Fortitude Bakehouse Menu London’s Pastries & Coffee Guide
The Rollercoaster Restaurant Menu Guide to Dishes, and Reviews sets the stage for exploring another culinary gem in London — Fortitude Bakehouse. This bakery isn’t just a café; it’s an experience that blends art, patience, and taste. From flaky croissants to sourdough cakes and coffee brewed with care, the fortitude bakehouse menu reflects London’s evolving love for handcrafted food.
About Fortitude Bakehouse
Located in Bloomsbury, London, Fortitude Bakehouse has become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. It’s tucked away at 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, WC1N 1JD, just a short walk from Russell Square Station. The bakery opened in 2018 and is owned by Dee Rettali, a passionate baker known for her love of sourdough fermentation and Moroccan flavor infusions.
Dee Rettali, originally from Ireland with Moroccan roots, built the bakery’s philosophy on slow fermentation and artisan methods. She uses natural ingredients, whole grains, and seasonal fruits to create a unique and flavorful range of items. Her dedication is clear in every item featured on the fortitude bakehouse menu.
Atmosphere and Concept
Fortitude Bakehouse is more than a bakery — it’s a community corner. It has a cozy interior with minimalist décor and outdoor benches perfect for sunny mornings. The smell of freshly baked bread and coffee fills the air as customers line up for pastries that often sell out before noon.
The bakery focuses on small-batch baking, ensuring freshness and quality. Each pastry or loaf is made by hand and baked with natural leavening. This commitment makes the fortitude bakehouse menu a rotating display of creative, seasonal, and soulful food.
Owner and Vision
Dee Rettali, the founder, has been baking professionally for decades. Before opening Fortitude Bakehouse, she worked in top bakeries across London. Her vision was to create a place where every pastry tells a story — inspired by Moroccan spices, Irish tradition, and London culture.
Dee believes in “flavor through time” — allowing dough and fillings to rest, ferment, and develop deep taste. This philosophy shines through the fortitude bakehouse menu, which balances sweet and savory elements with perfection.
Location Details
| Branch | Address | Contact | Nearby Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortitude Bakehouse | 35 Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1JD | +44 (0)20 7637 0000 | Russell Square |
The bakery sits in the heart of Bloomsbury, surrounded by historic architecture and green spaces like Russell Square Gardens. It’s a quiet lane that adds to the cozy, secretive charm of the place.
Google Reviews and Customer Feedback
Fortitude Bakehouse enjoys 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google, with over 1,500 reviews. Customers praise its sourdough pastries, fresh coffee, and friendly staff. Common feedback highlights the creativity and freshness of the menu.
Here’s a quick look at some reviews:
| Reviewer | Rating | Comment Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Emma K. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Everything tasted incredible. The beignets are a must!” |
| Jacob R. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Small but cozy. Coffee was perfect and pastries fresh.” |
| Lara D. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Best bakery in London! Try the almond croissant.” |
| Tom W. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “A bit crowded but worth the wait. Great quality.” |
These consistent positive experiences show why the fortitude bakehouse menu is adored across London.
Sweet Pastries Section of the Fortitude Bakehouse Menu
The sweet section of the fortitude bakehouse menu is filled with flavor and imagination. Every pastry is handmade daily and changes with the seasons.
| Item | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Almond Croissant | Classic buttery croissant filled with almond cream | £4.50 |
| Chocolate Sticky Bun | Rich, gooey, and packed with dark chocolate | £4.20 |
| Cinnamon Bun | Swirled with sugar and spice, baked golden brown | £3.90 |
| Cream-Filled Beignets | Light doughnuts filled with vanilla or blueberry cream | £4.80 |
| Fruit Danish | Seasonal fruits with custard in flaky pastry | £4.50 |
| Honey Cream Scone | Soft scone with honey cream and apricot jam | £3.50 |
| Morning Bun | Sweet dough rolled with citrus sugar and butter | £3.70 |
Every item brings a different texture and flavor profile. Reviewers often say that the beignets and almond croissants sell out early, so visiting in the morning is best.
Savoury Selections from the Fortitude Bakehouse Menu
The fortitude bakehouse menu is not limited to sweets. It includes hearty savory dishes that balance out the sugar rush. Many are inspired by Mediterranean and North African cuisines, reflecting the owner’s heritage.
| Item | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Feta & Spinach Hand Pie | Flaky pastry filled with spinach, feta, and herbs | £5.20 |
| Lamb Merguez Roll | Spicy lamb sausage roll with harissa and herbs | £5.50 |
| Harissa Chicken Brioche | Spiced chicken served in soft sourdough brioche | £5.90 |
| Cheese & Olive Tapenade Straw | Savory pastry twist with cheese and olives | £3.90 |
| Mushroom & Gruyère Tart | Creamy mushroom filling in buttery tart shell | £5.00 |
| Tomato & Ricotta Puff | Layered pastry with roasted tomato and ricotta | £4.80 |
These savory options change seasonally. Many customers pair them with a cappuccino or flat white for a light lunch.
Sourdough Cakes and Loaves
A signature aspect of the fortitude bakehouse menu is the use of sourdough not just in bread but also in cakes. This adds a light tang and keeps them moist for days.
| Sourdough Cake | Flavour Profile | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake | Rich cocoa base with hazelnut crunch | £4.50 per slice |
| Lemon Polenta Cake | Zesty lemon flavor with polenta texture | £4.00 per slice |
| Carrot & Walnut Loaf | Sweet-spiced carrot loaf with walnut topping | £4.20 per slice |
| Orange & Almond Cake | Moist cake with almond meal and orange syrup | £4.30 per slice |
These cakes embody the bakery’s creative side and are often displayed prominently at the counter.
Coffee and Beverages
Fortitude Bakehouse serves high-quality coffee sourced from local roasters. The coffee is roasted to bring out natural sweetness and balanced acidity.
| Drink | Type | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Strong, single-shot classic | £2.50 |
| Flat White | Smooth espresso with velvety milk | £3.50 |
| Cappuccino | Frothy milk and espresso blend | £3.60 |
| Batch Brew | Filter coffee, perfect for mornings | £3.00 |
| Iced Latte | Chilled milk coffee for summer | £3.80 |
| Tea Selection | Herbal, Earl Grey, and green teas | £2.80 |
Coffee lovers frequently mention that Fortitude’s baristas pay attention to detail, giving every cup consistency and care.
Specials and Seasonal Items
Every few weeks, new items appear on the fortitude bakehouse menu, depending on the season. During summer, you may find blueberry beignets or peach custard danishes, while winter brings ginger spice cakes and apple crumbles.
The rotating menu keeps customers returning to try what’s new. It’s part of the charm that Fortitude Bakehouse offers — every visit feels different.
Opening, Closing, and Delivery Timings
The bakery follows a consistent schedule that caters mostly to breakfast and lunch crowds.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | — |
Delivery Timing: The bakery offers takeaway and limited local delivery through platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Dining Experience and Ambiance
When you walk into Fortitude Bakehouse, you’ll immediately feel a sense of calm. The rustic decor, smell of bread, and chatter from baristas create a comforting environment. The vibe is artistic but unpretentious, reflecting the handmade nature of everything they serve.
People often sit on outdoor benches, sipping coffee and enjoying pastries under the morning sun. The crowd includes artists, students, and office-goers — a true cross-section of London life.
This approach places it in the same league as other artisanal cafés like Pophams or Jolene Bakery, but with its own distinct character. The Kitten Manchester Menu Guide to Prices, Dishes, and Reviews offers a similar insight into regional menus, but Fortitude’s focus on fermentation gives it a special edge in London’s food scene.
Why Fortitude Bakehouse Stands Out
The fortitude bakehouse menu is not just about food; it’s a reflection of time, care, and community. Each product undergoes a slow process of fermentation, flavor balancing, and artful presentation.
The bakery stands out for three main reasons:
- Quality of ingredients: Only premium, local, and organic ingredients are used.
- Authenticity: Every recipe is crafted, not replicated.
- Community connection: Regulars form a loyal customer base, often sharing personal stories over coffee.
Conclusion
Fortitude Bakehouse isn’t just another café in London; it’s a story told through flour, butter, and patience. Its founder, Dee Rettali, has turned a quiet Bloomsbury lane into a pilgrimage spot for pastry lovers. From its signature beignets to sourdough cakes, every dish on the fortitude bakehouse menu speaks of craftsmanship and heart.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, a pastry enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an authentic London experience, Fortitude Bakehouse offers something memorable. The flavors are genuine, the service is warm, and every visit feels like coming home.
