Whether they’re filled to the brim with jam, are covered in elaborate glazes or are simply dusted with sugar, all doughnuts come with one simple promise: every bite delivers a mini-sugar rush and an instant dopamine hit. It’s no wonder Londoners are so addicted to these sweet treats. And it’s also why it’s so easy to find independent bakeries and mini-chains producing every type of doughnut you can think of.
As someone with a seriously sweet tooth, I’m a big fan. For me, they make the perfect pick-me-up, are easy to grab and go, and, perhaps most importantly, feel deliciously indulgent every time. My go-to option is the jam doughnut – raspberry is best – or a sugared doughnut fresh out of the fryer. But it never hurts to try a new flavour now and then. With that in mind, here are some of the best spots in London for doughnuts, and the flavours you should order.
Happy Donuts
Flavour to order: Lemon meringue
For what’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall spot in Notting Hill, Happy Donuts offers an astounding variety of doughnuts for takeaway. On any given day, you can expect to find a couple of dozen options ranging from simple glazed rings to over-filled doughnuts, some of which are a little too indulgent. Take the Nutella doughnut. Aside from the rich Nutella filling, it’s also glazed with Valrhona chocolate, with a second version that adds a chocolate brownie on top. There’s also an Oreo one, which is glazed with white chocolate and salted caramel. For a sweet-and-tangy hit, go for the lemon meringue one that’s been on the menu for ages.
Address: 254 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LL
Website: instagram.com/happydonutsportobello
