The Hummingbird Bakery - Spitalfields (London, UK)

As some of you may or may not know, I have a very sweet tooth which is why now and again, I like to feature some tasty treats on this blog. Few people can argue that cupcakes aren't just delicious, but as pretty to look at as a pair of shoes. So when I got the chance to view the newly opened Hummingbird Bakery in Spitalfields, I knew I was in for something special. Those of you who live in the UK may already be familiar with the bakery, which opened its first branch seven years ago in Notting Hill. As London's answer to NYC's Magnolia Bakery, The Hummingbird Bakery was the first to offer Londoners real fresh cupcakes - moist and fluffy with a buttercream icing - in addition to decadent layer cakes and genuine American pies.

Mouthwatering goodies: seasonal cupcakes with handmade decorations (left) and some of the classic varieties, including Red Velvet and the Black Bottom Cupcake with a dark chocolate sponge, cheesecake center and cream cheese frosting.

The concept proved a success. Not only did The Hummingbird Bakery start expanding the business, making the new Spitalfields location its fourth (with other branches in South Kensington and Soho), but you can now also indulge in whoopie pies, brownies, a variety of special edition cupcakes and hot or cold beverages while you're there.

Overview of the Spitalfields branch.

The seating area (left) and some very cool cupcake art (right).

The non-cupcake selection includes brownies, pies, layer cakes, cheesecakes and whoopie pies. Drooling yet?

Of course the baked delights are only part of the charm. If you've never set foot in one of the stores, I can tell you (as will these images) that the decor is just as enticing. Kept in the signature pink and brown, the sleek space in Spitalfields immediately felt welcoming once I entered. I was greeted with a seating area near the entrance, where the walls were lined with bright Warhol inspired cupcake pop-art. An abundance of cakes, pies and of course cupcakes were on display. These included classic favorites such as the Red Velvet, Vanilla or Chocolate varieties, many of which are also available gluten free. In addition, I spied a large range of colorful seasonal cupcakes which almost looked too pretty to eat. What's more, if you have a special occasion coming up, Cakes by Consultation allows you to order something bespoke to mark that important day.

View of the space overlooking the seating area.

A peek at the large kitchen, where the scrumptious cakes are baked daily throughout the day.

The very chic Cakes by Consultation area.

A quick tour of the kitchen revealed that all goods are freshly baked on site each day throughout the day. Though I wonder how the bakers manage to restrain themselves from gorging on cakes all the time - I know I would have a hard time resisting. The good news is that you can also recreating some of the yummy delights at home thanks to the bestselling cookbooks The Hummingbird Bakery and Cake Days, which can be purchased either in-store or online (the latter is also available as an iPhone app).

Drool-worthy reading material: The Hummingbird Bakery cookbooks.

The new East London space is conveniently located close to Liverpool Street and Shoreditch so if you're in the area or near any other Hummingbird Bakery location, definitely drop by for a visit, as these are some of the best cakes and cupcakes I've tasted. If you're stuck at work, fear not... you can even order online (London only). Supposedly other branches - even outside the UK - will be opened in the future. So keep an eye out and your fingers crossed, that a store will be heading your way soon.

The cash desk adorned with cute pop-art business cards.

The very tempting window display.

Address: 11 Frying Pan Alley, London E1 7HS
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 8:30-18:30, Sat-Sun: 11:00-18:00
The Hummingbird Bakery Homepage & Online-Shop

All non-watermarked images © Benjamin C. M. Backhouse.