Gone are the days when the most a vegan could hope for when looking for a sweet fix was a flapjack or two at a random health food shop. There is nothing wrong with vegan flapjacks, but in 2024, vegans are spoilt for choice with easy and readily available vegan products all over the UK. So, with that said, here are some of my favourite grab-and-go sweet treats in Central London:

Crosstown, Broadwick Street, Soho

For a decadent doughnut experience, Crosstown is the doughnut stop of choice. They created their own signature sourdough and veganised it a few years later. The dough is rolled by hand and all their toppings and fillings are made from scratch in their premises. 

Crosstown has many locations across London, all catering to vegans, but their outlet on Picton Place, Marylebone, offers a vegan-only menu. It is worth noting that coffee, cookies, and ice cream are also available.

Although half their range is now vegan, I highly recommend their dark chocolate truffle doughnut with a dark chocolate ganache and indulgent dark chocolate truffle filling. 

Their lime & coconut doughnut is also definitely worth a go. The dough is greened with spirulina and the doughnut is filled with a generous dose of coconut custard, which is then topped off with a zesty lime glaze and vanilla crumble topping. Doughnut decadence does not get any better than Crosstown’s doughnuts (an example is pictured above).

Cream Dream, Bedford Street, Covent Garden

This Ukrainian vegan pastry café is easy to spot with its bright pink décor and flower-draped exterior. Not only is everything at Cream Dream plant-based, but it is gluten- and processed sugar-free too. It truly is indulgence without the guilt. 

Their cakes are absolutely stunning and you’re sure to be impressed. They rotate the options and add new creations and seasonal specials, so expect something different each time you go. 

With masterpieces crafted to look like their inspiration; for example, a jam jar, a pumpkin and a lemon, you may think it’s a shame to cut into them. Once you do, you will be won over by the unusual fillings and tantalising taste. They also offer tarts and pastries if you are in the mood for something less extravagant.

You can also grab a savoury dish and combine it with coffee or a traditional Ukrainian tea.

Café de Nata, Old Compton Street, Soho

Café de Nata is a UK-based artisan bakery specialising in Portuguese custard tarts. They currently have locations in Hammersmith, South Kensington, and Camden. 

They introduced their VegaNata (pictured below) in early 2021, and it has been a firm favourite ever since. The custard is soya-based, creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness; when fresh the pastry is flaky and crispy, and magic happens as the custard and pastry combine into a perfect taste sensation. This is one tartlet that carries universal popularity and approval.

Floozie, The Market Building, Covent Garden

Floozie Cookies is a sweet spot which won’t disappoint. Floozie offers up a choice of stuffed cookies - all of which are vegan. This business is a passion project by a pastry chef who has worked in several high-end hotels and has now set their sights on world cookie domination.

Their chocolate chunk is highly recommended. This cookie is warm, crisp, and chewy with a soft, gooey chocolate centre and topping. It‘s borderline heavenly, and you’re likely to end up with the odd splodge of melted chocolate on your fingers, so take a napkin when offered.

Doughnut Time, Shaftesbury Ave, Leicester Square/Soho

If you’re looking for a brassy, down-to-earth doughnut, Doughnut Time is your jam. These larger-than-average doughnuts are hand-crafted in small batches, and with a number of locations across London you can be sure there are fresh options waiting for you to choose from.

They have a variety of vegan options and while their chocolate offerings are hard to refuse, their Gordon Jamsay (pictured below) is well worth the sacrifice. This pink-coated ring doughnut is topped with jam, whipped buttercream, and a heart-holed jammie dodger. The dough is soft, and the jam, buttercream and biscuit make for a naughty combination.

Whatever treat you decide to grab, enjoy. 

For more London-based savoury food options, you may be interested in a hidden gem for pizza lovers, such as V-izza, or some must-try Pan Asian spots.