Outside the Tea Shop
If you want to treat yourself to some deliciously yummy cakes, you'll have to take yourself up to 28 Greek Street in Soho and visit London's oldest patisserie.
Maison Bertaux has been baking and selling cakes and pastries for 140 years (since 1871). The first M Bertaux was a Communard, who left Paris for London, and France's loss was our gain. He ran the business until 1909, when it was passed on to Mme Vignaud. In 1988 Maison Bertaux was taken over by Michel and Tania Wade, who are still in charge.
The three tea rooms are unusual and unpretentious. You can take your tea (which is loose leaf, served in a pot with extra hot water, and with a tea strainer) or coffee and cakes in the shop area, where the exquisite pastries are displayed, or you can eat and drink in the tea room next door. However you will have to go out into the street and into the shop next door, which is still part of Bertaux. Your third choice is to go upstairs and enjoy the modern art on the walls. The main shop area is very much the same as it was when the business first began. There is a French piano, topped with an accordion, and both are played from time to time. The staff are friendly and helpful and I was given a potted history of the business by Michele, who has worked there since she was a Saturday girl aged 14. Everything is baked and prepared in the kitchens above the shop, including wedding cakes and celebration cakes.
Behind the Counter
If you haven't got time to sit down and enjoy a Bertaux cake, you can always take your goodies home to eat. I'm sure you'll return after your first visit. If you're still not convinced, I'm sure the following photos will make your mouth water.
Window Display
Window Display
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