Donutelier by Roladin opens luxury doughnut shop in Charing Cross this month

Donutelier by Roladin – self-proclaimed as “the world’s first donutelier concept” – is opening its doors in central London later this month. Dedicated to providing luxury doughnuts, the new London store is inspired by the craftsmanship of fashion ateliers and will showcase each step of the doughnut making and designing process in the heart of London’s fashion district.

Each doughnut will be handmade, with visitors able to watch the process. Along with a collection debuting exclusively in London, there will be signature versions available to purchase, including the Pistachio (filled with Chantilly cream and marbled pistachio, topped with an almond sable, pistachio nibs and dried raspberries), the Dulcey Peanut Caramel (with Dulcey fleur de sel ganache, peanuts, caramelised peanuts and caramel Chantilly) and the Pink Royal (featuring wild berry cream topped with mini strawberry meringues, dried raspberries and a raspberry chantilly cream). 

Guests visiting the boutique bakery will encounter interiors featuring marble countertops and brass-mirrored ceilings, with doughnuts displayed under light fittings inspired by pâtissier piping bags. The back wall is lined with doughnut boxes in varying pantones of pink and orange. To the right of the main space, visitors will be able to order from a selection of coffee blends and order pastries to enjoy in-store or to take away.

Trading for over 33 years, Roladin was founded by brothers Kobi Hakak and Avi Keinan, who started from humble beginnings sourcing cakes and pastries to sell door-to-door. They had little experience, but were ambitious and armed with handwritten recipes from their mother. In 1989 they opened a small shop, but the business really took off during what the pair call “The Roladin Chanukah Miracle”. During the traditional Jewish holiday it is customary to eat sufganiyot (a sort of dense doughnut, traditionally filled with strawberry jam); the brothers incorporated chocolate, dulce de leche, crème pâtissière and Chantilly cream for their seasonal offerings, which brought a constant line of customers waiting to buy sufganiyot throughout the day.

Several years later, oldest brother David Keinan joined the enterprise to develop new branches. At the same time, Avi began flying regularly to Europe to study at various culinary arts academies and with top pastry chefs in France, Belgium and Austria. Later, they welcomed Golan Einat into the family, who helped to drive further expansion.

Arik Waiss, CEO and partner, notes: “We are excited to bring some of the most innovative and luxurious doughnuts the world has ever seen to London. For the first time we are launching Roladin in the UK with a brand-new store, debuting our signature doughnuts, which will be freshly prepared on site. The store will be a new experience for Londoners and for this reason we are very excited for the opening this winter.” 

The food desk

Donutelier by Rolin opens at 48-50 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0BB on 27^th January 2023. For further information visit their website here.