Best Pastries in East Finchley

"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."

"At Horniman Museum, your kids will get to explore some of the most important elements of the natural and cultural world. Based off the lifelong passion of the Victorian tea trader John Horniman, the museum has a collection of almost thirty thousand elements of the natural history and world culture. The legendary Totem Pole, the Humanity in the House of Circumstance neoclassical mosaic mural, the aquarium, the gigantic walrus and the wonderful galleries and displays are only some of the most popular attractions of the Horniman Museum the kids will love."

"This museum is an extraordinary place, comprising the original collection of wealthy tea-merchant and pack-rat Frederick John Horniman. He had this art-nouveau building, with its clock tower and mosaics, specially designed to house his collection. Built in 1901, today it encompasses everything from a dusty walrus and voodoo altars from Haiti and Benin to a mock-up of a Fijian reef and a collection of concertinas. It’s wonderful."

"The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a London museum dating back to the early 1900s. The museum's collection of more than 350,000 objects focuses on natural history, anthropology, and instruments. It has a well known and impressive collection of taxidermied animals."

"A stately home with as opulent an exterior as the art it holds within, Somerset house was once a palace for the Duke of Somerset Edward Seymour in 1547. Now one of the more grandiose of London’s institutions, the palace hosts exhibitions from all over the world and continually draws enormous crowds. The gallery is “known for the breadth of cultural collaborations across photography, fashion, art, film and music."

"If you find yourself with boisterous kids after insisting on an exhibition at the excellent Courtauld Gallery, simply pop outside and strip off. The courtyard, surrounded by 19th century buildings, contains a lively fountain featuring 55 jets, a terraced cafe and a glorious restaurant if you are feeling flash. Bring the baby and let him/her have a splash around in what can turn into a small paddling pool."

"Somerset House is a museum and historic house located in a Neoclassical building that overlooks the River Thames. The Somerset House, built in 1796, is an arts centre that is open to the public with free admission almost every day of the year. Free guided tours of the grounds are offered twice per week and the museum often offers special exhibits like Mary Sibande's I Came Apart At The Seams."

"It’s no wonder that Frankie and Benny’s is one of the most popular places to eat in Wembley Park – they serve up your favourite Italian American classics at a reasonable price. Your little ones will love their cod goujons, cheesy tomato pizza, and crispy chicken breast nuggets. With options on their kids’ menus for big eaters, small eaters, and babies, they have parents covered."

"Frankie & Benny’s is known for classic Italian American dishes and diner favourites, as well as an extensive kids’ menu sure to please the little ones. Tuck into cheesy chicken parmigiana, an ultimate mixed grill, or a vegan Margherita pizza, with outdoor dining and table service to keep everyone safe. No reservation required."

"Nestled on the riverbanks of the Thames, Pitcher & Piano offers stunning views from its prime location and pretty terrace space. Head to this gem of a Richmond bar and you'll find classic breakfasts, Sunday roasts, hearty burgers and plenty more with an extensive range of drinks to keep you refreshed."

"A chain pub that makes up for its so-so service with good views of Richmond River, especially if you bag one of the coveted balconies, like we did in the picture below."

"This summertime favourite by Richmond Bridge is noted for its terrace with stunning views of the river. Perfect for al fresco dining."

"Hours:Mon to Fri 1230 – 1500, 1730 – 2300 Sat 1230 – 2300 Sun 1230 – 2230; Open on Christmas Day"

"When it comes to delicious vegetarian comfort food in London, Pizza Pilgrims are pros. Head over to their Shoreditch eatery for an evening spent chomping on portobello and truffle-topped sices, rosemary flatbreads and Nutella bites."

"Eggslut began as a food truck in LA, known then as Old Bessie. The brainchild of chef Alvin Cailan, the truck had locals queueing for hours to get a bite – and a snap – of the action, which came in the form of Instagrammable egg dishes. Alvin went on to open numerous other sites around the US, before launching a site this side of the pond earlier this year."

"eggslut’s two London restaurants are operating a takeaway and delivery service. Their full menu is available on select delivery apps. Following advice from WHO and the government, all of the delivery partners are offering contact-free delivery and all of eggslut’s deliveries are being prepared and packed with extra care, with customer safety in mind."