One of my favourite cafes in London is Maitre Choux, a gorgeous cafe and specialist patisserie that specialises in eclairs and other choux pastry delights.
I should start by saying that these are definitely not your average eclairs as they are worlds apart from the eclairs that we’re used to seeing in the shops; soggy, with a strip of milk chocolate on top. These are dainty works of art, visually stunning with a huge range of flavours. Maitre Choux was created by three Michelin star experienced pastry chef, Joakim Prat from France who has now opened four stores / cafes across London.
The shop window displays all of the eclairs on offer, tempting people to come inside for a taste but there are only four tables inside the Soho store so it’s a very small cafe. The interior is OH SO INSTAGRAMMABLE with pale pink chairs, marble tables finished with gold detailing and hardware. Just prepare to be cosy with the neighbours who sit next door to you.
You can also buy the eclairs to take away which I usually do! They are just too good to resist. At roughly £5 each for an eclair, they are expensive, don’t get me wrong but these little delights are 100% worth it.
When I visited a few weeks ago, I ordered a latte which was served in a pale pink cup and saucer and my mum ordered a soft rhubarb flavoured drink. Choosing our eclairs was tricky but we decided on the Salted Butter with Homemade Caramel and the Paris Brest which contains praline, hazelnuts, whipped cream and topped with caramelised almonds. SO DELISH. The choux pastry is super light leaving the inside soft and hollow, filled with all kinds of flavoured cream, and the outside golden and crispy. When you order coffee and sit in, you get the added delight of free chouquettes – these are small buns made of choux pastry covered in pearl sugar. All the eclairs are also baked fresh every single morning. It’s French patisserie at its finest!
I’ve also tried the Very Dark Multi-Origin Chocolate Eclair which I can confirm is also delicious. If you’re a chocolate lover then this is definitely the eclair for you. Next up, I’ve got my eye on the rainbow eclair that I spotted in the window last time.
Maitre Choux – 4/5
Overall I really love it here. The eclairs are expensive but so delicious and worth it as a one off visit. It’s also so much nicer than typical coffee shop with that extra special twist.
Food – 4/5
Service – 4/5
Decor / Ambience – 4/5
Two eclairs and two drinks cost £17.10 for two people.
Have you visited Maitre Choux? Feeling Inspired? Check out my London restaurant hit list!
Maitre Choux
60 Dean Street
Soho
London
W1D 6AW
