Tucked away in the heart of East London, Rinkoff's Bakery has been a beloved establishment since 1911, serving up a delightful array of baked goods. With its rich Jewish heritage and a reputation for excellence, it stands out as one of the best London bakeries with doughnuts and pastries. I recently visited their deli store on Vallance Road to try one of their popular crodoughs and more!

Founded by a Jewish family, Rinkoff's Bakery has been crafting exceptional baked goods for over a century. Its commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic bakery experiences in London. Rinkoff's story began in 1911 when Ukrainian refugee Hyman Rinkoff opened his bakery on Montague Street, then a predominantly Jewish area of London. While the bakery wasn’t strictly kosher, it provided Eastern European breads to many Jewish immigrants settling in the capital.

Hyman's youngest son, Max Rinkoff, joined the family business in the 1950s alongside his wife, Sylvie, after Hyman’s passing. Max managed the business, while Sylvie, dedicated to maintaining the store’s pristine condition, worked six days a week. Despite the movement of many Jewish families from East to North London, Rinkoff’s expanded its operations and opened a second location on Jubilee Street, which remains a bustling hub today. However, the business faced challenges in the 1970s when local councils redeveloped post-war East London. Forced to move to O'Leary Square, Rinkoff’s contended with increased competition from English bakers and supermarkets but soon regained popularity through local word of mouth.

Max and Sylvie had three sons—Derek, Harvey, and Raymond—who each became integral to the business. Their youngest, Raymond, was the first to join, spending over 50 years at Rinkoff’s and gaining a reputation as a master baker, especially known for his sourdough. Derek followed, transitioning from his career as a hairdresser to manage wholesale operations and finance. Harvey, the youngest, joined in the 1980s as head of sales, expanding Rinkoff’s reach and customer base. The legacy of the three brothers lives on through their children, who now play vital roles in managing and innovating the business, including the creation of the famed crodough by Ray’s eldest daughter, Jennifer. Today, Rinkoff's remains a cherished part of the community, drawing large crowds to its two locations on Jubilee Street and Vallance Road.

Must-Try Treats

The Rinkoff Crodough

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the crodough – a delicious fusion of croissant and doughnut with a gooey filling. Its flaky layers were perfectly complemented by a rich topping, that compliments the flavour that was chosen making each one a unique experience. We purchased three crodoughs, a Bischoff, chocolate and pistachio to see the difference.

The chocolate crodough delivered a deep, rich flavour that was dark, satisfying, and incredibly moreish. The Biscoff crodough, on the other hand, balanced the crunch of Biscoff crumbs with a hint of cinnamon, creating a comforting, sweet-spiced taste that felt indulgent yet familiar. Lastly, the pistachio and salted caramel crodough brought a more complex mix to the table, blending nutty pistachio with the sweet, slightly savoury notes of salted caramel – an unexpectedly delightful pairing that rounded out our tasting experience.

Heimasha Cheesecake

The Heimasha cheesecake slice at Rinkoff’s is a delightfully airy dessert, perfect for those who crave a lighter, less dense cheesecake. Flecked with sultanas, each bite offers a subtle sweetness that balances with the cheesecake’s fluffy, creamy texture. The unique twist? It’s sold by weight, allowing you to choose just the right portion for your appetite – a rare and thoughtful touch that sets this cheesecake apart.

Cinnamon Swirl

As a true cinnamon swirl lover, I couldn’t resist trying Rinkoff’s take on this classic pastry. Larger than most, this swirl was generously dusted in icing sugar, giving it an irresistible sweetness right from the first bite. The dough was soft and bready, with a satisfying chew that contrasted beautifully with the sticky cinnamon paste nestled within its layers. Each mouthful was a finger-licking treat, with the perfect balance of spice and sugar—a must-try for anyone who enjoys a classic cinnamon swirl with a twist.

Ambiance and Service

Rinkoff’s Bakery boasts a rustic and inviting atmosphere, with vintage décor and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, eager to recommend their favourite treats and history of the bakery. On the walls are pictures of the family, famous faces including The Mummy's Rachel Weisz and UK comedian and co-writer of Three Lions ("football's coming home") David Baddiel, and even their own published book about the bakery to read while you eat and drink. There was a real community vibe and the server seemed to know all of the customers that were popping in. After we was finished we were wished a happy day and to see us again.

Why Rinkoff's is the Best London Bakery for Crodoughs and Character

Rinkoff’s Bakery is more than just a place to satisfy a sweet craving; it’s a bakery full of character and steeped in history, serving the community with pride. Whether you’re there for a delicious bagel, a traditional challah loaf, or one of their signature crodoughs, Rinkoff’s offers something for everyone, no matter your taste or background. Their range of hot, savoury, and sweet treats caters to all, and the warm family hospitality makes it the perfect spot for a lazy, indulgent Sunday. If you’re looking for a bakery experience that’s both authentic and welcoming, Rinkoff’s is well worth a visit in the East end of London.

Ready to experience a taste at Rinkoff's bakery, one of London’s best bakeries? Head there now and indulge in their beloved classics, from crodoughs to challah and beyond.

Have you tried Rinkoff’s or have a favourite spot for Sunday treats? Share your recommendations below!