The Top 10 British Fruit-Based Desserts to Try in Central London

Britain’s love affair with fruit-laced puddings is a national treasure in itself—an edible anthology of comfort, nostalgia and seasonal indulgence. From the crumbly warmth of a freshly baked apple crumble to the summery elegance of a well-assembled Eton mess, British fruit desserts have a way of feeling both familiar and luxurious.

Here’s your guide to the 10 must-try British fruit-based desserts in Central London.

1. Apple Crumble at The Ivy, Covent Garden

Quintessentially British, perfectly executed

You can’t get more classic than a warm apple crumble, and The Ivy’s version is a masterclass in texture. Tart Bramley apples, caramelised just enough, sit beneath a thick, buttery topping that walks the line between crumble and shortbread. Served with a generous jug of custard or clotted cream, it’s nostalgic in all the right ways.

Best enjoyed with: A pot of Earl Grey and someone who understands the value of silence during dessert.

2. Eton Mess at The Wolseley, Piccadilly

A royal mess—in the best sense

This luxurious European-style café doesn’t just serve Eton Mess—it elevates it. Expect a sophisticated layering of crushed meringue, perfectly ripe strawberries, and whipped cream that’s somehow both airy and rich. The Wolseley’s version is a nod to the dish’s aristocratic origins, but feels right at home in the bustling grandeur of Piccadilly.

Best enjoyed with: A glass of rosé and a side of people-watching.

3. Peach Melba at The Delaunay, Aldwych

A retro revival done right

Peach Melba—a Victorian classic named after opera singer Dame Nellie Melba—is making a quiet comeback, and The Delaunay’s version is as elegant as the restaurant itself. Poached peaches, fresh raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream come together with delicate flair. It’s sweet, tart, cold, warm, and timeless.

Best enjoyed with: A champagne cocktail and vintage aspirations.

4. Banoffee Pie at St. JOHN, Smithfield

Sticky, sexy and just the right amount of banana

The cult favourite at this nose-to-tail British institution, St. JOHN’s banoffee pie is all about balance. Crumbly biscuit base, silky toffee, fresh bananas and an unapologetically thick layer of whipped cream. It’s sweet, salty and addictive—a modern classic worth every spoonful.

Best enjoyed with: A black coffee and a second helping.

5. Rhubarb & Custard Tart at Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch

Sharp, sweet, simple

At this hidden-garden restaurant tucked away in a converted school, the food is quietly brilliant—and the rhubarb tart is no exception. The pastry is crisp and golden, the filling a perfect dance between sharp Yorkshire rhubarb and creamy, cool custard. It's understated but unforgettable.

Best enjoyed with: A lunchtime breeze and no phone on the table.

6. Gooseberry Fool at Quo Vadis, Soho

Old-school British with a modern wink

This Soho institution knows how to respect British traditions while updating them for modern palettes. Their gooseberry fool is the essence of simplicity: tart fruit folded into pillowy whipped cream, often served in a glass with a crumble biscuit for textural crunch. It's zesty, light, and refreshingly grown-up.

Best enjoyed with: A dry white wine and someone who loves a culinary deep cut.

7. Cherry Clafoutis at Brasserie Zédel, Piccadilly

French-British love affair in dessert form

While clafoutis may be French by origin, cherries have deep roots in British orchards. At Zédel, the dish arrives warm and custardy, studded with juicy cherries and dusted with icing sugar. It's the perfect pudding for those who prefer their sweets on the subtle, not saccharine, side.

Best enjoyed with: A café au lait and the comfort of a red velvet booth.

8. Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake at The Riding House Café, Fitzrovia

Retro roots, modern twist

The Riding House Café gives a sunny update to a retro classic with its spiced pineapple upside-down cake. Made with caramelised rings of golden pineapple, a hint of rum, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove, this moist, sticky cake is served warm with a generous dollop of coconut cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s tropical comfort with a British brasserie spin—rich, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying.

Best enjoyed with: An afternoon negroni and a friend who’s not afraid to order dessert first.

9. Treacle Tart with Lemon & Raspberries at Rules, Covent Garden

London’s oldest restaurant, still bringing the goods

Rules is about as old-school as it gets, and its treacle tart—arguably Harry Potter’s favourite dessert—is pure British gold. The golden syrup filling is sweet and dense, but they cut it with a splash of lemon zest and a few sharp raspberries for balance. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s pure alchemy.

Best enjoyed with: A three-course Sunday lunch and a sense of occasion.

10. Strawberry & Cream Mille-Feuille at Sketch, Mayfair

Decadence, design and dessert all in one

At Sketch—Mayfair’s iconic pastel palace of culinary theatre—dessert is elevated to high art. Their strawberry & cream mille-feuille is a luxurious take on a British classic, layered with buttery puff pastry, Chantilly cream, macerated English strawberries and a whisper of basil oil for a subtly herbal twist. It’s light, crisp, rich and refreshing all at once—a modern homage to Wimbledon’s most beloved flavour combo.

Best enjoyed with: A flute of rosé Champagne and an outfit worthy of the Gallery’s plush pink walls.