Ladurée Covent Garden

Good news for cake lovers: Ladurée's macaron emporium in Covent Garden is also home to an intimate Parisian teahouse. Like a beautiful French boudoir, the two tiny rooms are decorated with pastel shades, plush velvet banquettes and antique paintings – little wonder it's a Mecca for adoring tourists and local ladies in search of sweet distraction. Afternoon tea is as pretty as a picture: dainty finger sandwiches arrive on a silver tiered stand, along with delicious mini viennoiseries and absolutely lovely cakes – St Honoré rose framboise, with layers of choux pastry, rose-petal cream and raspberries is a perfect example of the patissier's art. Ladurée’s iconic macarons are also in demand, alongside substantial savoury fare such as rabbit medallions with truffle sauce or seared scallops with caramelised chicory. Alfresco seating on the terrace or piazza is a further draw.

In the heart of Covent Garden, amidst the throngs of tourists and theatregoers, you will find a Parisian escape in pastel green. Laduree has brought its iconic pastries, packaging and interiors over from Paris and into London, inviting everyone to partake in the decadent luxury that is synonymous with the brand. Known as the inventors of the French tearoom, little has changed in Laduree’s operations since 1900.

Created to encourage women to meet in public with one another and share a pastry and hot drink, Laduree remains an excellent place to catch up with friends and live out the tea parties of your childhood dreams. The Covent Garden location has ample seating opportunities, with tables flowing onto the buzzy square making for the perfect people-watching spot. The interior oozes sophistication and elegance, designed in the Belle Epoque style of the original Champs-Elysées location.

Laduree are most famous for their macarons, which are available in plenty of different flavours and fillings. The original, and fan favourite, is of course the pastel pink rose-flavoured treat, though you can now find flavours ranging from chocolate to passion fruit. The blue-speckled Marie Antionette macaron is particularly eye-catching and is infused with black tea from India and China.

The Covent Garden location is also home to an exclusive afternoon tea that combines French and English culinary tradition for an experience that epitomizes luxury. While you will find the classic scones with jam and cream on offer, you can expect these to be followed by a selection of the finest French patisseries. Treat yourself to a glass of champagne to further elevate the experience and you will feel classier than you ever have before.