Best Bakeries in North London (Zone 3 and Beyond)

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Whenever I read guides about the best places to visit in North London, they almost always stop at Finsbury Park—if they even make it that far. Most end in Islington, as if nothing exists beyond King’s Cross and Angel. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plenty of us live in Zones 3, 4 and 5, and we don’t want to trek into central London every time we fancy a croissant.

I’m obsessed with pastries and love a great sourdough, too. Naturally, I’ve spent the last seven years hunting down the best bakeries in North London—first while living in Finchley, and later after moving to Southgate.

During this time, I’ve discovered so many brilliant spots, including brand-new openings. I’ve travelled all over Finchley, Barnet, Muswell Hill, Enfield, Southgate, Palmers Green, Wood Green, Hampstead, Highgate and Archway to find them, and I’m finally sharing my list of the best bakeries in North London beyond Zones 2 & 3.

Best bakeries in North London (Zones 3, 4 and 5 – Barnet, Haringey, Finchley & Enfield)

In this guide, I’m focusing on independent bakeries and small local chains—not big names like Gail’s. (Although, if you do want Gail’s, there are more than enough around now, including a new one in Palmers Green, where I pop in for coffee a couple of times a month.)

Astrid Bakery, Muswell Hill

A brand-new hole-in-the-wall bakery specialising in complex, creative bakes. They open only on select days and hours, and if you arrive late, options may be limited—it’s extremely popular with locals. They serve excellent coffee, too (you might remember them from my guide to North London’s best coffee shops). They’re currently working on a full café/restaurant next door, so the concept may evolve soon.

Pierre Alix Bakery, Muswell Hill

This tiny two-location bakery (Muswell Hill and Holloway Road) was founded by a Frenchman from Normandy. The pastry selection is small, but every item is exceptional, and their sandwiches are fantastic. I’d much rather have a tight, perfected menu than a huge one with hit-and-miss options!

Dunns Bakery, Crouch End & Muswell Hill

Muswell Hill is undeniably a bakery hotspot—many of North London’s best independent bakeries sit in or around this area. Dunns, originally from Crouch End, is over 200 years old and now has two locations. They’re best known for cakes, cupcakes and festive bakes, but their pastries are genuinely great as well.

Tarn Bakery, Archway

Tucked away in a quiet residential pocket of Archway, Tarn is a unique find in an area that doesn’t have many artisan bakeries. It’s not the most convenient location unless you live nearby, but well worth a visit if you’re within a 30-minute walk. Their sandwiches are excellent, and their Guinness cake is hands-down the best I’ve tried anywhere.

Jolene (Big Jo), Near Finsbury Park

Technically just within Zone 2, but it would feel wrong not to include it. Jolene isn’t as ubiquitous as Gail’s or Paul, but still widely loved—and many people don’t realise there’s a large Jolene (“Big Jo”) close to Finsbury Park. The pastry and cake selection changes daily, and most things are absolutely wonderful.

Sourdough Sophia, Crouch End, Hampstead & Highgate

A true North London favourite. Sourdough Sophia began as a small bakery in Crouch End and recently expanded into Hampstead and Highgate. Their sourdough, pastries and creative bakes are fantastic—I just hope rapid growth doesn’t affect their quality, because right now it’s top-notch.

Margot Bakery, East Finchley

Margot remains a single-location gem in East Finchley. When I lived there, I didn’t go often enough—and I regret it! It is on the pricier side, but the creativity of their pastries is unmatched. They offer plenty of Middle Eastern-inspired bakes and excellent savoury pastries. A few recent reviews mentioned service issues, but honestly, the pastries make up for it.

Hotwhites Bakery, Enfield & Palmers Green

Further north, we arrive in Palmers Green and Enfield. Hotwhites started near Enfield Chase and became so popular that they opened another location in Palmers Green. The area has been booming recently with new cafés, including Gail’s, but Hotwhites has been ahead of the curve. Their pastries (especially croissants) are good—nothing groundbreaking, but definitely well above supermarket standards. What really stands out is their bread, baguettes and the sandwiches made with those baguettes.

Ella’s Bakery, Southgate

Now heading back up to Southgate, where I’ve lived for over five years—ask me anything about the area! Ella’s is probably the largest Greek/Cypriot bakery in North London, especially after their recent expansion. They specialise in traditional Greek pastries, cookies and biscuits, and you’ll never leave empty-handed. For cakes, head a few minutes down the road to Wilton’s—arguably the best patisserie in North London.

The French Market, Totteridge & Whetstone

Last but not least, The French Market near Totteridge & Whetstone station (just one stop before High Barnet on the Northern line). They offer lovely sandwiches, a small but solid selection of French pastries, and a curated range of French pantry items.

If you have any additions to this list of the best bakeries in North London (Zone 3 and beyond), please share them in the comments—I’d love to discover even more!