Ladurée

Sweet Stuff 


Now for someone who doesn't like sweet stuff to not only like sweet stuff but to eat 8 portions of it within 20 minutes really says something. For those of you who haven't heard of Ladurée, it is renowned for its Macrons - small, round meringue-based cakes made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, crisp on the outside, with smooth soft ganache in the middle. Heavenly.

Coconut, pear and chestnut, praline, pistachio, rose petal, cinnamon,  caramel with salted butter and almond marshmallow

Established in Paris, their flagship store is on the Champs-Elysées. It's best for breakfast or afternoon tea. It doesn't come cheap but it's worth it for the Parisian tea room experience.

Flagship entrance

Macarons at Ladurée Paris

Other treats at the famous tea room

Christmas window displays

However, for those of you who do not have the luxury of being able to travel to Paris, there are Ladurée stores in London at Harrods and more recently, in Covent Garden. If you worry that you won't get the same experience as you would in Paris, have no fear - you will get the same experience, complete with rudeness. Sadly, despite my love of their Macarons, the bad attitude of the staff left a bitter taste. I think someone should tell them they they work behind a counter.


On that note, I think it might be about time to try Pierre Hermé at Selfridges.


Ladurée, 1 The Market  Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RA, Tel: 020 7240 0706