Christoff.ai

Lever and Bloom

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Lever and Bloom

222 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EB. Opening Hours Monday – Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm Saturday, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into a bright red kiosk on Shaftesbury Avenue, this husband-and-wife operation has managed something remarkable - turning Swedish-style baking into a viral sensation with 4.9/5 ratings across platforms. Don't let the modest setup fool you; this is artisan quality at street-corner convenience, complete with XXL cinnamon rolls that'll set you back nearly thirty quid.

Lever and Bloom: The Tiny Red Kiosk That's Conquered TikTok

Where Swedish buns meet Shaftesbury Avenue hustle

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Lever and Bloom embodies the charm of London's best street food culture - a vibrant red cart with parasol creating an unmistakably Instagram-worthy scene on busy Shaftesbury Avenue. There's no pretense here, just wooden tables and benches scattered on the pavement where locals and tourists queue shoulder-to-shoulder for fresh bakes. The energy level hits a solid 6.5 out of 10, creating that bustling street-corner vibe that feels authentically London yet refreshingly unpretentious. With a sophistication score of 4.5, it's decidedly casual but elevated by the artisan quality of what's coming out of that tiny hatch. The setup screams 'grab-and-go' but the queues and outdoor seating create an unexpectedly social atmosphere. It's the kind of place that's gone viral on TikTok not through calculated marketing, but because it genuinely delivers something special in an unassuming package.

Food & Drink

The Swedish-style buns here are genuinely exceptional, earning those 4.9-star ratings through sheer quality rather than hype. Using Climpson & Sons beans for their espresso foundation, they've built a menu around rotating babka flavors that change regularly - think Nutella-babka and passion-fruit-mango cheesecake buns that sound almost too creative to work, but clearly do. The frangipane offerings in raspberry-pistachio and orange-pistachio varieties showcase proper technique, while their famous XXL cinnamon rolls have become the stuff of social media legend. These aren't your average high street pastries - there's genuine artisan craft here, with nostalgic flavors executed with contemporary flair. The fact that pastries regularly sell out early speaks to both quality and demand, though it does mean timing becomes crucial for the full experience.

Service & Experience

The husband-and-wife team running this operation brings that warm, personal touch that's increasingly rare in London's food scene. The AI insights highlight their genuinely friendly approach, creating the kind of service that feels authentic rather than performed. Operating from a takeaway hatch means service is necessarily efficient and focused, but the personal connection clearly comes through - it's the sort of place where regulars develop relationships with the owners. The pre-order system for their signature XXL rolls via Instagram shows they've adapted smartly to demand, though it does require planning ahead.

Value for Money

At price level 2 out of 4, Lever and Bloom hits that sweet spot of 'affordable artisan' - individual buns ranging £3-£5 with coffee starting at £2.80 represents exceptional value for this quality level in central London. The XXL cinnamon rolls at £14.99 for medium and £29.99 for large might seem steep until you consider the artisan quality and Instagram-worthy presentation. For Covent Garden and the theatre district, these prices are remarkably reasonable, especially given the 4.9-star ratings and viral status. It's clearly positioned as 'theatre-district-value' and 'student-friendly' - rare combinations in this part of town.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive early and arrive promptly - pastries sell out regularly, and with opening hours Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, your window is limited. The morning rush likely offers the best selection, while late afternoon might leave you disappointed.

What to Focus On

The rotating babka flavors are the clear stars, particularly the Nutella-babka if available. For the full experience, pre-order the XXL cinnamon roll 24 hours ahead via Instagram - it's become their signature for good reason.

Christoff's Insider Tips

DM @lever_and_bloom on Instagram 24 hours ahead for the legendary XXL cinnamon roll - they require pre-orderingThe location is 7 minutes from Tottenham Court Road tube, making it perfectly positioned for theatre-district explorationWith no indoor seating and limited outdoor tables, have a backup plan for where you'll enjoy your purchases

The Final Verdict

Lever and Bloom succeeds because it does something specific exceptionally well - Swedish-style baking from a charming street-corner setup that feels both authentic and Instagram-ready. The 4.9-star ratings and viral TikTok status aren't accidents; they're the result of genuine quality, fair pricing, and that increasingly rare personal touch from the husband-and-wife team. Yes, you'll be eating standing up or perched on pavement furniture, and yes, you need to time your visit carefully to avoid disappointment. But for artisan baking in the heart of London's theatre district at these prices, it's genuinely exceptional value.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Instagram enthusiasts seeking that perfect viral shotTheatre-goers wanting quality pre-show treatsStudents and locals seeking affordable artisan coffee and pastries

Quick Details

1

Lever and Bloom

⭐️ Husband wife team
⭐️ Artisan craft
⭐️ Theatre district
⭐️ Community focused
⭐️ Pre order specials

This charming red kiosk operated by a husband-wife team represents everything beautiful about London's food scene - personal passion translated into exceptional product. Their 4.9/5 ratings across platforms reflect genuine craft rather than marketing hype. The Swedish-style buns rotate through inventive flavors like passion-fruit-mango cheesecake and raspberry-pistachio frangipane, while maintaining traditional technique. Their XXL cinnamon rolls (£29.99 for large) require 24-hour Instagram pre-orders and create genuine sharing moments. Located on Shaftesbury Avenue's bustling theatre corridor, the outdoor wooden tables create impromptu community around exceptional pastries. The Climpson & Sons coffee program ensures your caffeine matches the pastry quality. This isn't just a business - it's a love letter to artisan baking that happens to serve some of London's most memorable buns.

What's Great

✓ Personal service creates genuine connection

✓ XXL sharing portions perfect for special occasions

Keep in Mind

× No indoor seating means weather determines your comfort level

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

DM @lever_and_bloom 24 hours ahead for XXL cinnamon rolls - they're genuinely worth the planning

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm"
📍222 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EB. Opening Hours Monday – Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm Saturday, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7240 0000
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Lever and Bloom has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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