Best Pastries in Barbreck

"Mini Éphémère, a lemon and yuzu meringue and cream version of the Merveilleux. Finding a delicious sweet treat for less than £2 anywhere in London is rare but finding something that will put your sweet tooth into a trance in South Kensington for £1.20 is some kind of miracle. At Aux Merveilleux de Fred, the mini versions of their namesake confections are so light – and inexpensive – that you can indulge without guilt."

"For the melt-in-the-mouth pastry experience only a true French chef such as Frédéric Vaucamps can achieve, book yourself in at Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Famed for their brioches, meringues and truffles, which are must-buys, the whole menu is highly acclaimed. Do yourself a favour and get some takeaway buns to enjoy as you travel around the rest of the city – they are truly merveilleux."

"If you’re a big fan of croissants, then the Pasty Parlour is a must for your Little Black Book. One of London’s best bakeries, everything is baked fresh on-site daily and their pastries are said to rival the originals from across the channel. 8 Piazza Walk, London E1 8FU; thepastryparlour.co.uk"

"This dog-friendly east London café is certainly one to add to your London vegan food roster. Not only is there a full vegan English breakfast, complete with crispy hash browns, roasted plum tomatoes and grilled sourdough dripping in creamy vegan butter, they also serve seriously generous portions, leaving even the hungriest of customers full. There’s far more than fry ups on offer, though: the spicy coconut ramen is a delightful winter warmer, served with silky tofu, shiitake mushrooms and thick udon noodles deliciously slurped up when drizzled in hot chilli oil."

"Italian-originating Said is the London offshoot of Rome’s oldest chocolate shop, but the gravity of such status doesn’t stop it from getting a little silly. Hot chocolate here transcends warm beverage to full-blown dessert – rich, thick, molten chocolate is spooned into cups so generously it often overflows. Cakes can be ordered here too, with the option of adding a dutiful drenching of hot milk, dark or white chocolate sauce."

"Fashion fans should bookmark this undeniably chic patisserie pronto. Pasticceria Marchesi is one of Milan’s most established bakeries and is now owned by one of the world’s biggest fashion powerhouses, Prada. They opened a London outpost earlier this year and it’s become one of Mount Street’s most Instagrammable spots – for both it’s sweet treats and sugar almond coloured interiors."

"Philippe Conticini is a legend of pâtisserie and both of his eponymous Londoncafés are home to some of the finest gourmet pastries on this side of the channel. Paying a visit to Phillipe Conticini is like paying your respects to the butter gods. His Paris Brest is a thing of delicate, complicated beauty; his vanilla flan a reminder of what heights custard can achieve; and his pain au chocolat, a pastry so layered and flaky that it makes all pretenders seem a sham."

"20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQHere’s a great new address if you find yourself around Chelsea and you’re craving a proper Italian feast. Il Pampero, inside The Hari hotel, is a stunner; discreet, non-flashy and decked out with Insta-friendly rich vespa-greens and buttery leather chairs, with a gleaming bar where Zi is busy knocking up fresh bellini’s like no one’s business. Signature dishes include tonnarelli that’s prepared table-side in a Parmesan wheel (it’s every cheese-lovers’ dream), and salted fish with potatoes and puttanesca sauce, a plate that is full of the warm south."

"With built-in heaters and a retractable roof, The Hari’s Garden Terrace in Belgravia is the perfect outdoor restaurant year-round. The al fresco dining menu features everything from seafood pasta to burgers to salads, plus a selection of small plates for those who just fancy a bite – think grilled halloumi, steamed tiger prawns and baby chicken skewers."

"If you're looking for stunning outdoor dining spaces in London, the Amalfi-inspired garden terrace at The Hari Hotel is a must-see. Somewhat of a hidden gem, this restaurant in Knightsbridge is channelling the Italian shoreline with its menu and stylish decor."

"Another longstanding veggie stalwart, The Gate has been serving fantastic vegetarian food since it opened more than 30 years ago. It now serves an almost entirely vegan menu across its branches in Islington, Marylebone, Hammersmith and St John's Wood. After tucking into veg-packed dinner dishes of miso-glazed aubergines, wild mushroom risotto cake and meat-free tagine, head over at the weekends for the brunch menu, complete with vegan pancakes and vegan full English."

"The Gate’s menu features dishes from around the world|© The Gate. With four locations across London, The Gate has proved that there’s plenty of appetite in the capital for vegetarian and vegan food. The menu is varied and wholesome without being restrictive, and features dishes from around the world, with the aubergine schnitzel and the smoked tofu caesar salad particular highlights."

"The Gate is a Brick Lane restaurant with a drop-dead gorgeous outdoor terrace. Offering sleek furnishings, incredible views of the surrounding city and a menu of top-quality organic dishes, this is a real all-rounder."

"Occupying disused bare-brick railway arches in Waterloo underground station, The Vaults is a striking space for alternative arts and immersive theatre. As well as jazz sets, indie plays, and alien-themed musicals, you can discover a continual rotation of art in its tunnels. This unique contemporary art gallery is said to feature artists who ‘have a natural affinity for the unusual, the daring, and the unknown’, and that is easy to see."

"Rich Mix allows creativity in all its magnificent forms – live music, theatre, poetry, film, art, design and drawing, so it’s a little distinct from the other places on the list, but the charity behind the cross-media arts centre, The Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, has a pretty inspiring goal. And that’s to offer the public space to discover more about the creative offerings of people from various migrant populations. Since taking over the former clothing factory on Bethnal Green Road, Rich Mix has put on many free exhibitions, screenings and concerts."

"This fantastic creative space in the East End, on the site of what used to be in a leather factory, has regular exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists. 39-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Free entryrichmix.org.uk"