London's Best Patisseries
What could possibly be better after a long, hard days shopping than to park yourself somewhere comfortable, order a cup of tea and an outrageously delicious pastry guaranteed to shock the bathroom scales? Paris and our cousins across the channel may be well ahead in the Patisserie stakes, but we have a few little gems worth shouting about in London too. This week, we thought we’d point out the best belt-busters out there.
Paul Young, Islington
Paul Young’s shop on Camden Passage may be better known for his exquisite chocolates, but the pastries are far from shabby, too. Having been Marco Pierre White’s patissier, we’d go so far as to say his pastries are utterly exquisite. With double the temptation for naughtiness (the chocolates should also be sampled), you’re guaranteed to leave an extra few pounds heavier and far happier as a result. Max from Canonbury is a fan: “While certainly not cheap, the quality of the chocolates and cakes on sale definitely warrant the price”.
Laduree, Kensington
Not for those with short arms and long-pockets, Laduree is pastry decadence at a premium. Situated in the heart of Harrods, this lavishly ornate tea room conjures images of a luxurious Parisian lifestyle with top-end delicacies served as standard. Helen from Croydon can’t praise it enough: “Staff with white gloves serve you your chosen treats and box them up beautifully. I don't think a shop or product could be more stunning and luxurious”.
Macaron, Clapham
Macaron draws in fans from far and wide, all eager to sample their sweets that are all baked on site. Without a doubt the finest patisserie in south London, this is a real gem situated very close to the common. On a warm, summer day (granted, there hasn’t been many of those recently) there really isn’t a better place to sample wonderfully naughty pastries. Its authenticity has made a convert of Amanda from Earlsfield: “One of those places that make you wish you were French, or at least could live in Paris for a while”
Peyton and Byrne, Tottenham Court Road
This is a popular destination for weary Saturday shoppers eager for a sugar rush and one final push around the shops. Located in Heal’s department store, its modern-retro feel is a perfect backdrop for a multitude of multi-coloured cakes and impeccably cooked pastries. Where better to pause before launching one final attack on Oxford Street? “This tiny bakery is a masterpiece of retro styling and canny 21st century presentation”, says Ben from Camden.
Maison Berteaux, Greek Street
Buried in Soho, Maison Berteaux is wonderful. It has brilliantly quirky staff, amazing pastries and an interior that’s comfortable and homely. Granted, it’s not cheap, but cakes this good hardly ever are. In any field, Maison Berteaux is a wonderful place to eat. The fact it sells incredible pastries just makes it even better. “Cost becomes an irrelvance when cakes are this good” says an emphatic Gareth from Camberwell.