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A SMALL PIECE OF PARIS IN LONDON You no longer need to go across the Channel to get your hands on a perfect macaron WORDS SILJE STROMMEn PHOTO Annalaura MasCIAVÈ
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itting by a corner table, sipping a cappuccino and dipping pieces of my croissant into strawberry jam while eavesdropping on the flirty conversation between the two bakers behind the counter, I could very much close my eyes and imagine I’m in Paris. Wait, I don’t even have to close my eyes. The aforementioned staff, who are now sending each other longing looks over the fresh pastry, are speaking in French. Out of the speakers discreetly hidden in a corner French music is flowing, and the interior of the café I find myself sitting in? Utterly French inspired, with small tables, checked floors and wooden chairs. Where am I though? London, United Kingdom. You no longer need to go to Paris in order to get that famous French feeling. As of the last few years, London has slowly been filling up with croissants. On every corner there is a patisserie, in every shop there is a section for baguettes and French, and the Costas and Starbucks are receiving hard competition from chains such as Paul, Gail’s, and Le Pain Quotidien. One can question why. The French and the English have a long history of not being “especially fond of each other. Both countries like to do things their own way – particularly when it comes to food. A long line of jealousy, rivalry and differing opinions has divided the two countries. Now, however, a mutual love of sweet pastries seems to have brought us all together. Macarons have been the ‘it’ treat for some time now, flowering every store opening, fashion event and blog gathering. These flavoured biscuits joined by a layer of cream – famous for their crispy outside and soft inside, have brought out the love for elegant food in all of us. Elegancy is seemingly what French pastry is all about. A visit to the legendary Ladurée at Harrods will prove
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that. The small shop, with its iconic boxes, is the picture perfect ideal of French baking, with staff dressed in aprons and counters filled with the tiniest edible masterpieces. I once spent a good 45 minutes queuing in their ChampsÉlysées flagship store. Believe me when I say it was so worth it. The moment you bite into whatever it is you fancy; a buttered croissant, a chausson aux pommes or a tart, the wait is worth it. As the sweetness of your chosen pastry fills you up, it does not matter where in the world you are, you still feel like you’re standing on a street corner in Paris.
The best French patisseries in London Ladurée The famous French patisserie has established its London flagship inside luxury department store Harrods. Here you can enjoy one of the brand’s iconic macarons in a breathtaking chic venue. Harrods (ground floor) - Entrance on Hans Road Knightsbridge London SW1X 7XL Macaron Said to have croissants that are among the best in London, Macaron in Clapham Common is worth a visit. 22 The Pavement Clapham London SW4 0HY Sable D’or Located in Crouch End in North London, this patisserie is charming, cozy and has an amazing range of pastry. Their chausson aux pommes is highly recommended. 43 Crouch End Broadway London N8 8DT