Please note, Maison Blanc has now closed. Time Out Food editors, MARCH 2020.
The French refer to window shopping as lèche vitrine (window licking), and it’s easy to see why after ducking under the brightly coloured awning at Maison Blanc and peering at the luxurious cakes on display. This smart stretch of pavement is now overflowing with cross-channel imports, including outposts of Paul and Pâtisserie Valerie, and on a summer’s day it feels more like boulevard St-Germain than Holland Park Avenue. Inside all is authentique, with handsomely crafted tartes au pommes, quiches lorraine and decadent mini gateaux, plus an excellent selection of breads. A few high stools and a narrow counter cater to those eating in, while neighbouring Holland Park is a picnicker’s paradise.