Belle Epoque Patisserie — Attraction in London

This patisserie is a real gem in our area. Beautifully presented and enticing. I once had the great pleasure of meeting the French owner whose charisma was as noteworthy as his skill as a chef. We spoke about the history of the new dessert he was perfecting... which originated in Napoleon's time. He offered me a sample. The memory of his enthusiasm, generosity, and the exquisite taste of his cake stayed with me. The cakes are always excellent - we are regular consumers of the eclairs. I just wish the staff didn't look like they were doing us a favour by shopping there. They almost always look miserable and put upon. If you want great cakes but aren't that fussed about a warm welcome, a courteous goodbye or the absence of friendliness and customer service, then this is the perfect place for you. Culture always comes from the top and I well remember meeting the female co-owner of the operation, a lady allergic to smiling - she's no doubt hard working and has achieved a lot - a few shops and a bakery - but has an unfortunate demeanour lacking in friendliness or warmth. I just wish those in the service industry could take more pleasure in their jobs. Or at least tried and pretended to be friendly occasionally. Because it does translate in the transaction. Life is hard and I get that it is difficult, especially at the moment. But a smile and engaged eye contact costs nothing. A conversation is also free and hugely enhances the chance of return custom. A little bit of sunshine and outward looking customer service would really enhance the experience of this brand's superior cakes. I kept thinking it might just be me, but after at least twelve to fifteen visits, I now feel justified in this view. But I will still go for the cakes (especially the eclairs) and so should you! I just block out the freeze and charmless service on entry and think of the French chef owner. They would do well to wheel him out more often but expecting him to bake the cakes and sell them would be like having your cake and...

[Edited after Manager Response]

We were not offered any refund, the 35£ the owner alluded to were the difference between the custom made cake which the clumsy manager destroyed and the two cakes we had to buy to have something for our son to blow candles. So NO REFUND.

And: no other suitable cake was offered as the owner states be,ow, as there was none comparable but only the small ones on display in the window, which we ended up buying.

AND: an email was sent to the address on the Belle Époque website with a summary of what had happened immediately after, and since, we didn’t get any reply whatsoever. So, incompetent and liars and only afraid of online reviews, given you don’t even reply to your Customers.

Cherry on the cake, the manager was in tears because she said she would have to pay for the destroyed cake herself. This tells a lot about the management and the way they treat their employees. With the prices you charge, management should be ashamed of their conduct using these policies with your people. Just profit, only profit, always top of your mind.

While packing £100 custom made bday cake for my son’s party, the manager made it fall on the ground by taking no precaution whatsoever.

No alternative was offered such as calling the laboratory to make another one (serious patisseries would do that on their feet). We were offered the small ones on display instead. With a 3£ discount!!!! A slap in the face after this disaster. You should employ competente people.

We have been loyal customers since this business opened and kept coming for obvious reasons. Things can happen but no back up plan is unacceptable. Unbelievable, Tesco would...

Best Patisserie & Pastry Treats in London

Wanted to say thank you to the owner & staff here.

It's simply the best in London.

Easily a cut above the rest.

Better than the chains or any of the independents.

Firstly, the actual pastry is more delicious.

Not sure how, but trust me on this.

Especially warmed on low in the air fryer at home for 5 min.

Though eating in the cafe with a coffee is always a win.

Secondly, every item has that special balance of flavour and texture.

A stand-out dish is the signature "Belle Epoque"

Which is Orange, dark chocolate, praline...OMG.

Trust me, just order one.

Or any of the pastry tarts.

Perhaps the chocolate fruit tart;

Or any of the frangipanes.

Peach or chocolate cherry or mixed berry.

The almond & chocolate croissants are spectacular too.

I count calories, eat one meal a day... yes, occasionally only treats...naughty... & am careful with cash due to necessity.

Which means the choice of treats I eat is extremely important to me.

No alcohol either as am sober.

It's all about the treats.

Forgive photos as pastries get bounced on my bicycle & stored in my fridge for as long as I can hold back.

If it's important you get the best in London, Without a doubt, that's at...