The Hummingbird Bakery

Reviews

• Humming, but Hmm...

  Other reviewers on here seem to love it or the Hummingbird Bakery, but I'm somewhere between the two. I really wanted to like it, and the cakes are very fun and festive-looking, but they were by far not the best I've ever had. Sugary, overloaded with frosting, and not enough sponge to satisfy.Having said that, the place is buzzing, and on the Saturday I went with a friend, there was a queue out the door. But the staff were run ragged, calling harried orders to one another, and in such a small space, there just wasn't enough room to find a table, or relax and enjoy your cake. Maybe it's a better place to vist in the week.I've spotted countless Hummingbird carrier bags walking around South Ken, so the shop is still doing a roaring business, despite its flaws. I can see the potential - it's a great idea. I just think a larger space, more friendly staff and an improved cupcake recipe would work wonders.

  Litro_k
  Review Date: 06/01/2009 Report review
• A Must for American Expats

  For all you American expats missing your pumpkin pie, Red Velvet cake and honest to goodness brownies - look no further! Not only do they carry such delights, but their wares are extremely tasty and very authentic. I found them while looking for something unique for an office party and was a bit skeptical that their Red Velvet would stack up against what I used to get back home. Fortunately, one bite put any fears to rest and I can't wait to try more. Double plus - their delivery service, while not cheap, is very reliable. Highly recommended.

  Foxie
  Review Date: 12/10/2008 Report review
• Hummingbird Bakery: Old Brompton Road, London

  This very cute looking shopping sells mainly all-American cupcakes. The shop is very, very well presented and although it isn't too big, it always has enough staff to serve the many customers that visit this shop. Apart from cupcakes, other different types of cakes are sold. Although I have to admit, the cakes are very expensive, with one large slice costing over £3, and even more if you decide to eat in, the cakes are absolutely delicious, and are tasty enough to attract students nearby who visit every single week. There is a seating area with many comfortable seats and tall chairs. I've seen people pay for cakes, and bring a book they can sit down and read with. The atmosphere is very, very nice. The cupcakes which the shop specialises in are close to £2, and although they aren't very big, they are very nice, but I would probably only visit this shop as a treat and not regularly. I've been told that even if cakes are bought in batches, they don't do any special sort of discount unlike Ben's Cookies, whom I'm more likely to buy from, since they are better value.

  Jessica_uk
  Review Date: 10/09/2008 Report review
• Disappointed

  As an avid baker (my waistline will vouch for the amount of cupcakes I bake!!) I had been really looking forward to trying the famous Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes. the shop itself is really cute and the staff were very friendly. But OMG the cakes.. my 3 year old had one bite and threw in the bin.. I lasted 2 bites... Rubbery, full to the brim of baking powder and tasting of a very fake vanilla extract. the biggest disappointment I have encountered..so far.. Style over substance!!

  Jobob
  Review Date: 09/03/2008 Report review
• Lovely cakes

  Love this place. The cakes are yummy. Yes they are not cheap but they are not expensive either. £1.75 is not that bad. Especially when other shops in borough market and cake shops elsewhere charge over £3! I love the concept! I love the cakes. Great place. As for the previous review fair enough if you dont like it. But saying that only deluded tourists and notting hill trust fundies buy there is a bit of a generalisation....i am neither of these and LOVE the place. Hope they open more branches as their cup cakes kick any others i have tried in London into touch!

  Shenderson79
  Review Date: 02/12/2007 Report review
• Overpriced gunk

  Apparently there's another branch on Portobello Road, which must be supported by deluded tourists and Notting Hill trust fundies. I popped into the Old Brompton Road branch the other day, seduced by the decor and a vague recollection of a review of 'the best cup cakes in London'. Dearie me. £1.75 for a cup cake?! I mean, I know London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but almost 2 quid for a very small amount of sponge cake, some sugar icing, and some sprinkly things on top? I had a lavender one, which was unpleasant and sickly and went straight in the bin (waste - tut tut). And a chocolate one with vanilla icing. The chocolate sponge was OK but the icing was way too sweet.The shop also has a range of large and intimidating-looking cakes under glass covers but I didn't dare ask how much a slice would be as I haven't had a pay rise recently.If this place is still open in 6 months time, it will show how much Londoners are prepared to spend on style over substance.

  Ramanauskas
  Review Date: 10/10/2007 Report review