A Food Lover’s Guide to Sticky Toffee Pudding in London

British food has a fierce reputation on the global gastronomic scene, but nothing is as divine as the sticky toffee pudding. This specialty, which I often take our customers to try on our London food walks, is a moist date sponge cake covered in a warm toffee sauce. In most cases, it’s served hot with either custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream to balance the flavors and temperature.

Londoners will tell you that sticky toffee pudding is for the cold weather, as it’s viewed as the ultimate comfort food, but it’s tasty no matter what time of year you eat it. Cherished by locals and remembered by all who visit, you’ll find sticky toffee pudding served in pubs, modern restaurants, and bistros across the capital. However, the standard of the dish can vary, which is why I’ve written this article on where to find the top sticky toffee pudding in London.

Where to Try Sticky Toffee Pudding in London

Our Guides’ Favorite Dessert Spots

We believe that a proper British meal is never truly complete without a generous portion of warm sponge and dates. These venues have been selected because they honor the classic balance of sweetness and moisture that defines this dish. We enjoy these locations for their commitment to serving comfort food in a welcoming, local atmosphere. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Mother Mash – Carnaby

Photo credit: Mother Mash – Carnaby

Mother Mash on Canton Street is a cozy spot for comfort food that every foodie should try. While their three-step-to-heaven menu sounded tempting, I was there for something sweet, and the sticky toffee pudding had my name on it.

The warm, buttery flavors of the sauce perfectly complemented the smooth vanilla notes of the ice cream. If you’re here for more than one course, I’d suggest saving ordering the dessert until the end, as the portions are huge.

Mother Mash – Carnaby (£10–£20)- London W1F 7QZ – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The Wilmington

Photo credit: The Wilmington

The fancy 19th-century Wilmington Pub, situated near Exmouth Market, is famous for sticky toffee pudding, which is only served on Sundays. I came after hearing about their roasts, and was pleasantly surprised to see the signature dessert on the menu.

Each spoonful had a velvety texture, with sweet toffee sauce seeping into the smooth ice cream. Since it’s popular on Sunday, be sure to book a table ahead of time.

The Wilmington – (£20–£40) – London EC1R 4RL – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:45 am to 11:00 pm and every Sunday from 11:45 am to 10:00 pm.

The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3

Photo credit: The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3

A short stroll from Tower Bridge lies the Hung Drawn & Quartered, which is known for its traditional British puddings. An elegant boozer, I’ll never forget the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream I had here. The moment it was served, the creamy vanilla ice cream began to melt into the freshly baked rectangular sponge.

Due to its location near a popular tourist site, you should arrive early, as seats can fill up quickly.

The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3 – (£20–£30)- London EC3R 5AQ – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Victoria, Paddington

Photo credit: The Victoria, Paddington

One of the top pubs with sticky toffee pudding that every person with a sweet tooth should try is the Victoria. It’s a timeless venue with vintage furnishings in the Paddington area that serves up some amazing pub grub.

The pudding came out on top of a scoop of ice cream and crunchy walnuts, all drenched in toffee sauce. The sauce was very rich, so I’d say split it if you’ve already had a few courses beforehand.

The Victoria, Paddington – (£15–£30) – London W2 2NH – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

Rules

Photo credit: Rules

If you’re wondering where to eat sticky toffee pudding in London, check out Rules on Maiden Lane. Hailed as one of the oldest restaurants in the city, it has been open since 1798 and offers foodies the opportunity to dine in an opulent setting.

The pudding here wasn’t the biggest portion I’ve ever had, but the dense sponge and decadent scoop of ice cream made up for it. Each dessert has a recommended wine pairing, making it a haven for those who enjoy a good glass of vino with dessert.

Rules – (£25–£40) – London WC2E 7LB – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and open every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

What Makes a Great Sticky Toffee Pudding?

It’s not always obvious which puddings are worth it unless you’re really knowledgeable about British desserts. Here’s how to spot a great sticky toffee pudding.

Soft and airy sponge, with a moist texture and balanced touch of sweetness.
The sauce should be served warm, with a deep, buttery richness rather than an overwhelming sugary taste.
Vanilla ice cream or fresh custard on the side to level out the rich flavor.
Extra toffee sauce on the side is a game-changer.

When & Where to Enjoy It

Sunday roasts or pub grub are often enjoyed with sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
You’ll find sticky toffee pudding on British restaurant menus year-round.
Although commonly shared, the dish pairs well with either a cup of tea or a refreshing pint.
It’s even tastier when prepared in-house, so don’t hesitate to ask if it’s freshly made.

The History of the Toffee Sponge

We find that the origins of this beloved dessert are often debated between different regions of the British Isles. While many believe it was popularized in the 20th century, we appreciate how it has become a cornerstone of London’s gastropub culture. The use of dates was originally a way to add natural sweetness and a moist texture to the bake. Understanding this evolution helps us appreciate the depth of flavor in every spoonful.

London’s Pudding Etiquette

We suggest enjoying your sticky toffee pudding while it is still steaming hot to ensure the sauce remains liquid. It is quite common in local spots to ask for “extra custard” if you find your portion needs more moisture. You will notice that this dish is a favorite during the colder months when a warm dessert is most welcome. Sharing a pudding is a great way to end a meal without feeling overwhelmed by its richness.

Final Thoughts: A Sweet British Tradition Worth Seeking Out

Many baked treats hail from the UK, but none have the iconic status of the sticky toffee pudding. Regardless of whether it’s your first time trying sticky toffee pudding in London or you’re coming back for more, you don’t want to miss these spots on my London dessert guide. If you’re not already a lover of British food, this specialty will undoubtedly turn you into one.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Dunn, K. (2023, October 23). Best traditional food in London. Eating Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/london-foods-traditional/ Companies House

Mother Mash. (n.d.). Our story. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.mothermash.co.uk/our-story mothermash.co.uk+1

The Wilmington Clerkenwell. (n.d.). Classic 19th-century pub dining in Clerkenwell. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.wilmingtonclerkenwell.com/ wilmingtonclerkenwell.com+1

The Hung Drawn & Quartered. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.hung-drawn-and-quartered.co.uk/ hung-drawn-and-quartered.co.uk

The Victoria (Fuller’s pub). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.victoriapaddington.co.uk/ victoriapaddington.co.uk CAMRA – The Campaign for Real Ale

Rules. (n.d.). History of Rules Restaurant. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://rules.co.uk/