge was light and fluffy and the designs were really cute, especially the animal ones - we had a pig, monkey and elephant, complete with a trunk. You can check them out at www.cupcakedelights.co.uk.
by 24/02/2011 @ 23:31
Hi you should check out Caribbean Cupcakes @ caribbeancupcakes.com they do cocktail cupcakes and rum cake cupcakes and they are soooo scrummy!!!
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