I should admit, these days, when you say “pastry chef,” Cédric Grolet is the name that instantly comes to mind. With a reputation that precedes this undisputed master, it’s clear he needs no introduction. Yet, in my personal selection, I want to spotlight other talented maestros dedicated to this delicate art who deserve recognition as some of the best pastry chefs in London. I can confirm that their creations have the power to lift the spirits and take the edge off life’s troubles.
Albert Adrià, once crowned The World's Best Pastry Chef, is undoubtedly a name to know in the world of gastronomy. I had the chance to visit his Barcelona restaurant, Enigma, and it’s a place that truly leaves a lasting impression even after countless other dining experiences. In London, Adrià’s creativity shines at Cakes & Bubbles, a venue entirely dedicated to the sweet side of culinary art. The name itself sounds to me like the impending promise of a celebration, and each visit genuinely lives up to it.
What else could it be when you pair Veuve Clicquot with the much-talked-about cheesecake, designed to look like a real wheel of cheese and featuring the indulgent flavors of Baron Bigod, hazelnut, and white chocolate? Every dessert is not only delicious but also fun and playful. I can’t help but feel a surge of joy when I see fragrant gâteau shaped like a rose or adorable sponge cakes resembling bottle corks.
Signature cheese cake — £19
I’ve been familiar with Rosewood Hotel’s executive pastry chef, Mark Perkins, for several years, and I can confidently say his sweet creations look like they’ve been brought to your plate from a gallery exhibition. He’s one of those masters who constantly pushes the boundaries, experimenting with styles ranging from cubism to surrealism. The classic desserts at Mirror Room are undeniably sublime, but their special afternoon tea offering is truly on another level.
I was absolutely taken aback by this year's collaboration between Perkins and London-based artist John Booth, which resulted in joyful, bright, and playful creations that feel made for the elegant bubbles of Dom Pérignon. Each treat draws from the personal stories and emotions of the artistic duo, and, of course, is incredibly elaborate in its nuanced flavors. My personal highlight was The Bauble — a delicate chocolate sponge with heavenly mousse, paired with a burst of orange and mandarin.
Festive Art Afternoon Tea — £85
Well, not everything hit the mark for me at Nobu. I’d love to see more attention given to the ambiance and plating, especially considering the restaurant's prestige. That said, the food itself was solid. I opted for omakase at lunch — a choice I always go for when possible — and it didn’t disappoint. The variety was impressive, and thankfully (at least for me), their small plates were actually small.
Dessert was a separate indulgence — I couldn’t resist ordering two, intrigued by the descriptions. Under the guidance of executive chef Regis Cursan, Nobu's sweet creations lean into unique Asian-inspired fusions, like tiramisu with soba pops and chocolate fondant with matcha ice cream. I ordered mochi donut, along with mango cheesecake, and my favorite element there was the refreshing and unexpected pairing with Thai basil sorbet. To finish, a glass of Takara plum wine brought a distinctly Japanese flair to the experience — aromatic, delicate, and just a lovely way to close the meal.
Mango cheesecake — £14.5
Pophams create pastries with the kind of magic only a true passion project can deliver. Whenever you spot one of their bakeries on your way, it’s worth popping in and grabbing a nice maple and bacon danish — so good, you’ll likely forget where you were even headed. But let me steer you toward their pasta restaurant near London Fields.
Here, they take the same meticulous care, hand-shaping those dough morsels daily and turning them into satisfying dishes like gnocchetti with mussels, goat cheese ravioli, or mushroom capellacci. With its relaxed and cozy Scandinavian decor, the space feels so soul-soothing and almost like a warm hug that I find it hard to leave. And then there’s sticky croissant pudding: layers of flaky, buttery pastry soaked in sweet toffee, perfectly balanced by the light tang of crème fraîche. Actually, grab any baked treat that catches your eye, pair it with Pophams’ exceptional coffee, and I promise you’ll have a moment of pure bliss — a little pause in life where everything feels just right.
Pain au chocolat — £3.9
At The Connaught Patisserie, I feel like I’ve stepped into a jewelry store, where exquisite French gems tempt and dazzle behind pristine glass vitrines. The powder-pink interior enhances this sense of sophistication with its sleek lines, marble surfaces, and playful bubble-like lamps. Overall, the vibe is effortlessly glamorous and chic, without a single unnecessary detail.
Pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud undoubtedly treats his desserts as a true art form — it’s evident in the whimsical designs that ignite the imagination. I can’t help but admire the craftsmanship of the elegant, now iconic Connaught hound, which changes its wardrobe with the seasons and consistently looks stylish. My firm favorite — always on my bill — is trio pain au chocolat, which occasionally saves me from booking a ticket to Paris. But I also love discovering new seasonal creations. For example, that utterly adorable Christmas tree gâteau quickly made its way into my order and set me in a festive mood with its gingerbread flavors.
Pain au chocolat — £6
