Tia

While in Grand Cayman we had fabulous British pastries at a small bake shop. We'd LOVE to try similar sweets while in London. We're staying in Bloomsbury, but will be doing the whole toursit thing. Any ideas on the BEST places for pastries in London (esp. in the Bloomsbury area)? Price is unlimited when it comes to treats! Thanks!

Tia

celticdreams

Tia -

Was at that bakery in Grand Cayman in February.... wasn't it great!!! No suggestions for London, although I'll be there next week.

MelJ

While not a "name brand" famous pastry shop in London, my very favorite treat is at a shop directly across from the Earl's Court tube stop. Exit the station and cross the street right in front of it (light). Why I can never remember the name of the shop I don't know, but it's the only one so you can't miss it.

In the window are these square pastries with the top COVERED in white icing. Inside it's apple. These are so sweet and cinnamony and full of apples--wishing I was there right now! I actually take the tube to this stop at least once just for the apple pastry!

Also, Patisserie Valerie is a chain all over London (one on Cromwell Road across the street from the V&A.) They have good pastries and great cappucino.

Have a terrific trip! (you, too, CD!)

Lee4

I highly recommend checking out the bakeries inside places like Marks and Spencer, Harrods, Selfridges, etc. I found so many delicious treats inside the food halls at these places. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!!

martytravels

There are really great danishes and pastries in Victoria Station. I can't remember the name of the little kiosk, tho.

suze

As a general suggestion, I always ask the hotel front desk, room maids, waiters, people you meet in the subway or the park, shopkeeps you do business with. The locals have the best tips!

Nigello

You should try Kustner and Ovens, just near to the Covent Garden Opera House, on Floral Street. Very good (if a tad pricey) home made cakes, such as treacle tart, scones, chocolate brownies, flapjacks etc. You can buy your wares and then sit on the plinth of the statue at Bow Street Court.
More pedestrian suggestions are Tesco for their Tesco Finest range of tarts and cakes, as well as Marks and Spencer for theirs. IMHO, Greggs shops are a bit downmarket, but that's because I am a cake snob!

m_kingdom

For absolutely amazing patisserie/original breads try Euphorium in Upper St., Islington, N1 - nearby Bloomsbury.

They have a wide range of pastries and breads all baked on the premises - try a baked chocolate tart, chocolate and rasberry tart, or their pesto and cheese bread (a favourite of the designer Alexander McQueen) to name but a few.

There is a small area of seating, or one can take-out for slightly reduced prices. On the whole they are very reasonable compared to places such as Patisserie Valerie, and the products far superior.

Enjoy this fantastic bakery in vibrant Islington.

Tia

WOW, thanks for all the suggestions! I've printed all the posts and will put them in my guide book as you never know when you'll get a taste for a pastry!!!

Tia

carolyn

The Richoux shops have good pastries and are less expensive than Patisserie Valerie. I must have made a bad choice at Valerie--they are recommended in the Eyewitness Guide, but I didn't find my selection very good.

m_kingdom

Richoux are expensive and strictly for tourists, poor services, dumpy surroundings - give them a miss!

rainey

I had wonderful pastries at Maison Bertaux on Greek Street in Soho, which is handy if you're doing the tourist bit. Evidently, Helena Bonham Carter was spotted there earlier the day I went. The gentleman who waited on us was a kindly older man. A very nice overall experience.

jody

Try Clarkes..on Kensington Church St..or there is a very good samll shop on Old Brompton rd just a few doors up from Christie's showrooms..or Cafe Nero across the street from there has really good pastries in the mornings and good sandwiches and other items at lunch