The Bakers' Lounge

For Washington D.C. residents seeking an authentic taste of British baking that goes far beyond the typical cupcake, The Bakers' Lounge on H Street NE is a true local treasure. This esteemed bakery, headed by the talented UK native Catherine Cotay, offers a distinctive blend of comforting British classics and sophisticated desserts. Far from just a sweet shop, The Bakers' Lounge excels in two key areas: creating stunning, personalized custom cakes for major life events, and mastering the art of the savory British pie and pastry.

The philosophy of the bakery, which Catherine remains passionate about, is to create an experience that makes customers "taste the difference." This is achieved through dedication to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods, resulting in food that is both refined and wonderfully comforting. Patrons consistently praise the rich flavors, the proper texture of the crusts, and the genuinely kind service provided by Catherine and her team. The Bakers' Lounge has cemented its place in the H Street corridor as the go-to destination for everything from a quick lunch of a perfectly seasoned sausage roll to an elaborate, multi-tiered wedding cake.

The Bakers' Lounge actively collaborates within the D.C. community. For example, the bakery has partnered with other local establishments on H Street to offer a British-forward breakfast and lunch service, further highlighting Catherine’s role as a community leader and celebrated local baker. Whether you are craving a warm, flaky savory pie or planning a monumental celebration, The Bakers' Lounge provides an experience defined by expertise, warmth, and truly delicious baking.

The Bakers' Lounge is perfectly situated in the vibrant H Street Corridor of Northeast Washington, D.C., an area celebrated for its dynamic mix of dining and local businesses.

Address: 1381 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

The location on H Street NE is easily accessible for D.C. commuters and residents. The corridor is well-served by public transportation, including the D.C. Streetcar, and offers various options for street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

Accessibility Features: The bakery is committed to serving the entire community, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance for easy access.

Service Options and Planning: The Bakers' Lounge understands the need for convenience in the busy lives of D.C. residents and offers multiple ways to enjoy their products:

• In-store pickup and Takeout: Ideal for a quick visit, which the planning options highlight as a popular choice.
• Delivery: Available through various online ordering platforms, bringing the British treats directly to your home or office.
• Onsite services: Though primarily a take-out focused bakery, the option for limited on-site enjoyment or gathering is available.

The Bakers' Lounge menu is refreshingly diverse, spanning everything from individual desserts to full savory meals and large-scale custom creations. Their product lines ensure there is something for every craving and occasion.

• Custom Cakes and Full-Sized Pies:
  • Custom Cakes: Specializing in wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and other custom designs. Cake flavors include unique options like Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Lemon Drizzle, and Raspberry Truffles.
  • Large Savory Pies: Offering full-sized pies such as Shepherd’s Pie, Curried Vegetable Pie, Chicken Kale and Mushroom Pie, and Steak and Vegetables Pie.
  • Sweet Pies: Seasonal and traditional options like Sweet Potato Pie (including a vegan option), Pumpkin Pie, and Apple Pie.
• Individual Desserts (Mini Cakes & Puddings):
  • Mini Cakes: Single-serving versions of popular cakes like Lemon Drizzle Cake, Sweet Potato Mini Cake, Red Velvet Mini Cake, and Chocolate Caramel Cake.
  • Puddings: British staples such as the rich and warm Sticky Toffee Pudding (steamed cakes made with dates and caramel sauce), Caramel Bread Pudding, and various mousse desserts.
• Savory British Pastries & Entrees:
  • Sausage Rolls: Seasoned sausage meat encrusted in flaky puff pastry, a highly-praised customer favorite.
  • Meat Pasty Options: Includes seasoned ground turkey and potato, BBQ pulled pork, and BBQ pulled chicken, all encased in puff pastry.
  • Quiches: Savory egg custards available in options like Vegetable Quiche and Quiche Lorraine.
  • Mac and Cheese: A creamy, classic macaroni in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, served as a comfort food entree.
• Assorted Tarts and Vegan Options:
  • Tarts: Features traditional English desserts like the Bakewell Tart (shortbread pastry with strawberry preserve and almond cake), Lemon Tart, Caramel Pecan Tart, and Blueberry Frangipane.
  • Vegan Options: Includes specialized desserts like the Vegan Blackberry Frangipani Tart, Vegan Blueberry Tart, and Vegan Bakewell Tart.
• Beverages: Offers coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and unique non-alcoholic options like Bisap (Surreal Juice) and Organic Root Ginger Beer.
• Payments: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for seamless transactions.

The Bakers' Lounge stands out in the D.C. culinary landscape due to its unique specialization and personalized service.

• Authentic British Savory Cuisine: This is a key distinguishing feature. The bakery offers a strong array of authentic British savory items—from the highly-rated, properly seasoned Sausage Rolls and traditional Meat Pasties to hearty Shepherd's Pie. These items are frequently lauded by D.C. customers for their perfectly executed crusts and rich fillings.
• Mastery of Custom Cakes: Owner Catherine Cotay is a recognized expert in custom cake design, particularly for large events like weddings. Customer reviews highlight her ability to create visually stunning and flavor-complex cakes, such as the two-layered Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Salted Caramel cake praised by one happy couple.
• Traditional British Desserts: The bakery is a destination for hard-to-find British classics. The Bakewell Tart is a customer favorite described as "scrumptious," and the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a perfect example of British comfort food.
• Community Leadership and Collaboration: Catherine Cotay is recognized as a leader in the H Street NE community, actively engaging in business partnerships, such as providing breakfast and pastry menus to other local bistros. This demonstrates a deep commitment to the neighborhood.
• Inclusive Menu Options: The inclusion of various Vegan and Gluten-Free desserts on the menu ensures that patrons with specific dietary needs can also enjoy their delicious, high-quality offerings.

To place an order for catering, inquire about a custom cake, or simply plan a quick stop for a savory pastry, please use the following contact details.

Physical Address: 1381 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

Phone Number: (202) 601-7107

Alternative Contact (Mobile Phone): +1 202-601-7107

Typical Operating Hours: While hours can vary, particularly with online ordering and special partnerships, the bakery is often open to the public during the day, with online pickup and delivery times beginning around 11:30 AM. It is always recommended to check the latest schedule or call ahead, especially for full-service catering and custom cake appointments.

Choosing The Bakers' Lounge is an excellent decision for Washington D.C. users seeking a unique and superior culinary experience. What sets this establishment apart is its Dual Expertise: The ability to execute both the delicate artistry of high-end custom cakes and the robust, comforting flavors of British savory baking.

For the busy D.C. professional looking for a quick and satisfying meal, the Sausage Roll or a Meat Pasty is a must-try. Customers rave about the perfect, flaky crust and the quality seasoning of the sausage meat—a significant step up from standard fare. It offers hearty, on-the-go comfort food that is hard to find elsewhere in the area.

For major life events, selecting The Bakers' Lounge for a Custom Cake means partnering with Catherine Cotay, a highly-praised, kind, and communicative baker who delivers stunning results, as evidenced by satisfied wedding clients. Whether it is a quick visit for a warm slice of Bakewell Tart or a large order for a corporate event, The Bakers' Lounge provides consistently delicious food and a genuine, personal touch that keeps D.C. locals returning to this cherished H Street institution. It offers a true taste of Britain with a strong commitment to quality and community.

The Bakers' Lounge

1381 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA