The sweetest thing

There are times, particularly in the depths of winter, when the body cries out for a carbohydrate-rich sugar rush. From breakfast doughnuts to desserts, here’s our pick of where to find the city’s sweetest treats…

Is it wrong to start the day with a sugar-laden doughnut still warm from the fryer? Belmont Street’s Dough & Co offer artery-blocking combinations including a lemon-iced doughnut with raspberry drizzle and The Bees Knees which combines caramel icing, chocolate chips and honeycomb. 

If cinnamon buns that are dripping in icing and almost as big as your head appeal, then the Vegan Bay Bakery in the Castlegate is a must visit. You’ll also find them at many of the region’s farmers markets, where they can be spotted by the lack of signage and permanent queue. 

Blackbird Bakery on Union Grove specialise in cupcakes and celebration cakes. We like their fresh blueberry and fresh raspberry cupcakes – oh and the chocolate orange one – because we can convince ourselves we’re getting essential vitamins and minerals. Check their Facebook for the latest designs and opening times. 

You’ll find Little Molly’s Cheesecake van parked on the beach esplanade from Fridays to Sundays. It’s best to go early or order online as they sell out quite often. It’s not too surprising as they make some of the best, creamiest cheesecakes around. They also have excellent eclairs, brownies and white chocolate covered brownies shaped like doughnuts. If you’re entertaining a crowd, or seriously greedy, you can order 24 beautifully decorated cheesecake shots for £64. 

If you like your sweet treats to be high end and beautifully decorated, then Chapel Street’s Almondine is the place for you. Sometimes the little pastries and macarons look almost too beautiful to eat, but try to force yourself, you won’t regret it!

Cookie Cult have opened their first store on St. Swithin Street, so now you can just pop in instead of pre-ordering. Their cupcakes are disturbingly moreish with interesting seasonal flavours. 

Gumblossom on Rosemount Place is a relatively new addition to the city’s purveyors of sugary treats. They’re known for their generously topped cupcakes, chocolaty bakes and occasion cakes, though they are closed from Sunday to Wednesday. 

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a proliferation of dessert parlours across the city. You’ll find the confidently named Reddy’s Marvellous Dessert Parlour on Desswood Place. You’ll find gluten free and vegan options alongside cakes, shakes, ice-cream creations and waffles. They’re open from 12.30 to 8pm every day. 

When it comes to cupcakes, some of the city’s finest offerings are only available to order for collection or delivery. Our favourites include Little Fox Cupcakes by Sarah Thake. Sarah probably makes the city’s prettiest cupcakes and her tiny two-bite cub cakes are a delight. If you prefer your cupcakes to be giant-sized, then Hannah Bakes Cakes has a great selection of flavours and offers collection from Mannofield. The Wee Brown Mouse are delivery only and have some superbly gooey build it yourself brownie slabs. The Fat Sparrow Bakery is a small batch bakery that offers delivery within the city and has some great cupcake selection boxes and a delightful lemon meringue cupcake. 

Whatever you opt for, it’s probably best not to think about the calories.