Jan 16, 2025

Toklas London

Quick bite in Aldwych

"I have tried to resist repeatedly getting their pain au chocolat and try something else from their wide selection of savoury treats as well..."

The area around Strand, Aldwych though beautiful, hasn't been particularly exciting until last year when after an extensive redevelopment the area in front of Somerset House, the beautiful St Clement Danes church, and King’s College London became traffic free. The redevelopment brought many recreational areas, events and of course some new interesting spots. 

On one of my walks around I discovered Toklas bakery. Toklas is a bakery adjacent to the restaurant bearing the same name which has been around for a while and has a really good reputation so I was sure the bakery won’t disappoint either.

On my first visit, I was immediately drawn by the croissants which were laminated to perfection. In my subsequent visits I have tried to resist repeatedly getting their pain au chocolat and try something else from their wide selection of savoury treats as well. They make excellent sourdough sandwiches, crunchy filled-in baguettes as well as soft focaccias. 

The food is obviously the star here but the interior deserves a mention too. I love the retro-European feel of the whole space. Lastly, they have a small grocery selection from selected producers which I always make sure to check out!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

9 Surrey Street

Pastry:

£

3.3

2039308572

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Eltham-Palace-and-Gardens

Eltham Palace and Gardens – Art Deco haven

In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 4, 2025
Aux-pains-de-papy

Aux pains de papy – Best croissants in London

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025
Wellcome-Collection

Wellcome Collection – Let's talk about health

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025
The-Barbary

The Barbary – North African small plates

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025
The-Derby

The Derby – Oval's one-stop pint shop

The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025
The-Old-Dispensary

The Old Dispensary – Noisy neighbourhood nights

With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025
Olympic-Park

Olympic Park – Urban playground

"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kamla

Pillay

Feb 1, 2025
Kew-Gardens

Kew Gardens – Botanical garden paradise

"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 1, 2025
the-thames-clipper-london-by-kamla-pillay-

The Thames Clipper – A new perspective

"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kamla

Pillay

Feb 1, 2025
Canopy-Brewery

Canopy Brewery – Beer under the railway tracks

"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025
Tayyabs

Tayyabs – Mind-blasting curries

"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Mark

Meyer

Feb 1, 2025
Sambrooks-Brewery

Sambrook's Brewery – Battersea beer station

"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to London?

202 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Coffee & tea Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to London?

✓ 202 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Coffee & tea City Blog & App!

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London