Please note, this branch of Patisserie Valerie has now closed. Time Out Food editors, February 2019.
This Old Compton Street branch is one of more than 25 Patisserie Valerie venues in London – and there are plenty others dotted around the country, too. As with most of the chain's cafés, pretty patisserie doubles as window-dressing.
Those cakes do the most brisk business, but the menu extends well beyond eclairs, mille-feuille, macarons and French-influenced cupcakes. Expect continental breakfasts, sandwiches served with French fries, croque monsieurs, croque madames and all-day brunch items alongside Mediterranean mains such as lasagna, Greek salad, quiches and sea bass with fennel.
Keep an eye out for afternoon tea, too.