15 Delicious Desserts You Should Try in London This August

There's something special about London in August.

The parks are full, the evenings are warm, outdoor markets are buzzing and cafés spill onto the pavements. It's also one of the best months of the year for dessert lovers.

Summer fruits are at their peak, ice cream shops introduce seasonal flavours and bakeries fill their counters with light, refreshing treats perfect for sunny afternoons.

Whether you're exploring Covent Garden, relaxing after sightseeing or looking for the perfect sweet treat to finish your day, these are some of the best desserts to enjoy in London this August.

1. Strawberries and Cream – A British Summer Classic

Few desserts feel more British than fresh strawberries served with cream.

Although closely associated with Wimbledon, strawberries remain one of the UK's favourite summer treats throughout August. Sweet, juicy berries paired with fresh cream create a dessert that's simple but unforgettable.

You'll find it in cafés, restaurants, afternoon tea menus and food markets across London.

📍 Best Places: Afternoon tea venues, Borough Market and independent cafés.

Best For: A classic British summer experience.

2. Gelato – The Perfect Dessert for Warm Days

When London's temperatures rise, nothing beats a scoop of authentic Italian gelato.

From pistachio and hazelnut to seasonal peach, raspberry and lemon sorbet, August is one of the best times to explore the city's excellent gelato shops.

📍 Best Places: Venchi (Covent Garden), Badiani (Elephant & Castle, Canary Wharf and more), Gelupo (Soho).

Best For: Cooling down after sightseeing.

3. Summer Berry Cheesecake

August is peak berry season, making berry cheesecakes one of the most popular desserts across London.

Fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries add colour and natural sweetness that perfectly complement creamy cheesecake.

📍 Best Places: L'ETO, Peggy Porschen and independent bakeries.

Best For: Fruit lovers.

4. Eton Mess

Made with crushed meringue, whipped cream and fresh strawberries, Eton Mess is one of Britain's most famous summer desserts.

It's light, refreshing and ideal for August when fresh berries are widely available.

Many London restaurants add their own twist using raspberries, cherries or blackberries.

📍 Best Places: British restaurants, cafés and afternoon tea venues.

Best For: Trying a traditional British dessert.

5. Artisan Ice Cream

London's artisan ice cream scene comes alive during summer.

Expect creative flavours such as honeycomb, mango, salted caramel, roasted strawberry, Sicilian lemon and seasonal berry specials.

Many independent ice cream shops create limited-edition flavours just for the warmer months.

📍 Best Places: Chin Chin Ice Cream, Udderlicious and Ruby Violet.

Best For: Summer evenings.

6. Peach and Apricot Tart

Late summer is one of the best times for stone fruits.

Peach and apricot tarts appear in many London bakeries during August, offering buttery pastry topped with perfectly ripe fruit.

They're lighter than many traditional desserts and pair wonderfully with coffee.

📍 Best Places: Gail's Bakery and independent pâtisseries.

Best For: Afternoon coffee breaks.

7. Lemon Tart

Fresh, tangy and refreshing, lemon tart is one of the best desserts to enjoy during warm weather.

Its bright citrus flavour makes it a perfect alternative to heavier chocolate desserts.

📍 Best Places: Dominique Ansel Bakery, cafés and French bakeries.

Best For: Refreshing summer desserts.

8. Mango Sticky Rice

Although originally from Thailand, mango sticky rice has become a popular seasonal dessert in many Asian restaurants across London during the summer months.

Sweet ripe mango served with coconut sticky rice creates a wonderfully refreshing dessert.

📍 Best Places: Thai restaurants around Soho and Covent Garden.

Best For: Something different.

9. Fresh Fruit Pavlova

Crisp meringue topped with whipped cream and colourful summer fruit makes pavlova one of August's most beautiful desserts.

Light, airy and packed with seasonal berries, it's perfect after a summer meal.

📍 Best Places: Afternoon tea venues and British restaurants.

Best For: Sharing with friends.

10. Cookie Dough with Ice Cream

Warm cookie dough served with cold vanilla ice cream remains one of London's favourite comfort desserts, even during summer evenings.

Many dessert cafés also offer seasonal toppings such as strawberries, raspberries and fresh peaches in August.

📍 Best Places: Heavenly Desserts and Creams Café.

Best For: Dessert dates.

11. Fresh Berry Doughnuts

Summer berry doughnuts filled with raspberry, strawberry or blueberry jam are a seasonal favourite in many artisan bakeries.

They're soft, colourful and perfect for enjoying while exploring the city.

📍 Best Places: Bread Ahead and Crosstown Doughnuts.

Best For: Grab-and-go treats.

12. Affogato

Sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying.

An affogato combines a scoop of vanilla gelato with a freshly poured espresso, creating the perfect balance of hot and cold.

It's ideal after lunch or dinner during August.

📍 Best Places: Italian cafés across Soho, Covent Garden and Marylebone.

Best For: Coffee lovers.

13. Seasonal Fruit Crumble

Traditional British crumbles don't disappear after winter.

During August, many cafés prepare lighter versions using fresh berries, peaches or plums instead of apples.

Served warm with custard or vanilla ice cream, it's a comforting dessert that still celebrates the season.

📍 Best Places: Traditional British pubs and restaurants.

Best For: Authentic British comfort food.

14. Soft Serve Ice Cream

Sometimes the classics are unbeatable.

Whether you're exploring South Bank, strolling through Hyde Park or spending the day in Greenwich, soft serve ice cream is one of London's favourite summer treats.

It's affordable, nostalgic and perfect for warm afternoons.

📍 Best Places: South Bank, Greenwich, parks and seasonal kiosks.

Best For: Families and sightseeing breaks.

15. Afternoon Tea Pastries

August is a wonderful time to enjoy afternoon tea, with many hotels and cafés featuring seasonal fruit tarts, miniature cheesecakes, berry macarons and delicate pastries inspired by summer produce.

It's one of the most elegant ways to experience London's dessert culture.

📍 Best Places: Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz, The Langham and other renowned afternoon tea venues.

Best For: Celebrating a special occasion.

Tips for Enjoying London's Summer Desserts

• Visit dessert cafés during weekday afternoons to avoid long queues.

• Seasonal fruit desserts are usually freshest during August.

• Pair desserts with iced coffee, iced matcha or fresh lemonade for the perfect summer treat.

• If you're visiting food markets, arrive earlier in the day for the best selection.

Why August Is the Best Time for Sweet Treats

August brings together everything that makes desserts even more enjoyable.

Fresh berries are at their peak, ice cream season is in full swing and London's cafés embrace lighter, fruit-filled creations that perfectly suit the warmer weather.

Whether you prefer traditional British favourites or modern desserts from around the world, you'll find plenty of seasonal flavours waiting to be discovered.

Final Thoughts

London's dessert scene is just as exciting as its famous restaurants.

From refreshing gelato and artisan ice cream to classic Eton Mess, fresh berry cheesecakes and elegant afternoon tea pastries, August is the perfect month to treat yourself.

So after exploring London's parks, museums or markets, save a little room for dessert.

You might discover that your sweetest memory of London comes at the end of the day.

Discover More Seasonal Food Guides

Looking for more seasonal food recommendations, hidden cafés and local favourites? Visit LondonYaar.com for beginner-friendly London food guides, monthly travel inspiration and unforgettable places to eat.

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