Tarn Bakery

We’ve made repeat pilgrimages, panting all the way up the hill, to this tiny Highgate bakery for their Guinness cake. And that is how we know we love Tarn Bakery. The literal legwork needed to get here is always worth it. Flaky, creative pastries come topped with things like rhubarb compote, ginger custard, and grapefruit glaze, and the aforementioned Guinness cake is one of the best in London—we particularly love the tangy sour cream and crème fraîche topping. We can’t think of many better ways to start the day than perching on one of the two wooden tables here, clasping an earthenware mug of coffee, and staring out of the windows like the main character of some North London-based indie film.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch