Pierre Hermé

£20 - £40 / French, Vegetarian options

38 Monmouth St, London

Opening hours

11AM-7PM

Sunday 12PM-6PM
Monday 11AM-7PM
Tuesday 11AM-7PM
Wednesday 11AM-7PM
Thursday 11AM-7PM
Friday 11AM-7PM
Saturday 10:30AM-7PM

Exquisite London Macarons, Perfectly Crafted!

Stepping into Pierre Hermé's Covent Garden outpost, the air buzzed with sweet anticipation. Known as the "Picasso of Pastry," Hermé’s reputation precedes him, promising an experience that is nothing short of celestial. The whimsical interiors echo the grandeur of the Parisian original, but with a London twist. Pastel-hued macarons entice from within display cases, beautifully gift-wrapped for maximum splendor. While some flavors, like the exotic mandarin and olive oil, lived up to the lore with their sublime blend of texture and taste, others left a mark less indelible.

On my visit, service mirrored the spirit of the city: brisk yet warm. A courteous exchange with knowledgeable staff further enriched the experience. Yet, it's hard to ignore murmurs of variable quality—an unexpected hurdle at such esteemed heights. Some treats exuded an inspiring symphony of full-bodied flavors while others, quite puzzlingly, faltered with disconcerting consistency. Crunchy air pockets greeted both loyal patrons and eager neophytes alike in London, a sharp contrast to their commended products in Paris. Nevertheless, amid whispers of incongruence, the offerings on a whole cater to a niche air of indulgence that still manages to enchant. Perfection, it seems, is as much about timing as taste. — Jasper Griddle