Café Le Cordon Bleu

Savor London’s Finest French Pastries!

Ah, the Cordon Bleu Café—hidden away like a well-kept secret among the bustling streets of London near the British Museum. This quaint little spot somehow feels refreshingly detached from the city rush, offering a culinary oasis brimming with unbelievably flaky pastries and robust, life-affirming coffee. The inside might not win any interior design awards, functioning more as a functional nod to the culinary art school credentials rather than a mood-lit bistro, but step outside into the courtyard, and one can enjoy a treasured calm interrupted only by warm greetings from the ever-smiling staff. Lionel, Michael, Rob, and the entire crew carry such enthusiasm in both hospitality and speed. Imagine getting your regular order winking at you from the counter even before you've had a chance to queue.

Let’s talk about the edibles, which are clearly where this café shines brightest. The croissants threaten to convert even the most devout toast lovers with their buttery grace, particularly that divine almond variety. And for breakfast aficionados, get in line early for a croque monsieur so authentic, it puts Paris to shame. Should you miss out by eschewing breakfast hours, fret not. Lunch offers gems like the jerk chicken sandwich, a marvel that could bring international acclaim to any menu. For less hearty days, a dainty selection of French pastries—with surprising attendees like the apricot, honey, and lavender tart—await. However, don’t dawdle long with dessert; these morsels often disappear quicker than you'd bargained. And while not every dish ascended to gastronomic brilliance—the yuzu and matcha should have perhaps just stopped at its alluring name—the sheer versatility and excellence of everything else makes a visit here almost obligatory when in Bloomsbury. A touch more glitter might indeed dazzle those afflicted with cozy-café fever—but Cordon Bleu comfortably sits on the promise of quality over frills. Must we mention it? Five stars etched against the blue horizon. — Milo Tastemaker