Best Pastries in Dagnall

"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."

"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."

"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."

"What: For those who like to feel transported to coast when indulging in seafood, The Melusine is as close as it gets in London. On a nice day in St Katharine Docks, the lapping water and tinkle of boat rigging could lull you into feeling like you’re somewhere on the Med. Add in a glass of white wine and a few plates of The Melusine’s wonderfully fresh seafood and you’re practically there.Where: Unit K, Ivory House, E1W 1AT"

"Unit K, Ivory House, East Smithfield, St. Katherine Docks, London E1W 1AT Why should you care?. This seafood restaurant in the docks is all about serving up sustainably caught seafood from around the British Isles. There'll be ever-changing sharing plates as well as grilled, poached or fried whole fish on the menu."

"Reminiscent of places like Morton's or Smith & Wollensky in Manhattan, Hawksmoor is unique in offering well-aged porterhouse steaks in larger sizes, which can be shared among several diners. The beef may be British but the values are very much all-American, where huge slabs of meat and incredible side dishes are main-staples of the steakhouse. This is as good an experience as you'll get in London."

"There’s the Hawksmoor At Home meat box, which usually comprises of a cut of steak, sides, cocktails and wine. Plus there’s Hawksmoor At Home Local which is more about dishes to finish off at home - like their roast bone marrow or lobster with garlic butter. They also offer a range of bottled and canned cocktails."

"One of London’s best steakhouses (if not THE best), this place is also famous of one of the best desserts in London. You’ll find one of the best desserts in London behind its doors. The sticky toffee pudding at Hawksmoor is delectable and something you have to try."

"Not everyone has an appetite for oysters and shellfish, sometimes all you fancy is a decent fish and chip supper. Hook in Camden has its favourites - famous tacos, nibbles and specials - but it’s the “new school” plates that will definitely fill a gap. There’s the Classic (fresh cod or haddock in panko breadcrumb with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade tartar sauce on the side); the Cajun Fresh (cod/haddock in panko breadcrumbs and cajun spices with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade cajun sauce on the side); or the Lemon & Basil (fresh cod/haddock in lemon and basil tempura with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade garlic truffle sauce on the side)."

"What: Hook doesn’t put on any airs and graces, but instead offers up solid seafood cookery in tried and tested classics, with the odd contemporary twist. The go-to choice here is the classic fish and chips, which gave Hook its name, but we suggest giving the Cajun-style version a go; it comes battered in panko breadcrumbs and Cajun spices and is accompanied by seaweed-salted chips.Where: 65 Parkway Road, NW1 7PP"

"What would London’s vegetarian dining scene be like if it had been the Indian-Iraqi Jewish brothers Adrian and Michael Daniel who had landed the Guardian vegetarian column?. After all, the founders of The Gate — now a four-strong chain — had been serving zhug and tagine, and scattering pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta on their dishes for decades before Yotam Ottolenghi came along. This cavernous St John’s Wood branch opened a few months ago: a handsome-looking place with large wrap-around windows and potted plants that give it a conservatory feel."

"Fans of the film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, will recognise the name as the shrimp company Forrest sets up with his friend Bubba in Alabama: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The restaurant sticks to the movie theme throughout with fun references and merchandise, and of course plenty of shrimp alongside other dishes from America’s Deep South such as jambalaya."

"Based on hit film Forrest Gump, this southern American eatery near Piccadilly Circus is themed on the movie's main characters and Alabama location. It’s all about the shrimp at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., with lots of crustacean creations; but there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy, from grilled steaks and salads to jambalaya."

"The Ivy is a London institution that has welcomed countless celebrities and influential diners over the course of its storied history. Martin Brudnizki revamped the dining room in 2015, creating a sparkling space in which to feast on a menu of classics (it’s famous for its shepherd’s pie) and Asian-inspired dishes. It has stood the test of time in every way and the food is as good now as it ever was."

"Join everyone who is, was or will be anyone at the original celebrity haunt. The Ivy London, perfectly situated in the heart of Theatreland, routinely draws in celebrities from the worlds of film, TV and theatre. Laurence Olivier and Noël Coward have made way for David and Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie and Kate Hudson."

"This famous Covent Garden restaurant is all about style and glamour, with stained glass windows and contemporary art fixtures. It’s an A-list favourite too – everyone from Kate Moss and the Beckhams, to Elton John and even the Royal Family. So if you fancy some star spotting, this is the place to be."

"Once voted the nation's favourite park, Victoria Park is the largest green space in Tower Hamlets, with amenities including a boating lake, two cafes, a skate park and a large playground. The flower-strewn Old English Garden is a particular highlight, as are the canine statues that guard the park gates. Make sure you drop into the phenomenal People's Park Tavern while you're there."

"Located in South Hackney, Victoria Park is the oldest public park in London. It’s packed full of canals and ponds as well as a large green space for a kick-about or a kip in the sunshine. For more things to do, there’s also a deer enclosure, tree walk events and café in the heart of the park."

"You can also be a little sporty at the tennis court or the sports playground. Did you know that over nine million people visit Victoria Park every year?. No wonder it is known as the People’s Park in London."