To continue the remaining of my London posts from where I last left off… here, here, & here. Here to share with you are some cute little bakeries in London, but unfortunately all 3 places mentioned are franchises. Having said that, I still loved 2 out of 3 of these adorable bakeries.
1. Paul (breakfast/bakery)
A boulangerie/patisserie shop. Simplicity at its best.
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You haven’t tried “real” Hot Chocolate until you have tried Paul’s Hot Chocolate, it is like liquid hot chocolate, literally. I tried replicating this beverage at home, here, and it was delicious, but still not as good as Paul’s. Rich and creamy!
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My husband indulged in TWO buttered Croissants… so flaky and delicious. And since Paul’s didn’t have the style of eggs I was looking for, I opted for a Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Panini on Olive bread. Simple and heavenly!
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LOCATION: 173 Piccadilly (St. James) – locations all over UK; worldwide locations, United States (DC, Miami)
COST: £ – ££
CUISINE: Bakery, French.
VERDICT: 4.5 / 5
Lovely Parisian bakery with locations all over London. The main reason I stop by at Paul is for their famous Hot Chocolate, both in London and Paris. Although I’ve visited Paul in Miami, the hot chocolate was milky and more Americanized, it wasn’t dark and rich as it is in Europe. The breads, sandwiches, and desserts are never a letdown at Paul.
2. Patisserie Valerie (bakery)
A French bakery with locations all over the UK which was started by Belgian born Madam Valerie.
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I started with a cup of Hot Chocolate at Patisserie Valerie which was really good, creamy, and milky, but not as good as Paul. Let’s just put it this way, if Paul’s Hot Chocolate is a 5, Patisserie Valerie’s is a 4, still pretty amazing.
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My friend went for the Espresso and Pistachio Gelato which was perfectly sweet and light.
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LOCATION: 48-50 Charing Cross Road (Soho) – locations all over UK
COST: £ – ££
CUISINE: Bakery, French.
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Gorgeous pastries at a highly busy bakery. You won’t be disappointed if you are just stopping by for a coffee, hot chocolate, or some dessert.
3. Café Rouge (bakery)
A restaurant that also caters to coffee/dessert folks.
I went for a Cappuccino which I thought was pretty understated, nothing exceptional. My husband went for some kind of Mocha Frappe, I can’t even recall. It was okay.
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Between the 4 of us (and 2 other friends) we ordered 2 desserts… Crème Brulee and Apple Tarte Tatin. Both desserts were good, but not like OMG!
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We also ordered a few Petits Plats…
Blue Cheese & Walnuts (eeek.. I can’t handle pungent cheeses – not my choice)
Rustic Hummus (pretty good)
Artichoke Tapenade (good)
Spicy Beef & Lamb Sausage (again, not my choice since I don’t eat beef/lamb)
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LOCATION: 46-48 James Street (Marylebone) – locations all over UK
COST: ££
CUISINE: Bakery, French.
VERDICT: 3 / 5
Personally, I didn’t care for this place. We just needed a coffee place in the vicinity and the choice seemed logical. Everything was just about average for me, I wasn’t quite impressed.
TELL ME: What are some of your favorite bakeries/coffee shops in London?
I have been to all three of these places! Funny enough, I've visited Paul but in Paris only, and it is the best! I was not impressed with Patisserie Valerie, nor was Ali, at I agree that Cafe Rouge is just average.
Did you get to Crumpet and Crown in SF? What did you think?
@Ameena – I loveeee Paul.. I visited in Paris too, it's so good. Yeah, I liked Patisserie Valerie, but then I only had hot chocolate, who knows how the rest is.
Regarding Crumpet and Crown, no I didn't go since we were in the Wharf area and I was only in SFO for a day. Definitely next time, I'm taking notes. Thank you!!! 🙂
Bookmarked for when I inevitably visit London my friend 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Haven't been to London in years so can't say! BUT if you're ever in Atlanta you have to go to Intermezzo – a huge variety of drinks and desserts that are to die for. 🙂 It's my favorite!
I will visit there someday! So many wonderful and tasty looking pictures.
The last time that I went to London was 18 years ago! Will love to visit Paul and Patisserie Valerie if I have a chance to go London again.
Going to pester hubby to take me to London this summer. Looks beautiful!
@Parita – I'm taking notes. Will definitely visit Atlanta at some point. Thanks girl. 🙂
@Asmita – yes. Start the process now, I know it takes a bit if whining and nagging to finally get what you want. 🙂
@Zoe – I'm sure you will notice a lot if changes from 18 years ago. The good thing is Paul has locations all over Europe.
@guruUru @Pam – definitely do. Charming city.
I love all 3 of these places, especially Patisserie Valerie! Even though they are all chains, they aren't like your typical chain coffee shop! My favourite at Paul's is the flan….I remember being in Paris a few years ago with my cousin & sister and we bought a slice to share on the Eurostar back to London. Let's just say that we really regretted ONLY buying one slice hehe! Their hot choc does sound divine…will add it to my "to try" list!
Thanks to this post, I am now DROOLING and feel incredibly hungry! What I'm really craving is one of Paul's hot chocolates or that buttery croissant. YUM!!
Ameena's comment made me laugh because I have not been to any of these places! But man, watch out when I do because I love me some coffee and dessert 🙂 Totally bookmarking these places.
I will be coming back to this post this summer for when we go to London as visit my sister. It has been a really long time since I visited!! I am so excited….
@Khushboo – Yes, the London chains aren't your typical chains (ahem, Starbucks). I have to try Paul's flan next time, I'll keep that in mind. I'm soooooo excited for you to try this while you are in London. Lucky girl! 🙂
@Caitlin – Thanks.. their hot chocolate and croissants are yummy, though I was annoyed my husband ate TWO croissants, talk about fat & calories. 🙂
@LawyerLL – Haha, I laughed at Ameena's comment too, she's tried it all. I found it even funnier she downgraded my Patisserie Valerie rating. 🙂 You will totally love these places.. I have pretty good taste I have to say.
@eatgood4life – I'm so excited for you to visit London and try all these places.. Paul is a chain, so you will definitely be able to try it. 🙂
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Kelly
I love hot choclate ,especially during the wintry months. Your amazing hot choclate a croissant that you had at pauls, makes me want to stop there again in my travels to london jc
@Kelly – thanks.. will definitely check yours out.
@JC – I love hot chocolate during the winter months too. I'm sure you would have loved it at Paul. 🙂