Best Pastries in Crystal Palace

"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."

"A grand sky-blue facade, a statement painted bar and a chandelier (a small one, admittedly) in the dining room – this pub has been well looked after. Fortunately, as much care is taken in the kitchen of the Drapers Arms, where comfort food gets a French-leaning European twist: lamb rump comes with cavolo nero and anchovies, while confit duck leg is served with Montbeliard and Toulouse sausages alongside white bean cassoulet. Until recently, the Drapers was home to a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which it sadly lost it in the 2019 guide."

"This popular Islington gastropub has enveloped its lovely back garden with a marquee, added in heating and festooned it with lights, turning it into a Barnsbury idyll. To book a table in the Garden Room specifically, you'll need to call them on 020 7619 0348"

"Given its Covent Garden location and impressive beer selection (including 10 hand pumps), the crowds at the Harp often spill out into the street. If you can make it to the bar, order a classic cask ale or one of the rotating guest brews and pair with a hearty bar snack. This is the Best Time to Take a Trip to London"

"Double Standard, The Standard hotel’s bar and terrace, has transformed its outdoor seating area into a beautiful terrace. Guests can enjoy Aperol slushies, cocktails and burgers while soaking up the sun, or, knowing London weather, hiding under an umbrella."

"Waterlow Park makes for a great alternative to Hampstead Heath and is still a bit of a hidden gem thanks to its more famous neighbour. As well as three ponds, the lawns are all well maintained and Lauderdale House on the edge of the park is worth a look too. Plus it’s near to Highgate Cemetery, which houses Karl Marx, Douglas Adams and more."

"It’s not just the height of Highgate Hill that makes you look down your nose at the rest of London. The air tastes sweeter up here, the trees are leafier, and everything is a bit less, well, Londony. And Highgate’s loveliest spot?"

"Weekend brunches in South London don't get much better than this. Megan's on the Hill is a Balham mainstay serving some of the best vegan breakfast food in the city, whether you're craving avo on toast or a posh kebab, this Insta-haven is sure to deliver."

"Don’t be put off by the celebrity clientele; you don’t have to be rolling in it to breakfast like a king at The Wolseley, The restaurant is famous for having the best Eggs Ben in London and, at £7.50 a plate, it’s hardly got a Mayfair price tag. If you do feel like splashing out, mind, there is a luxurious caviar omelette on the menu for £70. 📍 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB"

"Perhaps the most famous of Corbin & King’s empire, The Wolseley is an art deco building just next to The Ritz. The interior is glitzy, with soaring ceilings and marble columns. This London institution serves excellent bistro classics in style; think schnitzel, juicy steaks and chopped salads."

"Restaurants Brasseries Piccadilly"