Once inside there was a huge array of options to choose from. The lady behind the counter was incredibly sweet in advising me, letting me know which muffins were fresh out of the oven. I looked over the well-arranged display of croissants, donuts and cakes, and ultimately decided on a poppy seed brioche pastry and a latte – my typical drink order.
There were only about one or two other customers seated inside. The interior reminded me of an old-fashioned grocer in France. There were oranges stacked on top of each other in a wooden container, and a pot of soup heating on the counter.
The patisserie positions itself as a neighbourhood institution, hanging local artists’ paintings on the wall. It’s been open since 1963 and some of its clientele have been coming in for over 50 years.
My one regret is not ordering a Hungarian pastry as that’s what where the owners are from. My poppy seed brioche had hints of lemon, and it was unlike any other brioche I’ve had.
The latte was very good, and the pastry was just the right amount of sweet. I felt rejuvenated after the snack, ready to continue exploring North London.
Overall, however, the ambience was what really attracted me to this place. It felt very familiar to me. The friendliness of the staff with their customers is sometimes hard to come by, especially in a big city.
Louis Patisserie is a cosy coffee shop perfect for taking refuge on a grey London day.
I hope to return the next time I’m in Hampstead and maybe order a more formal meal. Their soup was calling my name from its cauldron-like vessel, so I’ll probably have that next time.
