I exited South Kensington station to the sound of an accordion player – the ultimate way to get in the mood for French fancies! Maître Choux has recently opened just a minute’s walk from the station, and it attracts quite a crowd with its super impressive array of intricately detailed éclairs – the type that make the perfect subject for a wildly popular Instagram shot!


Why visit Maître Choux?
> For super impressive choux pastries created by three Michelin starred pastry chef Joakim Prat.  Joakim gave me a tour of his kitchen to see the éclairs, chouquettes and creams in progress – although choux pastry is a relatively simple bakery base, it is transformed into something quite incredible at the hands of Joakim!


> To pick up some pastries as a gift – forget cupcakes and macarons, a box of these beauties will make the perfect present (the packaging is adorable too).  At £5 a pop, these are not cheap treats, so you want to make sure you choose very carefully! Lemon Meringue and Salted Caramel were the stand-out sweets in my box.


> For the chouquettes!  Although not as visually stimulating, the sugar-studded puffs are mind-blowingly good and not to be ignored.  Buttery pastry and a sweet shell with a crunch, they may not have a fancy topping but they are still incredibly flavoursome and moreish.


> For a Monmouth Coffee or thick hot chocolate (from a legendary Basque recipe from Joakim’s grandmother!) alongside your pastry, in a fresh and cute interior.  The staff are super knowledgeable about the delicacies that they are serving, too.

Move over cupcakes and doughnuts – Maître Choux is handmaking the new treat du jour and, judging by the crowds in store already, it’s not one to be missed – just make sure you take a camera!

Maître Choux
15 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3ES
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