Stone-fruit season is here, and London’s kitchens are making the most of it. From peaches and nectarines to cherries, plums and apricots, these sun-ripened fruits are now at their juiciest. Across the city, chefs are turning them into desserts, tarts and inventive savoury dishes, celebrating their sweetness, colour and fleeting charm.

1. TRULLO, Highbury

What: Bruschetta of Chicken Liver with Grilled Peach and Sage, and Mirabelle Plum and Almond Tart

The Lowdown: Trullo, a Highbury favourite, is known for serving a distinctly British take on Italian cuisine with a focus on hyper-seasonal ingredients. Under the guidance of Head Chef Ed Grace, the kitchen is spotlighting the height of stone fruit season. On the menu: Grilled yellow peaches and chicken liver bruschetta, smoky, golden peaches layered against the rich depth of chicken liver, offering a twist on a Trullo classic. And to finish: Mirabelle plum and almond tart, a delicate pastry showcasing the fleeting, honeyed sweetness of mirabelles at their very peak.

Where: 300-302 St Paul’s Rd, London N1 2LH

2. Mareida, Fitzrovia

What: Chocolate Merken with Apricot Compote

The Lowdown: At Mareida, desserts are crafted with award-winning pastry chef Gustavo Sáez, celebrated by The World’s 50 Best for his refined, contemporary approach to Chilean ingredients. One of Chile’s most celebrated summer fruits, apricots are preserved at their peak of ripeness to make a vibrant compote that anchors this dessert. Its natural sweetness and bright acidity cut through the richness of a silky chocolate crèmeux, while a whisper of Merkén – a smoked chilli spice – adds depth, whilst pecan praline brings crunch.

Where: 160a Great Portland St, London W1W 5QA

3. St. JOHN, Smithfield

What: Apple and Plum Crumble

The Lowdown: The St. JOHN Apple and plum crumble is comfort at its most honest. Perfectly in season, tart plums and apples are baked until jammy, tucked under a golden, buttery crumble that breaks with the spoon. It’s served just as it should be: generous, unfussy, and begging for a pour of custard or cream. A proper pudding, done simply and done right.

Where: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY

4. Café Deco, Bloomsbury

What: Plum Ice Cream

The Lowdown: Anna Tobias’ leafy Bloomsbury neighbourhood restaurant Café Deco changes weekly, showcasing the very best of what the season has to offer. A current favourite on the menu is Anna’s simple and delicate Plum ice cream. Creamy, fragrant and rich, this sweet delight is the perfect light end to an elegant meal.

Where: 43 Store St, London WC1E 7DB

5. The Aubrey, Hyde Park 

What: Cherry Blossom Dessert

The Lowdown: The Aubrey, at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, has crafted a menu inspired by the Japanese art of Moritsuke. To mark the cherry blossoms in Western Japan, they have created a decadent sharing dessert for the occasion. The showstopping pudding includes edible leaves and branches suspending White chocolate-covered cherries, bursting with shiso mousse and cherry sorbet. Guests are able to pick their own cherries, and the dessert is complete with edible stones, crystallised white chocolate, Azuki beans, and Hibiki cherries.

Where: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA

6. Trivet

What: Plum Clafoutis

The Lowdown: Trivet, the acclaimed two Michelin-starred restaurant from Jonny Lake and Isa Bal, is serving up its take on the classic French dessert, Plum clafoutis. Though traditionally made with cherries, Trivet’s version celebrates the best plums of the season, resulting in a tart yet sweet dessert, the perfect introduction to autumnal dining.

Where: 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU