Christoff.ai

Fabrique

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Fabrique

8 Earlham St, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9RY, UK

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Earlham Street in Covent Garden's Seven Dials, Fabrique brings a slice of Stockholm's bakery culture to London with their legendary stone-oven sourdough and those Instagram-famous cinnamon buns. This isn't just another trendy bakery - it's an authentic Swedish artisan operation that's earned quite the reputation among locals who know to arrive early for the good stuff.

Fabrique: Stockholm's Finest Cinnamon Buns Land in Covent Garden

Where authentic Swedish fika culture meets Seven Dials charm

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Fabrique and you're immediately transported to a bright, modern Scandinavian café that perfectly captures that coveted fika vibe. The space embodies everything you'd expect from authentic Nordic design - clean lines, natural materials, and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic that scores a solid 7.0 on the trendy factor scale. Jazz plays softly in the background while the intoxicating aroma of Nordic baking fills the air, creating an atmosphere that's both cozy and artisanal. The venue strikes a nice balance with a 6.5 energy level - lively enough to feel vibrant but calm enough for a peaceful coffee break. However, seating is notably limited, which means this is primarily a takeaway operation despite the inviting atmosphere. The sophisticated yet approachable vibe (5.5 on the sophistication scale) makes it feel premium without being pretentious, though the Covent Garden location certainly adds to the bustling energy.

Food & Drink

The food here is where Fabrique truly shines, and their claim to fame - those legendary Swedish cinnamon and cardamom buns - absolutely lives up to the hype. The signature kanelbullar and kardemummabullar are consistently described as fluffy, sticky, and perfectly spiced, earning rave reviews from food bloggers and locals alike. Beyond the famous buns, their menu showcases traditional stone-oven sourdough breads, almond and saffron pastries, seasonal semla, croissants, pain au chocolat, rye bread, sandwiches, cakes, and cookies. The coffee program features expertly brewed beans from Johan & Nyström, completing the authentic Swedish experience. What sets Fabrique apart is their commitment to using only natural ingredients and traditional stone-oven techniques, resulting in pastries that genuinely taste like they've been transported from Stockholm. The seasonal offerings and artisanal approach justify the premium positioning, though the quality comes with the caveat that popular items sell out quickly.

Service & Experience

Fabrique operates on a quick counter service model with friendly staff who understand the fast-paced nature of their Covent Garden location. The service style aligns perfectly with the takeaway-friendly nature of the venue, keeping things efficient without sacrificing the warmth you'd expect from Scandinavian hospitality. Staff are knowledgeable about their products and can guide you through the Swedish pastry offerings if you're unfamiliar with traditional items like kardemummabullar. The early-bird nature of the operation means the team is well-versed in handling the morning rush when locals descend for fresh pastries.

Value for Money

With a price level rating of 1 out of 4, Fabrique positions itself as accessible rather than premium-priced, which is refreshing given its Covent Garden location. The venue tags include 'mid-high-for-quality' and 'worth-the-splurge', suggesting that while prices reflect the artisanal nature and prime location, you're getting genuine value for authentic Swedish baking. The 'covent-garden-pricing' tag acknowledges the location premium, but the quality of ingredients, traditional techniques, and the fact that these recipes are genuinely imported from Stockholm justifies the cost. For what you're getting - artisan-premium pastries made with natural ingredients using traditional methods - the pricing feels fair rather than exploitative.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Timing is absolutely crucial at Fabrique. Arrive early - ideally by 7:30am on weekdays when they open - to secure the best selection of pastries. The venue is known for selling out of popular items quickly, particularly those famous cinnamon buns. Weekend mornings (8am Saturday, 8am Sunday) are also prime time, but expect more competition. Avoid late afternoon visits if you're after specific pastries, as you'll likely face disappointment.

What to Focus On

The kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) are absolutely non-negotiable - these are what Fabrique is famous for. Beyond the signature buns, try their almond and saffron pastries for something uniquely Scandinavian, and don't miss their stone-oven sourdough if you're after bread. Pair everything with their Johan & Nyström coffee for the full Swedish experience.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Follow their Instagram @fabriquebakery to see daily offerings and get a sense of what's freshThe venue has multiple London locations, but this Seven Dials spot offers the full Covent Garden experienceLimited seating means this is primarily takeaway - plan accordingly and consider enjoying your pastries in nearby Covent Garden piazza

The Final Verdict

Fabrique delivers on its promise of authentic Swedish bakery culture in the heart of London. While the limited seating and quick sellouts can be frustrating, the quality of their traditional pastries - particularly those legendary cinnamon buns - makes it worth the early morning pilgrimage. The venue successfully balances authenticity with accessibility, offering genuine Stockholm-quality baking without the pretension you might expect in Covent Garden. It's not perfect - the takeaway-heavy model and timing constraints require planning - but for anyone seeking real Swedish fika culture or simply exceptional pastries, Fabrique stands out in London's crowded bakery scene.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Swedish culture enthusiasts and fika devoteesEarly risers who appreciate artisanal pastriesInstagram content creators seeking authentic Nordic aesthetics

Quick Details

1

Fabrique

⭐️ Swedish tradition
🌺 Covent garden
⭐️ Instagram worthy
⭐️ Fika vibes
⭐️ Stone oven

Authentic Swedish tradition meets Covent Garden convenience in this bright, modern bakery that brings Stockholm's legendary kanelbullar to London. Their signature cinnamon and cardamom buns achieve that perfect Swedish balance of fluffy texture and sticky sweetness that food bloggers consistently describe as 'perfectly spiced.' The stone-oven sourdough and Nordic aesthetic create an Instagram-worthy experience that doesn't sacrifice substance for style. Johan & Nyström coffee provides the perfect Scandinavian pairing, while the cozy fika atmosphere encourages lingering despite limited seating. The intoxicating Nordic bakery scent and soft jazz background create an authentic Swedish experience in the heart of London.

What's Great

✓ Kanelbullar consistently rated as fluffy, sticky, and perfectly spiced

✓ Instagram-worthy Nordic aesthetic perfect for content

Keep in Mind

× Pastries sell out fast, so arrive early or risk disappointment

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Spawn at 7:30am weekdays for fresh pastry selection - the kanelbullar respawn is worth the early quest

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6pm, Sat: 8am-6pm, Sun: 8am-5pm"
📍8 Earlham St, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9RY, UK
💷££
📞+44 20 7240 0000
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Fabrique has been featured in 2 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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