My favourite bakeries: Darcie Maher

Darcie Maher is the baker-patron at Lannan in Edinburgh, a bakery as famous for the queues it attracts as it is for their signature croissants. Lines winding down Stockbridge’s cobbled streets are common thanks to Lannan with locals and visitors alike desperate to try Darcie’s inventive bakes that champion classical French techniques.

Being a baker was a childhood dream of Darcie's. As a young child she baked constantly at home, whipping up bowls of Scottish tablet at home, and baking cakes for the cafe her sister worked at. These early memories inform her bakes today, as evident in her strawberry tart with signature croissant crust, which was inspired by the memory of shiny glazed tarts at a local bakery counter.

Darcie’s career as a baker began in earnest at the Flour Water Salt bakery in Macclesfield where she learnt the pastry and lamination skills that have underpinned her success. She then went on to work at the specialist sourdough bakery Twelve Triangles in Edinburgh where she honed her craft even further. Her next gig, working in the restaurant at The Palmerston, is where she really made a name for herself, gaining recognition for her new and inventive creations. This support stood her in good stead for her solo venture with the co-founders of The Palmerston James Snowden and Lloyd Morse and Chloe Black of The Edinburgh Butter Company both partnering with her when opening Lannan.

As the hottest name in British baking, who would be better to ask when looking for the best place to grab a sweet treat? That's why we're not surprised that Darcie has delivered the following excellent list of her favourite bakeries in Britain.

Jolene, London

Darcie says: 'I absolutely love the croissants at Jolene. They use 100% stoneground flour without compromising on texture which is a challenging thing to do well. I also had a perfect solo meal there a couple years ago, I found it very comfortable, the interior and aesthetic is exquisite.'
Where: 21 Newington Green, N16 9PU
Book now: Jolene

Arome, London

Darcie says: 'I’ve been to Arome several times and I’m always hopeful the honey butter toast won't be sold out yet. I’ve only managed to get my hands on it twice, which is testament to how good it is. Their lamination is also unparalleled.'
Where: 9 Mercer Street, The Yards, Covent Garden, WC2H 9QJ
Book now: Arome

Toad, London

Darcie says: 'I’ve only been to TOAD once. However, as soon as I stepped through the door I knew it would be a favourite. Notable mentions include their yuzu Jaffa cakes and laminated cornbread pastry. Rebecca and Oliver have created something really special. Perfect croissants, fun inventive shapes and flavours, excellent bread, and wonderful staff. It really does have it all.'
Where: 44 Peckham Road, SE5 8PX

Two Eight Seven, Glasgow 

Darcie says: 'Two Eight Seven is a bakery close to home, it’s an incredibly warm and welcoming space. Everything Sam and Anna make is exceptional, it's a uniquely special place. I had an amazing blackcurrant leaf custard tart last time I was there, and their sandwiches are amazing too.'
Where: 287 Langside Road, Govanhill, G42 8X

Pollen, Manchester

Darcie says: 'Pollen is a bakery I'll go back to time and time again. Out of all the bakeries I've mentioned it's the one I've visited most. I’ve never had anything from Pollen that wasn't perfectly consistent, which is a difficult thing to do. A special mention goes to their savoury viennoiserie, of which I would recommend their ham and cheese croissant. It really stands out for taste and quality of ingredients.'
Where: Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, M4 6FQ

Explore more of London's best bakeries right here, or journey into our guide to the best croissants all over London.