I’d spotted the queue outside Vnilla on Endell Street for banana pudding a couple of days earlier and couldn’t stop thinking about it. So, I went back, joined the line, and finally found out what all the fuss was about. This Covent Garden dessert shop only sells two puddings: the original banana pudding and a monthly special, yet somehow it has managed to attract a queue down the street. If you’re after the best desserts in Covent Garden, the Vnilla banana pudding place is impossible to ignore.
“Banana pudding is a New York legend thanks to Magnolia Bakery. Vnilla has taken that idea and dropped it right in the middle of London,” Homegirl London.
Vnilla Banana Pudding Menu
The menu is relatively small, tiny in fact, offering just two banana pudding options, the original and a special. Let’s start with the classic version, a delightful blend of soft sponge, fresh banana, and rich, yet not heavy, vanilla cream. The cream is so light that it melts in your mouth, which allows you to enjoy the whole tub without a second thought. My partner chose the classic with added chocolate chips, and it didn’t last long!
I ordered the September house special, the Red Velvet Banana Pudding. Think layers of scarlet sponge swirled with cream, topped with banana, making it indulgent but overly sweet. After some deliberation over tempting toppings like mini pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels, kataifi pastry, nuts, and matcha powder, I finally settled on fresh strawberries, as recommended by one of the Vanilla team members. It was creamy, luscious, and so easy to keep spooning until the tub was empty. The classic pudding costs £6.50, the special is £7.50, and toppings are £1 each. The portions are large, filling, and more than enough to count as a meal if you’re in the mood.
The drinks menu includes flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and hot chocolate, alongside iced coffee and green matcha.
What amazes me is how a business can sell just two puddings and attract queues every day. It demonstrates the power of a good idea executed well. Yes, there have been mixed reviews online, but I admire anyone who builds a business around a single speciality and makes it work. It’s a pity they aren’t open late for people coming out of the bars, I expect they’d love it.
Helpful Information About Vnilla Covent Garden
Inside, the shop has a soft pink glow with tiled walls and a striking La Marzocco coffee machine taking centre stage. There are countertops with stools where you can watch Covent Garden pass by, but with queues running into the shop, it gets pretty crowded. The staff are cheerful and maintain a brisk pace, which adds to the lively atmosphere. Outside, there are a couple of benches where we sat with our Jack Tzu doggie.
You’ll find Vnilla at 14 Endell Street, London WC2H 9BD, just a few minutes from Covent Garden station, with Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road nearby. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 6.30 pm, and Sunday from 12 noon to 5.30 pm, or until sold out. Visit the Vnilla website for more information (although it’s minimal). Enjoy!
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Covent Garden London WC2
Best Shopping Streets In Covent Garden London WC2
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please verify that the establishment is still in business and check its opening times before visiting.