9 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND, United Kingdom

Stopped here during a gray, rainy Tuesday morning. I got a hot americano, sourdough, and a hazelnut brioche roll. The seating area has ample space and was designed with mid-century modern aesthetics in mind (including many a LAUTERS lamp from IKEA). There are also recent issues of The New Yorker for your perusal, and interesting food-themed artwork. The entire bakery, its menu, and decoration give off a laid-back vibe and you could definitely lose an hour (or several) here. 

The sourdough was probably the best I’ve had in England. It wasn’t toasted and had a moist, spongy, and airy interior. The aroma was rich and multi-layered, yeasty and with a slight nuttiness. The bottom crust was dense, immensely chewy, and crispy around the edges–right at the threshold of being charred, but not quite there yet, making for a complex flavor. The top crust was thinner, yet still chewy. The butter was melted, and they serve it amply in a small bowl. 

I would recommend Toklas to anyone who has some time to spare in central London. It is genuinely a hidden gem and will be well worth your while.