We made it guys, it’s now officially mince pie season! Arguably the most underrated snack of the festive season, overshadowed by Christmas sandwiches and gingerbread *everything* we just can’t get enough of the humble MP. Thankfully we’re not the only ones with this passion, and many places in the capital have stepped up to the plate this Christmas season and created their own takes on a classic. Here are the best.

1. For Doughnuts: Borough 22

The Lowdown: Borough 22 has reimagined the Christmas classic and created the UK’s most inclusive Mince Pie Doughnut. Gluten-free, 100% plant-based, certified kosher and halal, the innovative dough-based dessert features traditional spiced mincemeat on top of a freshly baked cinnamon spice doughnut.

Where: Order online

2. For a Hybrid Dessert: PAUL

The Lowdown: PAUL is bringing festive magic to the holiday season with a luxurious French twist on a Christmas classic. Introducing the Mincemeat Millefeuille, a hybrid dessert that combines the warmth and spice of traditional mincemeat with French pâtisserie. Featuring flaky, delicate layers of golden puff pastry and sweet mincemeat swirled through vanilla crème custard filling, the indulgent treat is topped with nutty notes of marzipan and finished with candied orange.

Where: See PAUL locations here 

2. For Soft Serve: The Grill by Tom Booton

The Lowdown: Experience a taste sensation like no other at The Grill with Chef Tom Booton’s Mince Pie Soft Serve, featuring sweet pastry tartlet, Pedro Ximénez soaked raisins, mince pie ice cream and custard ice cream, leaf tuilles, mint and homemade brandy custard.

Where: The Dorchester, 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA

3. For The Best Mincemeat: GAIL’s

The Lowdown: GAIL’s Mince Pies, made with new and improved mincemeat from Tea Together, are now available across all bakeries. These festive favourites are crafted with a delicious combination of Calvados and sweet Jonagold apples, perfectly encased in a crumbly, buttery pastry.

Where: Multiple locations here

4. For a Dessert: Leydi

The Lowdown: At Turkish restaurant Leydi indulge in the Mince Pie Börek; a flaky filo pastry creation especially for Christmas, featuring spiced minced fruits wrapped in pastry, served with tahini and Medjool dates ice cream. The rich, nutty flavour of tahini harmonises perfectly with the sweet, caramel-like notes of medjool dates, creating a truly celebratory dessert and a unique twist on a festive classic.

Where: 6 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2AE

5. For an Empanada: DE NADAS

The Lowdown: Over at  London’s first empanadería specialising in Argentinian hand-shaped empanadas,DE NADAS has launched a – you guessed it –a mince pie empanada. Fully vegan, the mini empanada has been created with classic empanada pastry and filled with a fruity mincemeat before being dusted with icing sugar.

Where: See locations here