People of Petticoat Lane: The Artisan Baker

Sitting pretty at 40 Wentworth Street, Swan Bakery’s well worth the visit, serving Hong Kong-style egg tarts that blend Chinese and Portuguese techniques for an incredibly moreish treat. Co-founder, Wan Su, shares the origin story of this hidden gem, where passion and tradition combine for a masterclass in artisanal Chinese baking.

What’s the story of Swan Bakery?

“I’ve always had a passion for traditional baking, and when I moved to London, I noticed there were very few places offering artisan Chinese – and even less so Macanese – pastries. I began baking from home for friends and the local community, and the response was incredibly positive. Over time, it grew naturally into what Swan Bakery is today.

This place is somewhere I can share my passion for baking and my culture; we’re an authentic bakery specialising in Macanese pastries. Everything is made fresh daily, with a focus on traditional methods, high-quality ingredients and flavours that are difficult to find anywhere else in London.”

What’s your most popular item?

“Definitely our Danta. It’s special because it combines elements of the Portuguese Pastel de Nata with Chinese-style egg tarts. It uses puff pastry, which is delicate and flaky, and has more yolk in the filling, making it lighter and smoother than many other egg custard tarts. You can really taste the difference. We also bake them fresh throughout the day, so they’re always straight out of the oven for customers to enjoy.

Danta are also a personal favourite because they represent the blend of cultures that inspired the bakery in the first place. I’m originally from China, and my husband is Portuguese, so it represents our relationship as well as our individual cultures.”

What makes Swan Bakery special?

“I think it’s the authenticity and care behind everything we make. Many of these pastries are difficult to find in artisan form, and we pay a lot of attention to preserving traditional flavours like taro, mochi, pork floss and matcha, while still making them appealing to everyone.

We’re making something a little different and helping people to experience flavours and pastries they may not have tried before. It’s difficult to find items like these in London, and we want to represent them as best as we can, ensuring they’re handmade, fresh and rooted in tradition.”

Why here on the Lane?

“Petticoat Lane has such a strong sense of history, diversity and community. It felt like the perfect place for a bakery that combines different cultures and traditions through food.”

What are your hopes for the future?

“We’d love to continue to grow Swan Bakery and bring Macanese and artisan Chinese pastries to more areas of London and beyond, while maintaining the quality and personal touch that we’re known for.”