Christoff.ai

123V Bakery

restaurants•
London
London

123V Bakery

14-18 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ED, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked inside the BFI building, 123V Bakery has carved out a proper niche as Soho's go-to for serious vegan baking. This isn't your average health-food café – it's a bright, modern counter-service spot that's managed to attract both the film industry crowd and discerning office workers with its 100% plant-based approach to comfort food.

123V Bakery: Vegan Virtuosity in the Heart of Film Country

Where plant-based pastries meet BFI buzz on Shaftesbury Avenue

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The energy here sits comfortably at a 6.5 out of 10 – buzzy enough to feel alive but not overwhelming for a quick bite. There's a distinctly creative energy that comes with being housed in the BFI building, making it prime territory for film-industry people-watching. The vibe strikes that sweet spot between casual-cool and trendy-vegan without feeling pretentious. Limited indoor seating keeps things moving at a clip that suits the grab-and-go nature of the place, though you can certainly settle in for a proper meal if you fancy. The sophistication level hovers around 5.5 out of 10 – polished enough to feel current but relaxed enough that you won't feel out of place in your work clothes. The space manages to feel both health-conscious and indulgent, which is no small feat for a vegan bakery.

Food & Drink

The signature items here are genuinely worth seeking out – the wild-garlic focaccia sandwiches and matcha tofu cheesecake represent some proper innovation in the plant-based space. Their California cheeseburger has earned its reputation as a claim to fame, proving that vegan comfort food needn't be a compromise. The artisanal vegan croissants and pain au chocolat demonstrate serious baking chops, while the 123V sushi rolls (available in mango and California varieties) show they're not afraid to push boundaries. The self-serve salad bar adds flexibility, and the house-baked breads provide a solid foundation for their sandwich offerings. Specialty coffee and fresh juices round out the menu nicely. The range spans from £3-£5 pastries to more substantial offerings, showing they've thought through different appetite levels and occasions.

Service & Experience

Counter-service keeps things efficient, and the staff earn marks for being genuinely friendly rather than just professionally polite. The fast counter ordering system works well for the target crowd of office workers and film-goers who need to get in and out quickly. There's a flexibility here (scoring 7.0 out of 10) that accommodates both the grab-and-go crowd and those wanting to linger. The takeaway options are well-executed, which matters given the location's foot traffic patterns.

Value for Money

Here's where things get a bit complicated. Individual pastries at £3-£5 feel reasonable, and sandwiches at £6-£9 are competitive for the area. However, the £14 lunch combos feel steep for the portion sizes according to those who've tried them, and there seems to be some confusion around the pricing structure. The vibe tags mention 'premium-for-portions' and 'lunch-deal-expensive,' which suggests you're paying Soho fringe prices without always getting Soho fringe value. For the quality of ingredients and the vegan specialization, the pricing isn't unreasonable, but it's worth managing expectations around portion sizes.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit them at 11am when they open to snag the freshest croissants before the office crowd descends. Avoid the lunch rush if you're not keen on queuing, though the energy during peak times can be part of the appeal. Weekend mornings tend to draw a more relaxed crowd.

What to Focus On

The wild-garlic focaccia sandwiches and matcha tofu cheesecake are absolute must-tries. The California cheeseburger lives up to its reputation, and if you're there early enough, the fresh croissants are worth the effort. Skip the lunch combos unless you're particularly hungry – better to build your own combination.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Being inside the BFI building makes this perfect for pre or post-film dining if you're catching something at the cinemaThe self-serve salad bar can be a good way to bulk up smaller items without paying premium combo pricesTwo-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station makes it ideal for a quick stop between meetings

The Final Verdict

123V Bakery succeeds where many vegan establishments struggle – it feels like a destination rather than a compromise. The location inside the BFI building gives it character beyond just the food, and the quality of their signature items justifies the trendy factor (8.0 out of 10). While the pricing can feel steep for some items, particularly the lunch deals, the individual pastries and standout dishes represent solid value for genuinely innovative plant-based cooking. It's carved out a proper niche in a competitive area.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

film industry professionals and cinema-goershealth-conscious office workers near Tottenham Court Roadvegan food enthusiasts seeking quality baked goods

Quick Details

1

123V Bakery

⭐️ Film industry hangout
⭐️ Artisanal pastries
⭐️ Counter service efficiency
⭐️ Creative energy

Inside the BFI building, this bright counter-service bakery-café serves film industry crowds with wild-garlic focaccia sandwiches and matcha tofu cheesecake that rival any traditional bakery. Artisanal vegan croissants and pain au chocolat showcase serious pastry skills, while California cheeseburgers and 123V sushi rolls add playful creativity. The fast counter ordering suits busy Fitzrovia schedules, while limited seating creates intimate grab-and-go energy. Creative plant-forward vibes attract office workers and film-goers seeking premium vegan comfort food near Tottenham Court Road. The BFI location adds cultural cachet to every coffee break.

What's Great

✓ Wild-garlic focaccia and matcha cheesecake showcase serious pastry skills

✓ Perfect film industry people-watching inside BFI building

Keep in Mind

× Lunch combo at £14 feels steep for portion sizes with confusing pricing

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit up at 11am when doors open to snag fresh croissants before office crowd spawns

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8pm"
📍14-18 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ED, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7434 3888
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

123V Bakery has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Vegan London 2025: Plant-Based Revolution Beyond Tofu reference image

Vegan London 2025: Plant-Based Revolution Beyond Tofu

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
← More restaurants in London← Explore all of London