Walking towards Hampstead Heath with a friend today, I stumbled upon this bakery's park-front location and was completely charmed.
So charmed, in fact, that both of us immediately felt the urge to slap down 5 quid each to buy White Americanos and desserts.
I'm not normally the girly type, but I was totally drawn in, mostly due to the fact that the bakery oozed estrogen-infused cuteness for women who don't think feminine needs to mean 'pink'.
Think epic, contemporary gem-themed stools mixed with hanging chandeliers and tasteful wall decals, with wooden benches and a cozy corner couch filling in the overall cozy yet minimalist ambiance. The crowd was a mixture of young urban professional-types, nuzzling couples (cringe), and loungers coming in post-park walk.
The desserts here were plentiful and all looked quite glorious, and the girl who served us had a French accent, further reinforcing the place's feel of quaint charm (a feeling that's hard to maintain in chain-based establishments).
My Americano was hot and sufficient (albeit not the best I've ever had, but definitely good by London standards), the lemon tart was gloriously citrus-tasting with lemon shavings and a bit of candied sugar on top, and my friend's carrot cake bar was the best I've had in years with a wet, brown sugary flavour that had just the right amount of carrot and nut pieces.
This is the perfect place to stop on a misty Sunday's afternoon on your way to the park - be sure to bring a friend or a good book so you can really take your time and savour the dessert you'll inevitably have to buy here! read more