Best Pastries in Hendon

"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."

"To experience fine dining at ordinary prices, French food fans will struggle to find a better restaurant than La Petite Auberge. With a name meaning ‘The Little Inn’, this restaurant exudes homeliness with its rustic French bistro feel. Red chequered tablecloths, wooden beams and bare brickwork transport visitors from the bustle of Upper Street to a simple yet welcoming tavern in the French countryside."

"What: Still the cock of the walk after all these years, Coq D’Argent’s three-pronged restaurant, bar and roof terrace space remains one of the most popular dining destinations for City workers. To drink in the views (while drinking a glass of champers), head to the grass-covered terrace, which comes complete with neatly trimmed hedges and its own fashion boutique-style soundtrack. To really get a feel for the atmosphere, we’d recommend swinging by at night, when the capital’s skyscrapers twinkle before your eyes."

"Restaurants French Bank. Accessed by a lift, like a supervillain’s lair, the Coq’s chichi heated terrace has panoramic City views, a fine selection of drinks and some classic French dishes. It’s now taking bookings for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch for up to six people, from April 12.We like The Coq!"

"Crispy baby squid is now what we call our flatmate after they spent a little too much time out on the balcony during the good weather. But, importantly, it’s also one of the tapas dishes you’ll find on Arros’ delivery menu. They specialise in paella, there are several variations to choose from, as well as grilled octopus and plenty of wine."

"Transport yourself to Valencia with a delivery from Quique Dacosta’s restaurant Arros QD, which now offers a selection of its dishes for delivery including grills, tapas and their famous paella. Alternatively, make your own with their DIY paella kits, which can be purchased via their online shop. Deliveroo and SUPPER, arrosqd.com"

"Arros QD, the brainchild of acclaimed Spanish chef Quique Dacosta, is an ode to Valencian cuisine, most notably paella. The huge, two-story space in Fitzrovia uses its enormous woo..."

"Secluded in one of the labyrinthine side streets behind Goodge Street tube station, this chic, cosy vegetarian café has tempting displays of colourful salads, hot dishes, cakes and pastries by the entrance; and a miniscule seating area at the back. Originally set up by a father and son duo, the venue shut down for a few months last year, and has recently reopened with a new owner. It’s notable for currently being the only vegetarian venue in London to showcase cooking with broadly Ottolenghi-esque Middle Eastern influences."

"Well-known for its child-friendly atmosphere, parents can sit back and enjoy their family experience here. Just two minutes from Piccadilly Circus, the restaurant is perfect for a pre or post- theatre dinner with the children. The menu is sure to please the kids, with favourites from pizza to pasta and burgers dominating the menu."

"Inspired by Hollywood glamour, Planet Hollywood aims to make you feel like a star. The London location, in Haymarket by Piccadilly Circus, is full of memorabilia from the biggest blockbusters, including Rocky. Take in the glitzy surroundings and dine on all the American favourites from juicy burgers to Buffalo wings."

"With themed rooms, a huge cocktail bar and classic movie memorabilia, Planet Hollywood London is always a fun choice for a meal out."

"Designer Tom Dixon went full steam ahead with the maritime theme here, transforming Sea Containers House, a great lump of an office building on the south bank of the Thames, into a hotel that is meant to resemble a transatlantic liner. A transatlantic liner, however, that also references Art Deco, Pop Art and disco, and that makes expressive use of a distinctly non-nautical palette (velvet banquettes in mimosa-yellow, wardrobes in bubblegum pink, staff uniforms in baby blue). Outside, there's Tate Modern to your left, Shakespeare's Globe to your right, and all of London seemingly spread out before you beneath the balcony of the hotel's brilliant, brassy rooftop bar 12th Knot."

"Hotel phone: +44 20 3747 1000 With stellar views of the Thames, Sea Containers Hotel sits just a few minutes’ walk from the London Eye, Borough Market, and Globe Theatre. Nautical touches, including the copper-clad ‘ship’s hull’ that encompasses the reception, are meant to convey 1920 cruise ship glamour and to pay homage to the Sea Containers shipping company – the original occupants of the building. Understated, luxurious rooms are decked out with custom-designed furniture, bathrooms with rain showers, and movie-star-dressing-room lights alongside the mirrors."

"Enjoy glorious views of the River Thames at this buzzy South Bank eatery, located on the bottom floor of the Sea Containers London (formerly Mondrian). Designed by maverick Tom Dixon, the restaurant exudes elegance, with nautical-inspired interiors drawing on the famous Sea Containers House: think copper-clad walls, leather chairs and bright yellow upholstery. This opens onto a brightly coloured terrace, running in partnership with Laurent Perrier."

"Why: Buffalo wings slathered with blue cheese, fried Gangnam wings in a sweet, sticky Korean sauce, garlic butter wings coated in Parmesan – we could go on, but the point is, these guys are the kings of wings. We recommend ordering a selection, accompanied by a side of mac and cheese and a salted caramel shake for maximum gluttony.Where: Hackney Wick + Aldgate. In the spirit of America’s obsession with barbecue cuisine, check out these smoking-hot BBQ restaurants."

"Restaurants American Olympic Park. Former street-food upstarts Randy’s now have a permanent roost by the canal in Hackney Wick, and their wings are the business. Try BBQ-slathered Kansas, sweet ‘n’ sticky Korean-style Gangnam or harissa-infused Casablanca with pomegranate seeds – plus smoked chicken scratchings on the side."