Call it the Bake Off knock‑on or the Instagram effect but across Mayfair, bread and pastry have become performance: laminated croissants with dramatic flake, flawless sourdough and hotel patisseries that look as bespoke as any couture collection. Whether you’re after nostalgic British bakes or Milanese elegance, these are the addresses worth knowing.
Claridge’s Bakery
A splendid new arrival for 2026, Claridge’s Bakery puts British baking centre stage. Run by bakers Richard Hart and Frédéric Doncel Latorre, the counter reads like a greatest-hits list of nostalgia faves: Jammy Dodger tarts, iced fingers and custard tarts, sitting alongside ham-and-cheese swirls, bloomers, sourdough and granary loaves baked fresh each morning, elevating everyday staples into something rather spesh. Fancier than your average corner bakeshop – but just as comforting.
Brook’s Mews, W1K 4HR; claridges.co.uk
Marchesi 1824
Founded in 1824 in Milan, and now part of the Prada Group, this is one of the Italian city’s most beloved pastry houses. Its first international outpost opened on Mount Street in Mayfair in 2019, bringing classic Italian pastries, chocolates and sweets to London alongside the brand’s classic panettone. With roots in traditional Milanese pâtisserie and an elegance to match its fashion‑house pedigree, Marchesi is a must‑visit for devotees of la dolce vita confections.
117 Mount Street, W1K 3LA; marchesi1824.com
Kayu Mayfair
Arriving in 2023 after success across the Middle East, Kayu Bakehouse brings its French‑inspired dessert concept to Curzon Street. Trained in France, head chef and founder Karim Bourgi offers an array of artisan pastries and desserts crafted with natural ingredients. Expect raspberry cream-cheese croissants, double-chocolate brioche and glossy mousse au chocolat. Elegant, indulgent… and with that unmistakable Parisian je ne sais quoi.
42 Curzon Street, W1J 7UE; trykayu.com
The Connaught Patisserie
At The Connaught, executive pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud turns seasonal pastries into miniature works of art. French technique meets British indulgence in delicately glazed fruit tartlets, the unmissable limited‑edition Trio au Chocolat, and the cheeky chocolate‑hazelnut “Connaughty Hound”, inspired by the hotel’s iconic mascot. Woof.
Carlos Place, W1K 2AL; the-connaught.co.uk
Everbean Café
A hidden gem just off New Bond Street, Everbean is a coffee shop by day and a cosy wine bar by night. The vibe is relaxed, and the cakes – made in‑house with care – generously portioned. Lemon drizzle, vegan pistachio fruit cake and mandarin chocolate cake are among the highlights, making Everbean the perfect pause for caffeine, cake or post‑shopping lounging.
30 Avery Row, W1K 4BB; everbean.co.uk
L’Eto, South Molton
Part of the well‑loved L’Eto caffè group, the South Molton Street branch pairs patisserie with brunch classics and café fare. Morning treats range from pistachio mascarpone and raspberry croissants to savoury mozzarella melts, all made freshly in‑house. While later in the day strawberry French toast, fluffy pancakes and larger plates keep the brunch crowd happy. A cheerful counterpoint to your sugar fix.
45 South Molton Street, W1K 5RU; letocaffe.com
Words: Behiye Hassan
Behiye Hassan is the managing editor of Meet The Leader. She also writes for The Luxury Spa Edit and specialises in small business, entrepreneurs, luxury and wellbeing.
