Clash of the confections

If you have a sweet tooth, Bristol is the place for you. Here are seven of the best dessert spots that the city has to offer:

Swoon
31 College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TB
www.swoononaspoon.co.uk
The extra-special gelato at Swoon is slowly churned by hand rather than rapidly beaten, making it unbelievably creamy. The textures are smooth, the flavours are rich, and everything is made from scratch, guaranteeing you a treat produced with extra special care. Be prepared to queue on hot days.

Ahh Toots
4-8 Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, Bristol, BS1 1LJ
www.ahhtoots.co.uk
At their little stall tucked away in St Nick’s Market, everything that’s baked at Ahh Toots looks as good as it tastes. Every creation is art-focused and made to perfection, and delicious cakes and cupcakes serving eight to 25 people are also available to order with three days’ advance notice, as well as beautifully designed wedding cakes. There’s also a hearty brunch menu available from 9am-3pm daily, so there really is something for everyone. Check them out on Instagram @ahhtoots for some real food envy.

Beehive Coffee House
14 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6BQ
www.facebook.com/thebeehivebristol
Desserts here are made with locally-sourced ingredients, aw well as natural honey as a healthy alternative to sugar (hence the name). A popular place to relax and socialise, Beehive sells homemade cakes, sandwiches and hot beverages too, but their specialities are their ‘freakshakes’. These indulgent treats consist of a milkshake topped with all types of tasty goodies like doughnuts, sprinkles, sauces, marshmallows, chocolate bars, pretzels and more. They even have a Freak of the Week, a special, limited edition shake that varies each week.

Sticky Fingers Bakehaus
61A Hanham High Street, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3DR
www.stickyfingersbakehaus.com
Located in the heart of Hanham, Sticky Fingers is a small craft bakery, coffee and cake shop that specialises in novelty and traditional cakes. Their cakes, cookies and brownies are made fresh every day, as well as their speciality Bakehaus milkshakes: an American-style shake featuring their in-house bakes blended with ice cream and milk. Their desserts are expertly designed and can be ordered for special occasions, and you can even receive a Baker’s Dozen reward, where after your twelfth drink you can have another hot drink or a cupcake of your choice, free of charge.

Coco’s
276-278 Stapleton Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 0NW
www.cocosdesserts.co.uk
Spoil yourself at Coco’s with a menu that offers the finest in desserts and treats including Italian ice cream, Belgian waffles, milkshakes and crepes. You can get your sugar fix from Coco’s any day of the week, and with constant special offers including a free upgrade on any hot drink and ten per cent off any collection order Monday-Thursday, it really is impossible to go wrong.

Sprinkles Gelato
Millennium Promenade, Bristol, BS1 5SK
www.sprinklesgelato.co.uk/our-stores/south-west/bristol
Located along the floating Harbour, Sprinkles Gelato is easy to access and is positioned against some of the city’s top attractions. All of the desserts served at sprinkles are handmade by their friendly staff, amd the store can host all types of social gatherings. If going out to get dessert would involve burning too many calories, they will even deliver their goods straight to you through Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat.

Earthcake
71 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1ES
www.earthcakebristol.com
This vegan cake shop offers delicious cakes, savouries, tarts, crumbles and cupcakes, as well as cakes for weddings and parties. All of their products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and on request the staff are able to make gluten-free, sugar-free, nut-free or any other free-from cakes. Make sure you book ahead if you fancy munching through their vegan afternoon tea of scones, mini cakes and sandwiches, as everything is prepared freshly on the day.