The Nordic Bakery – home to the best cinnamon buns in London

The Nordic Bakery on Golden Square is one of my favourite haunts in Soho. But it’s not all about the coffee here, it’s more about the cinnamon buns.

Relatively unassuming, the venue is nestled on the fringe of Golden Square. Upon entering the bakery, guests are greeted by an unmistakable whiff of sweet cinnamon in the air.

Typical of contemporary Nordic interiors with clean lines and pine panels, the venue is simple and minimalist yet has a definite sense of style. The tableware and furniture are mostly designed by iconic Nordic designers, such as Kaj Franck, Alvar Aalto and Ilmari Tapiovaara. A long wooden communal table seats young urban arty types sipping their lattes and enjoying the Scandinavian delicacies.

All of the products are based on genuine Nordic recipes and ingredients. A selection of open rye bread sandwiches are on display on the counter, and for the sweet tooth like me, a great range of Nordic staples like blueberry and butter buns, wholesome oatmeal cookies and oven pancakes.

The coffee here is consistent with a good foam and strength, however it doesn’t quite measure up to my favourite neighbouring coffee spots in Soho –  Flat White, Bar Italia and Foxcroft and Ginger.

It would be a sin not to order a cinnamon bun here. The buns, which are always served warm are baked fresh daily on the premises. Each Nordic country has its own unique bun tradition and this version is a rustic take on the Finnish cinnamon bun. Sweet, sticky and golden on top with a surprisingly soft centre, its cinnamon encrusted layers are perfect for unravelling one layer at a time. Who would have thought the combination of sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter would be so tasty. But be warned, they are large and very filling. It is rumoured that when unravelled they can stretch for a whole metre long!

I made the usual mistake of ordering too much, my eyes are always larger than my stomach. Next came the oven pancake, served with a choice of homemade jam or honey. Unfortunately for me, I found the Finnish style pancake fairly underwhelming. As a massive pancake lover, this pancake was a little too thick, soft and cold for my liking.

I can see why locals and tourists alike flock to this Soho hot spot, if only for the cinnamon buns. For me they are definitely the best cinnamon buns I have had in London. I am already dreaming about my next visit!

http://www.nordicbakery.com/

14a Golden Square Soho W1F 9JG

Open Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm. Saturday 9am – 7pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 10am – 7pm.