What to get at Fortitude Bakehouse in Bloomsbury, London 🎂
Tucked away in a small alleyway in Bloomsbury, Fortitude Bakehouse is a small, women’s own artisan bakery that is too good to be missed. Despite the bakehouse’s hidden location, you will always find a long line in front its blue door, and patrons enjoying delicious baked goods on long benches in front of the establishment. The bakehouse boasts an amazing selection of baked goods, pastries, and coffee, and is famous for its sourdough products. I first visited Fortitude after my class at UCL in late October. And since then, I’ve been back almost every week.
What is the motivation? The amazing pastry offerings, the creativity in each product, and the excitement of trying out new flavors. It’s been 5 months since I first came and I can proudly say that as the bakehouse’s top fan, I have tried almost every of its baked goods on their counter.
The bakehouse opens at 7:30AM - 3pm every weekday, 8:30-2:30pm on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. However, they might run out by 2pm if you arrive late in the afternoon, so it’s best to get there early in the morning till noon to make sure you get your desirable baked goods.
My favorite weekly stop after class, Fortitude Bakehouse…
…and its signature blue doors.
While everyone seems to rave about the creamy beignets that Fortitude offers, I believe other pastries worth deserving their own spotlights too.
Peep the morning bun…
..…the brioche and focaccia sandwiches….
…..and the cinnamon/chocolate rolls
For savory option, my go-to has always been the chicken caesar brioche or the sausage roll. With just £7.50, you get this filling brioche sandwich full of flavors that will make sure to energize you for the rest of the day. They sometimes replace brioche bun with focaccia, and both options are equally delicious in my opinion.
omg…
If you love red meat, they also offer the salt beef brioche sandwich, which is worth trying as well.
The sausage roll is another savory option that I would highly recommend. Each bite delivers diverse textures; the crispiness of the dough, chewiness of the meat, and the tangy flavors of the butter all melt together in your mouth. The explosion of flavors will definitely prompt the next bite.
Other savory options worth trying are the omelette beber (don’t forget to ask for the accompanying sauce!) and the savory sausage pastry.
For sweet options, I often opt for the banana sourdough, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate and custard pan suisse. The runner-ups on this list is the sweet morning bun and the rhubarb danish custard patries. All are quite delicious and filling.
Sourdough banana bread
Custard and chocolate pan suisse
Rhubarb Danish custard
The often-mentioned star of the bakehouse, the beignet, is a must-try for every first-time visitor to Fortitude. If you are petite like me, you might need to bring a companion so you both can finish this gem of a pastry. They change the filling every now and then, and I was able to try the custard, cookie and cream, and rhubard flavors. They are definitely worth the hype! 100% recommends.
Peep the famous beignet! So delicious and creamy!
Every season, the bakehouse also introduces special pastries, If you happen to visit Fortitude around Christmas, don’t miss out on the Trifle Custard Christmas Bun or the minced pies. If you’re coming around Easter, definitely give their hot cross bun a taste as well.
I can just keep listing all the pastries as there are so many good options at this bakehouse. However, you have made it all the way down here, it’s a sign that you should come out and try the pastries yourself, and be prepared to come back several times to fully enjoy all Fortitude Bakehouse has to offer. Happy indulging!!
Much love,
Huong
