London certainly isn’t lacking in the scrumptious-spots-to-scoff-baked-goods department. But if it’s the crème de la crème that you’re looking for; you’ve come to the right place. The list has just unveiled its highly-coveted Pastry Special Awardsrevealing that Londoners need not hop on the Eurostar to find themselves at the world’s best pastry shop. It turns out that a trip on the trusty Tube will suffice, because a gorgeous café right here in the capital city has taken home that tasty title.
Now, just in case you didn’t already know, La Liste is a pretty big name in the world of global gastronomic guides. Having been compiling an annual catalogue of the world’s 1000 best restaurants for the past 10 years; their tastebuds sure do know what they’re talking about. In more recent years, La Liste has turned its hand to pastry ranking, dishing out accolades across 11 different pastry-related categoriesspotlighting the talent that’s shaping and redefining the future of patisserie.
Credit: @claridgesartspacecafe via Instagram
This year’s awards saw 36 pastry chefs and business owners from across 18 different countries celebrated. It was a milestone year for women in the industry, with 60% of the honourees being female. And – I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it yet – a café tucked inside a luxury London hotel was named the world’s best pastry shop.
Claridge’s ArtSpace Café
Nestled inside the oh-so swanky Claridge’s Hotel; Claridge’s ArtSpace Café by Thibault Hauchard nabbed the pastry shop crown. Celebrated for being a pastry counter that seamlessly blends ‘artistic expression and French precision’; ArtSpace Café blurs the line between café and art gallery. The pastry counter itself is a work-of-art, serving up an array of stunning pastries from mini-sized to made-to-share. But the café is also home to a unique gallery space for art-lovers to browse post-pastry fix.
Credit: @claridgesartspacecafe via Instagram
With a vibrant menu that changes with the seasons, beautiful marble décor, and pastries that – quite literally – take the cake; Claridge’s ArtSpace Café should most certainly be the destination for your next sweet treat.
📍 You’ll find Claridge’s ArtSpace Café at Brook’s Mews, W1K 4HR.
You can discover La Liste’s full Pastry Special Award winners here.
