Bageriet Review - london Cafés and bakeries | Christoff

Bageriet: London's Most Authentic Swedish Fika Experience

Where otherworldly cinnamon buns meet Covent Garden chaos

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Bageriet and you're immediately transported from bustling Covent Garden into a slice of Stockholm. The space is genuinely intimate – we're talking four indoor seats and a handful of outdoor tables, so cozy it borders on cramped. Exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and carefully chosen Swedish decor accents create that warm Scandinavian hygge feeling, while the aroma from the downstairs bakery hits you like a cinnamon-scented embrace. There's something wonderfully authentic about the bustling yet intimate vibe – it feels like a proper neighbourhood bakery that just happens to be in one of London's tourist epicentres. The fireplace adds to the cozy factor, though with the constant flow of customers, you're more likely to experience this as a takeaway spot than a lingering café. The energy level sits comfortably in the middle ground – lively enough to feel vibrant, calm enough to feel welcoming.

Food & Drink

The cinnamon buns here aren't just good – they're the stuff of legend. Fresh from the downstairs bakery, these kanelbullar arrive warm and sticky, justifying every bit of hype they've garnered. The Princess Cake, with its iconic green marzipan coating, delivers both Instagram appeal and genuine flavour depth. Beyond the headline acts, the cardamom buns showcase proper Swedish baking technique, while the chocolate balls and vanilla buns round out a menu that stays true to tradition. The artisanal rye breads and sourdough demonstrate serious bakery credentials, though most visitors come for the sweet treats. Seasonal specials like the red Princess Cake at Christmas show thoughtful attention to Swedish traditions. Everything tastes authentically Swedish – this isn't fusion or interpretation, it's the real deal crafted by people who understand these recipes in their bones.

Service & Experience

The staff here know their craft and aren't shy about sharing that knowledge. They're friendly and genuinely helpful, which matters when you're navigating Swedish pastry names and trying to understand what makes each item special. Given the constant flow of customers and limited space, service moves at a good clip without feeling rushed. The team handles the inevitable queues with patience, and they're clearly passionate about what they're serving. Coffee service alongside the pastries is competent, though the focus is clearly on the baked goods.

Value for Money

At £2.45-£6.50 per item, with most pastries sitting in the £4-6 range, Bageriet reflects its Covent Garden location. These aren't bargain prices, but they're fair for the quality and location. The artisanal nature of everything, combined with the authentic Swedish experience, justifies the premium. This falls squarely into 'treat yourself' territory rather than everyday indulgence, but for what you're getting – genuinely exceptional pastries in central London – the value proposition works. Vegetarian options are available, broadening the appeal without compromising the authentic feel.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Queue up at 9am sharp for the freshest buns – this timing is crucial for the full warm-pastry experience. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, though 'quiet' is relative given the location. Avoid peak tourist hours if you want any chance at indoor seating. Sunday visits aren't an option as they're closed.

What to Focus On

The cinnamon buns are non-negotiable – they're what built this place's reputation. Follow up with the Princess Cake for the full Swedish experience. If you're feeling adventurous, the cardamom buns showcase more subtle Swedish flavours that most visitors miss.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Most customers end up taking their fika to enjoy elsewhere in Covent Garden due to the limited seating – embrace this rather than fighting for a tableThe downstairs bakery operation means fresh batches throughout the day, but timing matters for optimal warmthPets are welcome at the outdoor tables only, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a four-legged friend

The Final Verdict

Bageriet succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: deliver authentic Swedish baking in the heart of London. Yes, you'll likely eat your pastries standing up or on a nearby bench, and yes, you'll pay Covent Garden prices. But when those cinnamon buns hit your taste buds, the minor inconveniences fade away. This is a proper hidden gem that manages to maintain its authenticity despite the tourist location. The combination of genuine Swedish traditions, exceptional baking skills, and that unmistakable fika atmosphere makes it worth seeking out.

Christoff's Rating:

7.8/10

Perfect For:

Swedish culture enthusiasts seeking authentic fikaPastry lovers willing to queue for exceptional qualitySolo visitors looking for a cozy, neurodivergent-friendly takeaway experience

Bageriet

Bageriet

Christoff's Take

Bageriet: London's Most Authentic Swedish Fika Experience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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