Think luxury French macaroons and designer cupcakes; it’s not just fashion that makes London shopping a unique experience. This is the ultimate guide to London’s most tempting sugary delights.
Shoe designer Patrick Cox has also developed a culinary arm to his empire by opening designer cupcake store Cox Cookies & Cakes. The cakes are all individually handcrafted, and are of delightfully risque themes that make you feel even naughtier eating them!The store on Brewer Street in the Soho district of the city sells cupcakes such as the Beef Cake adorned with a man’s bulging bicep, and flavoured with hazelnut praline. These cupcakes are gourmet baking at it’s best.
French macaroon house Ladurée; usually only found in Paris’ most luxury districts, have also opened two branches in the city. One on Piccadilly, and one within exclusive department store Harrods. The whole range of flavours is available including Madagascar Chocolate and Almond Morello Cherry; and they all come wrapped in their distinctive mint green packaging.
If it is gateaux you are looking for, head to the many branches of Patisserie Valerie. These are some of the cities finest cakes; all made to traditional French recipes. Their Double Chocolate Cake (dark chocolate sponge layers with dark belgian chocolate cream layers, and finished with a chocolate profiterole) and Strawberry Mille-Fueille is to die for! The butter puff pastry of the mille-fueille layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries make this a delicious moreish treat. It’s gorgeous decorative cakes, and formal French atmosphere is a favourite with celebrities and members of the Royal Family.
If you want to sit down and relax to enjoy a sugary feast, then London’s most desirable Afternoon Tea location is The Berkeley hotel. It serves Prêt-à-Portea; a collection of fashion-shaped cakes and pastries designed by, and inspired by that season’s designer catwalk collections from the likes of Miu Miu and Victoria Beckham. It is served in the hotel’s exquisite Caramel Room from 1pm until 6pm. Also, served as part of the selection is the Chloé praline clutch bag topped with gold chocolate beads; and the Marc Jacobs raspberry and lychee cream jumpsuit with an oversized chocolate flower belt. The clothes themselves look good enough to eat, so why not!
Get your luxury sugar fix in London. There is plenty to choose from, so why not try one of everything!
Cox Cookies & Cakes: http://www.coxcookiesandcake.com/
Ladurée: http://www.laduree.fr/
Patisserie Valerie: http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk
Berkeley Hotel: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashionista_tea.aspx