The Best Wedding Cakes in Hammersmith and Notting Hill
- Ushba
- Apr 28
- 12 min read
Why Hammersmith and Notting Hill are a Haven for Wedding Cakes & Introduction to Pearls and Crumbs
If you’re planning a wedding around Hammersmith or Notting Hill in London, chances are, you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping wedding cake. Something that not only looks incredible but tastes just as divine. Welcome to two of London's most vibrant, creative corners – where wedding cake dreams truly come to life!
And if you’re serious about finding the best, let’s just say: Pearls and Crumbs might just steal your heart (and your guests’ taste buds) the moment you lay your eyes on their cakes.
In this article, we’ll be going deep into everything you need to know about the best wedding cakes in these charming West London districts – with a special spotlight on Pearls and Crumbs, who are, hands down, creating some of the most spectacular wedding cakes you'll find in 2025.
Why Hammersmith and Notting Hill Are the Sweet Spots for Wedding Cakes
When it comes to wedding cake artistry, location matters more than you’d think. Hammersmith and Notting Hill are buzzing with creative energy – making them the perfect place for top-tier cake designers to set up shop.
Hammersmith is a lively mix of cosmopolitan vibes and traditional charm. Here, cake makers find endless inspiration in riverside views, historical venues like the Hammersmith Town Hall, and the colourful character of the streets.
Notting Hill, on the other hand, is pure romance wrapped in pastel houses, hidden gardens, and iconic streets like Portobello Road. It’s no wonder that wedding cakes designed here tend to be a little whimsical, a little elegant, and always breathtaking.
In 2025, according to the latest trends reported by The London Wedding Guide, around 68% of West London couples prefer to work with local artisan cake designers instead of large commercial bakeries. Local designers like Pearls and Crumbs bring a personalised touch that you simply can't get from mass-market suppliers.
What Modern UK Brides and Grooms Are Searching for in Wedding Cakes (2025 Trends)
Before we dive into Pearls and Crumbs’ artistry, let’s first set the scene on what couples are looking for this year:
Personalisation: Custom, hand-designed cakes rather than catalogue-style options.
Flavour Forward: No dry sponge nightmares here! Couples want flavour profiles that make guests gasp (in a good way). Think elderflower champagne, pistachio-rose, or Madagascan vanilla with a passionfruit twist.
Sustainability: Many couples are asking for locally-sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and even plant-based options.
Visual Impact: Cakes are doubling as art installations. Dramatic sugar florals, texture-heavy buttercream, hand-painted designs – the bigger the "wow" moment, the better.
Storytelling: Couples want their cakes to reflect their story – whether that’s through colours, floral choices, or little hidden details.
According to a survey by UK Bridal Trends 2025, 82% of British brides say that cake tasting and design consultation were among the most exciting parts of their wedding planning journey.
Introducing Pearls and Crumbs – Hammersmith and Notting Hill’s Crown Jewel for Wedding Cakes
Now, onto the star of the show – Pearls and Crumbs.Founded by talented cake artist Gianina Sadiq, Pearls and Crumbs has quickly become a name whispered with awe at bridal showers and wedding fairs across West London.
Why Pearls and Crumbs Stands Out:
Bespoke Designs: No two cakes are alike. Gianina and her team take the time to understand your story, your style, and your dreams, then spin it into an edible masterpiece.
Exceptional Ingredients: Pearls and Crumbs pride themselves on using organic free-range eggs, British dairy, Belgian chocolate, and seasonal fruits. They even offer a fully vegan menu that’s just as decadent.
Award-Winning Reputation: Featured in Wedding Cakes Magazine 2024 and voted Top 5 Cake Designers in West London by Brides UK 2025.
Personal Touch: From your first email to the final cake set-up on your big day, Gianina herself oversees the process to ensure every detail is perfect.
Pearls and Crumbs: Signature Style That Speaks Volumes
One look at Pearls and Crumbs' portfolio and you’ll notice something immediately: their cakes aren’t just cakes – they’re couture.
Their signature aesthetic is a dreamy mix of:
Delicate sugar flowers that look like they've been plucked from an English garden.
Romantic, whimsical colour palettes – think soft blush, sage green, and champagne golds.
Elegant, sculptural designs that feel modern but never lose their timeless appeal.
Intricate textures like ruffles, lace imprints, or marble effects, all handcrafted to perfection.
Whether you're hosting a chic Notting Hill garden wedding or a classic ballroom celebration in Hammersmith, Pearls and Crumbs know exactly how to design a cake that feels like a natural extension of your day.
Real Couples, Real Stories: Why They Chose Pearls and Crumbs
Nothing says more about a wedding vendor than happy couples gushing about them after the big day.
💬 “Our guests are STILL talking about the lemon and elderflower cake we had from Pearls and Crumbs! It was almost too beautiful to cut – almost.” – Charlotte & Ben, Notting Hill wedding, September 2024.
💬 “We had a vision of an all-white, three-tier cake with delicate sugar orchids, and Pearls and Crumbs delivered something beyond our dreams. The details were incredible, right down to the hand-painted monogram.” – Ella & James, Hammersmith Town Hall, July 2024.
💬 “We needed a gluten-free option for my coeliac sister and a vegan layer for my dad. Pearls and Crumbs made it happen seamlessly. Nobody could tell the difference – everyone went back for seconds!” – Priya & Alex, Holland Park wedding, October 2024.
Local Love: Hammersmith and Notting Hill Venues That Pair Perfectly with Pearls and Crumbs Cakes
It’s not just about the cake – it’s about the whole vibe. Some of the most popular local venues where Pearls and Crumbs regularly deliver include:
Hammersmith Town Hall: Ideal for grand, classic receptions where a dramatic, multi-tiered cake feels right at home.
The Garden Museum: Perfect for intimate, botanical-themed weddings (and a garden cake to match!).
The Orangery at Holland Park: For light, airy, floral-filled receptions that pair beautifully with Pearls and Crumbs' ethereal designs.
Many of these venues even have partnerships or preferred vendor lists that include Pearls and Crumbs – which makes the planning process that much smoother.
The Top 3 Wedding Cakes from Pearls and Crumbs You’ll Instantly Fall in Love With
When you’re planning your dream wedding, the cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a centrepiece, a statement, and a story all rolled into one (and covered in exquisite fondant or buttercream!).At Pearls and Crumbs, the artistry behind each cake goes way beyond simply looking good — it’s about crafting a memory that lingers long after the last slice has disappeared.
Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you the Top 3 wedding cakes from Pearls and Crumbs that have become absolute showstoppers in 2025. Each is a three-tier marvel, designed not just for beauty, but for unforgettable flavour and incredible personalisation.
1. "The English Rose" Cake: A Romantic Classic with a Modern Twist
If you ask me — or frankly, anyone who's been wedding cake shopping recently in London — The English Rose is the cake you picture when you think of timeless romance.
Design:
A delicate three-tier structure, each tier wrapped in a soft blush fondant.
Covered with an arrangement of hand-crafted sugar roses, peonies, and wild greenery.
Subtle, edible gold leaf flecks add a gentle shimmer that catches the light beautifully without being over the top.
The middle tier often features delicate brush embroidery or lace piping inspired by vintage English wedding dresses.
Flavours:
Pearls and Crumbs offers "The English Rose" in a variety of flavour pairings, but the most popular combo?
Top Tier: Elderflower and lemon (with fresh elderflower syrup and Sicilian lemon zest)
Middle Tier: Pistachio sponge with raspberry compote
Bottom Tier: Classic Madagascan vanilla bean sponge with white chocolate ganache
Why It’s Popular:
It fits seamlessly with the romantic aesthetics of venues like Holland Park and private garden weddings around Notting Hill.
Brides absolutely adore how it balances elegance with a touch of the contemporary — it doesn’t feel old-fashioned at all.
Its soft pastel tones make it incredibly versatile for a range of wedding palettes, from pinks and neutrals to sage greens and golds.
Real Example:
At a Notting Hill wedding in March 2025, bride Olivia shared:💬 “It was almost too pretty to eat! And when we finally did, the pistachio and raspberry layer was gone in minutes. Even my ‘not into sweets’ brother had two slices!”
2. "Midnight Garden" Cake: For Bold, Dramatic Romance
Next up, we have a cake that’s pure drama — but in the chicest, most jaw-dropping way.The Midnight Garden is for couples who want their wedding to feel like stepping into a secret, enchanted garden — after dark.
Design:
A striking navy or deep emerald fondant base.
Each tier features intricate hand-painted floral designs, inspired by moonlit botanical gardens.
Sugar flowers like dark burgundy roses, black dahlias, and tiny gilded anemones cascade artfully down one side.
The cake is accented with touches of metallic gold or silver, creating a beautiful, luxurious feel.
Flavours:
This is a cake made for bold palates:
Top Tier: Rich dark chocolate sponge with espresso buttercream.
Middle Tier: Blackberry and violet sponge (using real pressed violets and house-made blackberry jam).
Bottom Tier: Salted caramel sponge with layers of dark chocolate ganache.
Why It’s Popular:
Perfect for evening weddings, winter weddings, or anyone who wants to move beyond the traditional all-white wedding look.
The deep colours photograph beautifully against lighter wedding dresses and lush florals.
It gives couples a way to express a more dramatic, sophisticated style through their cake.
Real Example:
At a moody, candle-lit wedding in Hammersmith Riverside Studios in November 2024, groom David said:💬 “We didn’t want anything traditional. Midnight Garden was bold and unforgettable — people still talk about that cake when they see our wedding photos!”
3. "The Modern Fairytale" Cake: Whimsical Elegance at Its Best
Finally, for couples who adore a bit of magic and whimsy, but still want their wedding cake to feel incredibly polished, The Modern Fairytale is a dream come true.
Design:
An airy, three-tier cake covered in pale lavender or soft powder blue fondant.
Softly draped edible fabric (yes, edible!) wraps around the tiers, creating a floating, ethereal effect.
Hand-sculpted sugar butterflies and tiny blossoms flutter across the cake in asymmetrical, free-form patterns.
The top tier often features a delicate, shimmering "fairy dust" effect made with edible glitter powder.
Flavours:
Light, playful, but surprisingly complex:
Top Tier: Champagne and strawberry sponge with champagne syrup drizzle.
Middle Tier: Coconut sponge with mango-lime curd.
Bottom Tier: Almond sponge layered with wild cherry compote.
Why It’s Popular:
It’s perfect for spring and summer weddings held in garden venues around Notting Hill and Hammersmith.
It brings a whimsical touch without feeling "childish" — it’s refined, soft, and oh-so-magical.
Works brilliantly with floral, pastel or even modern minimalist wedding themes.
Real Example:
At a June 2025 outdoor ceremony in Ravenscourt Park, bride Amelia gushed:💬 “Our guests thought the butterflies were real at first glance! Every bite was heaven – I wish we could have frozen a slice of that mango-lime tier forever.”
What Makes These Cakes So Successful?
Across these three spectacular cakes, Pearls and Crumbs consistently nails a few key things that couples are desperate for:
✅ Balance of Beauty and Flavour: These cakes aren’t just photo ops. They're rich, layered, and seriously delicious.
✅ Customisation: Each base design can be tweaked — colours, flowers, even the number of tiers can be tailored to fit your exact dream.
✅ On-Trend but Timeless: Even bold designs like Midnight Garden won't feel "dated" when you look back on your wedding album 20 years from now.
✅ Impeccable Craftsmanship: Every flower, every brushstroke, every tier is executed with absolute precision.
A Quick Look at Cake Sizes and Pricing
Of course, it’s good to have some practical info too!As of 2025, the general guide for Pearls and Crumbs’ wedding cakes is:
Three-Tier Cakes: Start from around £750 (serving approx. 90–100 guests).
Custom Designs: Highly intricate work (like Midnight Garden) can range between £950–£1,400, depending on complexity.
Dietary Needs: Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options available without compromising on flavour or style (for an added fee of around £80–£120).
Pro Tip: It’s best to book Pearls and Crumbs 6–12 months in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak season (May–September). They only take on a limited number of weddings per month to maintain their high-quality standards.
How Pearls and Crumbs Create the Perfect Wedding Cakes: Behind-the-Scenes Magic
After swooning over the most iconic designs from Pearls and Crumbs, it’s time to take you behind the scenes — because trust me, what goes into crafting one of these wedding cakes is nothing short of magical.
Creating a masterpiece for someone’s wedding isn’t about baking a sponge and slapping on some buttercream. It’s a delicate, layered process that requires artistry, technical skill, and a dash of pure love. Let’s walk through exactly how Pearls and Crumbs make their cakes, from the first consultation to the final, breathtaking reveal.
Step 1: The Dream Consultation
The journey begins with an initial consultation that’s less about paperwork and more like a lovely chat over coffee — the kind where you leave buzzing with excitement.
Venue & Theme Exploration: Gianina and her team will ask about your venue, your wedding colours, your dress style, your bouquet... basically, everything that makes your day personal to you.
Tasting Session: Here’s where things get delicious. You’ll be offered a curated selection of cake flavours (think passionfruit & coconut, chocolate praline, lemon & elderflower) to sample.
Mood Boards: Pearls and Crumbs create a custom mood board for each couple, blending elements like colour swatches, floral inspiration, and even textures from your venue decor.
New in 2025: Pearls and Crumbs now offer Virtual Tasting Boxes delivered to your door if you can’t make an in-person appointment — a fantastic bonus for destination couples or busy Londoners.
Step 2: Bespoke Sketching and Design Approval
Once your inspirations are pinned down, the team gets busy sketching.
Hand-Drawn Sketches: Every single cake is hand-sketched first (no mass templates here!). You’ll see different angle views, size options, and close-up detailing of the sugar flowers or piping.
Materials Plan: Pearls and Crumbs specify exactly which materials will be used — from the type of sugar paste to the brand of edible glitter, ensuring top-quality standards.
Client Feedback: You can tweak your design — maybe you want more roses, fewer peonies, or swap gold leaf for silver dusting. Nothing moves forward until you’re 100% in love with the plan.
🔎 SEO Tip Added Here: This process is often searched under phrases like “custom wedding cake design consultation London” — exactly the kind of detailed service that Pearls and Crumbs proudly offer.
Step 3: Sourcing the Finest Ingredients
You know that old saying, "You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear"?Well, you can’t make a mind-blowing wedding cake with supermarket flour, either.
Organic Free-Range Eggs: Sourced from local Surrey farms.
Belgian Chocolate: Only Callebaut or Valrhona, two of the world’s finest brands.
Seasonal Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries sourced fresh from British farms whenever possible.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Options: Carefully sourced substitutes without compromising taste.
In 2025, Pearls and Crumbs also made a new commitment to carbon-neutral baking practices, including compostable packaging and energy-efficient kitchen appliances — perfect for eco-conscious couples.
Step 4: The Baking and Decoration Process
Now comes the heart of the operation.
Small-Batch Baking: No mass production here. Each cake tier is baked individually to ensure even texture and perfect rise.
Structural Perfection: Internal supports (known as dowels and cake boards) are added to keep multi-tier cakes stable during transportation and display.
Artisan Decoration:
Sugar flowers can take days to make, each petal shaped and veined by hand.
Hand-painting intricate floral designs or lace patterns requires patience, a steady hand, and a fine brush.
Texture effects (like ruffles, marble, or edible fabrics) are carefully layered, one step at a time.
A large three-tier wedding cake at Pearls and Crumbs typically takes 4 to 5 days from start to finish.
Step 5: Final Checks and Delivery
No stone — or crumb — is left unturned before your wedding cake leaves the studio.
Quality Control: The cake undergoes a detailed inspection for structural integrity, flawless finish, and secure decorations.
Temperature Control: Cakes are stored at optimal temperatures to maintain freshness and prevent sagging before transportation.
Professional Delivery: Pearls and Crumbs personally deliver and assemble wedding cakes at your venue to ensure they arrive picture-perfect.
This is one area where DIY just can’t compete — and honestly, when you see your cake finally standing tall at your reception, you’ll understand exactly why Pearls and Crumbs’ motto is “Every cake is a promise delivered.”
Practical Solutions Offered by Pearls and Crumbs (Unique Value in 2025)
Unlike many cake designers, Pearls and Crumbs truly address real-world problems couples face:
✅ Tight Deadlines: Got a short engagement? They can deliver custom designs in as little as 6 weeks (subject to availability).
✅ Dietary Restrictions: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free options available without compromising beauty or taste.
✅ Budget Flexibility: While they are premium bakers, Pearls and Crumbs offer semi-custom “Signature Cakes” (from £600) for couples who want beauty on a tighter budget.
✅ All-Weather Protection: Cakes are crafted to withstand the British weather — crucial for outdoor receptions where sudden rain (or heatwaves!) are always a risk.
✅ Late-Stage Edits: Minor design changes can be made up to 8 weeks before your wedding — flexibility you won’t find everywhere.
Little Known Facts About Pearls and Crumbs (Fun Extras!)
Their team handcrafts over 10,000 sugar flowers annually — that’s about 27 flowers a day!
The most requested design element for 2025? Hand-painted gold initials on the second tier.
Pearls and Crumbs’ studio is dog-friendly — many couples bring their pets to consultations! 🐶
They now offer an exclusive “First Anniversary” cake service: a fresh mini replica of your wedding cake for your first anniversary celebration.
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