Indulging in outstanding food has always been one of life’s little pleasures. Browsing Instagram for inspiration introduced me to The Connaught Patisserie in Mayfair. I couldn’t wait to step into this pink paradise and try their now-iconic delicacies! A treat for the taste buds and a stroll through London: a perfect double celebration!
Step inside the pink paradise, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is taking you straight to The Connaught Patisserie!
The Connaught Patisserie, Mayfair
Mayfair is the perfect place to wander when you’ve been longing for a touch of London. With its charming streets, elegant squares, and chic boutiques, every corner offers something delightful to discover!
Tucked beside the Connaught Hotel, the Patisserie has its own charming entrance on Mount Street. I’ve visited twice already. While there was no queue, the Patisserie’s popularity meant I had to make do with the limited selection on offer.
Opened last October, the Patisserie immediately stands out with its stunning interiors and soft pink palette. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, the staff are welcoming and friendly, and the pastries? Absolutely picture-perfect and irresistible!
Designed as a crafted jewellery box
Designed by London-based Ab Rogers Design, the Patisserie draws inspiration from a jewellery box, aiming to reflect the exquisite delicacy of its cakes in every chic detail.
Once inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to the hand-blown pink crystal lights suspended from the ceiling, the leather benches along the sides, and the intimate circular marble tables. They’re designed to let visitors linger, savour their treats, and fully soak in the Patisserie’s enchanting atmosphere.
A true showstopper is the sculptural clock on the wall opposite the entrance. It doesn’t tell the time, but instead reveals what’s just come out of the oven at any given hour. Ingenious and utterly inspiring!
Handmade delicacies by Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud
The Connaught Patisserie opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays, serving morning coffees and fresh croissants, followed by an array of handcrafted cakes, gateaux, and Laurent-Perrier Champagne in the afternoon.
Every creation comes from the talented French pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud, who built his reputation working in some of Paris and London’s most luxurious hotels.
I arrived mid-afternoon and left with a tempting selection of fruity and chocolate cakes to please every palate. And couldn’t resist the trio of savoury delicacies, which were just as irresistible!
Once the boxes were opened, I barely had a few minutes to snap photos. My kids were too impatient, completely mesmerised by the wow factor!
We began with the Smoked Salmon Paris-Brest with sour cream (top right in the photo). It didn’t disappoint, though we found the sour cream a touch overpowering. We would have loved a bit more salmon to balance it.
The Cecina & Parmesan Tart (pictured above) was simply perfect! A feast for the eyes and a true delight, bursting with bold Southern flavours that we all savoured!
The Organic Egg Mayonnaise Croissant with Confit Egg Yolk was perhaps the most original dish. The croissant’s divine texture reminded me of Dominique Ansel’s Cronut, while the filling was exquisite and the presentation flawless.
Paired with a side salad, it was simply perfect!
From the 10 seasonal individual pastries usually available, I picked three.
First up: the Raspberry & Pistachio Tart, a favourite combination of mine. I loved the creamy pistachio base paired with the vibrant, fruity notes of the raspberry coulis on top.
Second, the Chocolate & Tonka Tart. Simply exquisite. I loved the contrast of crisp and soft textures, perfectly complemented by its rich, intense chocolate flavour.
The third dessert, the Apple Tatin, was absolutely sensational. Beautiful, scrumptious, and bursting with flavour. I hadn’t enjoyed a Tarte Tatin in ages, and this one was my very own ‘madeleine de Proust,’ evoking a flood of fond memories!
On my second visit to the Patisserie, I couldn’t resist ordering the hotel’s iconic dessert: the Connaughty Hound. Though sadly, it didn’t survive the journey home…
I have to confess, I wasn’t particularly captivated by this reimagined chocolate hazelnut cake. While the other desserts were perhaps less visually striking, they were more original in flavour, and more resilient. Unfortunately, the Connaughty Hound arrived completely damaged, with its head off and the top chocolate layer scattered everywhere, which rather spoiled the surprise at home.
I should also mention (though I haven’t tried it yet) the Patisserie’s standout offering: the Chocolate Nemesis from The River Café, delivered fresh daily. This is the first time the cake is available outside its original home, and it’s definitely on my list for the next visit… 🙂
Tadao Ando Artwork display outside The Connaught Hotel, London
After leaving the Patisserie, I came across the artwork Silence, designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with Blair Associates, right in front of The Connaught Hotel.
Part of a wider project to enhance the surrounding streets, the installation releases clouds of mist from the base of two trees for fifteen seconds every fifteen minutes. It’s surprising at first, and utterly mesmerising!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to visit The Connaught Patisserie soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
Explore my top picks for cafes and bakeries to visit in London here!
To go further:
The Connaught Patisserie (currently open for takeaway only): Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Website
Open hours: from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday
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Pleasure of pretty images
….Lack of taste impressions …halas !
@olivier Sure, I understand the frustration…But you’ll be able to taste these delicacies during your next trip to London!