Shadowing Practice: Why London Bakeries Have Become Don’t-Miss Destinations - Learn English Speaking with Video

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The sun is shining, the streets are buzzing, and London is full of small, simple pleasures.
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Can I order a cinnamon bun?
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It has that unmistakable British summer feel.
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My absolute perfect morning.
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But this morning, it's not just about grabbing coffee.
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We're joining a bakery crowd.
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Whoa, look at that, London.
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There could be olive oil in the middle.
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Chasing the latest and greatest hard to come by baked goods, and the early bird gets the worm.
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- I mean, this is huge.
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- Yeah, and they sell out very quickly.
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This tasty trend full of flaky, just -out -of -the -oven pastries, sugar -dusted buns, fluffy sweet rolls,
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And more and more savory concoctions too.
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And for this morning's organizer, Claire Braganza, it's the good vibes that get her out of bed.
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And what's not a great way to make friends than with a big, foscery pastry?
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I mean, there's no better way to.
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Exactly.
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First stop, a tiny Cantonese bakery in the Marlebone neighborhood.
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It's a viral hot spot serving up bold, unexpected Asian flavors.
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Oh my god.
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This is all of my favorite Asian flavors in a delicious puffy bun, not a morning bun.
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It has chili crisp, it has hoisin glaze, What do we have?
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So I have a honey toast with salted cream.
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Not going to be a spoiler, it's the most insane thing I've ever tasted.
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Tables full, phones out, snap first, share fast, then pass the goods.
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It's all part of the experience.
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These bakeries have become do not miss destinations fueled by many, many social media likes where everyone's a food critic.
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This is the best way to try lots of different pastries all in one go and also make friends.
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And in a city known for its traditional pubs, This feels different.
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Locals and visitors alike are trading pints for pastries.
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What do you think it is about a bakery crawl on a Sunday morning that brings people together?
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- Yes.
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wholesome activity.
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- Going to a pub, you get the same drink at every place.
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- Thank you.
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And as the lines keep growing, so does London's reputation as one of the world's hottest destinations for bakery enthusiasts.
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There's a bakery boom afoot worth 3 .4 billion in the UK.
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Since the pandemic, more than 3 ,000 bakeries have opened their doors.
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And behind it all, small teams, small kitchens.
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We really like to just give that personal touch to every single experience.
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For these bakery lovers, what started as a trend is now a weekend ritual.
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This is chai guys.
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This chai guys is known for their chai and their spice pastry. So free.
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Try one.
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I tried the cardin bun because they're really, really nice.
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Try another.
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Isn't it so good?
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Look at this one.
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It's got whole brownie on the inside.
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ACROSS THE CITY.
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SO YOU WALK OFF THE FIRST PASTRY, HAVE A SECOND PASTRY, WALK OFF THE THIRD PASTRY.
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FOR MANY, IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST THE FOOD.
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EVENTS LIKE THESE HELP YOU GO OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
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I'M FROM BASTON.
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IT REALLY HELPS ME BUILD A LIFE AND COMMUNITY.
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WHILE THE PASTRIES MAY SELL OUT, IT'S THE CONNECTIONS MADE HERE THAT ARE EVEN SWEETER.
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OH, MY GOD.
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IT'S SO GOOD.
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I GOT THE PASTRY.
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now this was a tough assignment as you can see selfishly
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i can't think of a better assignment to take on at eight
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and a half months pregnant unlimited appetite for baked goods
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but what was so cool you guys is these are tiny kitchens cranking out masterpieces
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and it's really social media and word of mouth that has kicked some of these businesses into high gear guys Okay, talk about burying the lead, Melissa.
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We didn't know you were pregnant again.
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Congrats.
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This is exciting.
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Thank you.
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For a new show, we're not really up on it.
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She's in London.
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We haven't seen her in a while.
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We only see you from like.
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From here on.
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You never know.
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This is exciting.
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Are you boy or girl?
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Can you tell us or not?
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Baby boy coming in August.
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Yes.
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Baby boy coming in August.
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Fueled by pastries after that shoot.
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Thank you, Melissa.
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Congrats, honey.
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Hey, thanks for watching.
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And don't forget, you can catch The Today Show every morning on NBC or take Today when you're on the go.
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Just follow The Today Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Why practice speaking with this video?

The video "Why London Bakeries Have Become Don’t-Miss Destinations" presents an engaging scenario perfect for language learners aiming to enhance their speaking skills. By immersing yourself in this lively bakery atmosphere, you can practice the shadowing technique, which involves mimicking the speaker’s tone and rhythm. This practice not only helps in understanding conversational English but it also builds confidence when speaking in social settings. The casual conversations about food, friendships, and cultural experiences provide a rich context for learners to explore how to interact naturally in English.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Throughout the video, several key structures and expressions are used that are particularly beneficial for learners. Here are a few:

  • “It has that unmistakable British summer feel.” – This phrase illustrates the use of descriptive language that conveys emotions and sensory experiences. Practicing similar constructions can enhance vocabulary.
  • “What do you think it is about a bakery crawl…” – The use of open-ended questions encourages conversational practice. Try using questions like these to engage others and keep discussions flowing.
  • “These bakeries have become do not miss destinations…” – This structure exemplifies how to express strong recommendations. Employing the phrase “do not miss” can help emphasize the importance of a point in conversation.
  • “Tables full, phones out, snap first, share fast.” – The use of verbs in short phrases gives a rhythm to the language, making it easier to remember and repeat. This phrasing style can be effectively modeled through shadow speech.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you watch the video, be aware of certain tricky words and accents that may challenge your pronunciation:

  • Cinnamon bun – The combination of ‘C’ and ‘bun’ can lead to a mispronunciation if not articulated clearly. Focus on the transition from the ‘C’ to the ‘b’ sound.
  • Pastries – Notice the way the speaker emphasizes the first syllable. To improve English pronunciation, practice saying it with a clear stress on "pas".
  • Flaky – This word may be pronounced differently based on regional accents. Pay attention to the speaker’s enunciation and try practicing it through shadowing apps.

By actively applying these elements while watching the video, you can enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence in real-life conversations about engaging topics like food culture in London. Embrace the journey of improving your English pronunciation and fluency with these fun and relatable themes!

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →