Best Pastries in Gaddesden Row

"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."

"Restaurants British South Bank. Eight floors above the South Bank, Oxo Tower’s restaurant and brasserie might not dish up rooftop dining per se, but it offers more height, fresh air and feelings of space than many of the capital’s rooftop terraces. It’s first-come, first-served for alfresco tables, so arrive on the dot for lunch and take your pick – there are corking views of the Thames and its landmark buildings, plus a menu of modern European food."

"Taking the crown as best restaurant in London according to Bookatable, the OXO Tower Brasserie takes the number two spot when it comes to children. With restaurant, brasserie and afternoon tea children's menus, your little one will be spoilt for choice. And don't worry, you will be able to experience the panoramic views of London, as children will be provided with a special OXO children’s pack, to help keep them occupied while you enjoy your meal out."

"This restaurant is housed in the iconic OXO Tower building on the South Bank. You’ll enjoy views of St Paul’s and the other famous City of London landmarks while you dine. British seasonal produce is used in the menu here, dishes like free range chicken with carrot crumble and Marinda tomato tart to tuck into."

"One of the best places to eat outdoors in North London is The Gatehouse, offering a slice of tranquillity in its stunning beer garden. Pull up a chair and tuck into pub dishes with Spanish influence and freshly pulled pints while soaking up some summer rays."

"In an era where ”offbeat” and ”eccentric” have become de rigueur on London’s nightlife scene, this genuine old working men’s club beats its competitors hands down. At once authentically unpretentious yet effortlessly cool, it’s an East London gem – a little rough around the edges and with bucket loads of tongue-in-cheek humour to soften its increasingly “hip” edge. There’s always something unusual on offer at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club."

"Named after King Olaf of Norway, St Olave Silver Street is one of many places in London with connections to the Vikings. St Olave Silver Street: This was the parish church of St Olave Silver Street destroyed by the dreadful fire in the year 1666. Barbican, London EC2"

"St Ethelburga, entirely destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1993, is the smallest of the City churches at 56 feet long and 30 feet wide. The parish covered just three acres, an acre more petite than the area covered by the Bank of England. The church had survived since 1390, having been outside the area destroyed by the Great Fire."

"The Leicester Square Theatre has an illustrious past, as it was the venue of the Cavern Club in the swinging Sixties. The group The Small Faces had a residency there, the Rolling Stones played there with the Who, and the Sex Pistols held several gigs there, including their preview of 'London Calling'. Over the last few years, it's been a venue to some of the world's top comedy acts."