5 Top Places for Pain Suisse in Central London
Craving a delicious pain suisse but don't fancy venturing out? Butter & Crust's delivery service brings the finest local bread and pastries straight to your door, perfect for those lazy weekend mornings.
But if you're in the mood to explore, here are five top-notch bakeries in Central London where you can indulge in some of the best pain suisse the city has to offer.
1. Arôme Bakery
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Arôme Bakery has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for pastry enthusiasts.
This French-inspired bakery combines traditional techniques with innovative flavours, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
While Arôme is known for its signature Honey Butter Toast, their pain suisse is equally impressive. Made with rich, buttery dough and filled with chocolate chips and pastry cream, it's a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The bakery's commitment to using only the finest ingredients ensures that each bite is a delight.
Why we love it: Arôme's pain suisse stands out for its perfectly laminated dough, resulting in a flaky exterior that gives way to a soft, creamy centre.
Website: https://aromebakery.co.uk/
Address: 9 James Street, London WC2E 8BH
Review: "Arôme's pastries are a cut above the rest. Their pain suisse is a perfect example of their dedication to quality and flavour." - Time Out London
2. Fortitude Bakehouse
Located in Bloomsbury, Fortitude Bakehouse is a hidden gem that's been gaining recognition among London's baking elite.
This bakery stands out for its focus on slow fermentation techniques, which result in bread and pastries with exceptional depth of flavour.
Their pain suisse is a testament to their dedication to craft. The long fermentation process gives the pastry a subtle tanginess that complements the sweet filling. Fortitude's version often features a twist on the classic recipe, incorporating seasonal fruits or unique spice blends.
Why we love it: The slow fermentation process gives Fortitude's pain suisse a complexity of flavour that sets it apart from the competition.
Website: https://fortitudebakehouse.com/
Address: 35 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JA
Review: "Fortitude Bakehouse's pain suisse is a revelation. The slow fermentation process adds a depth of flavour that's truly unique." - The Guardian
3. Miel Bakery
Miel is an independent, French-influenced boulangerie and patisserie in Fitzrovia.
Everything is made on-premises from scratch by a small team of passionate and highly trained bakers.
Their commitment to quality is evident in every pastry they produce, including their exceptional pain suisse.Miel's pain suisse is a perfect example of French pastry craftsmanship. The pastry is generously filled with chocolate chips and a silky smooth pastry cream, all encased in a beautifully laminated dough that shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
Why we love it: Miel's dedication to traditional French techniques results in a pain suisse that's as authentic as it is delicious.
Website: https://mielbakery.co.uk/
Address: 57 Warren Street, London W1T 5NR
Review: "Miel Bakery's pain suisse is a taste of Paris in the heart of London. It's simply sublime." - London Evening Standard
4. Pophams
With multiple locations across central London, Pophams has become synonymous with exceptional viennoiserie. What started as a passion project has evolved into one of London's most beloved bakeries.
Pophams' pain suisse is a standout in their impressive lineup of pastries. The bakery is known for its innovative flavour combinations, and their pain suisse is no exception. Alongside the classic version, you might find seasonal variations that incorporate unexpected ingredients like matcha or yuzu.
Why we love it: Pophams' willingness to experiment with flavours means their pain suisse offerings are always exciting and unique.
Website: https://pophamsbakery.com/
Address: 19 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF
Review: "Pophams' pain suisse is a work of art. Their creative flavour combinations never fail to impress." - Olive Magazine
5. The Connaught Patisserie
Tucked away in Mayfair, The Connaught Patisserie offers a luxurious take on classic French pastries. Under the guidance of Nicolas Rouzaud, the patisserie produces exquisite creations that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Their pain suisse is a work of art, with perfectly laminated dough that results in countless flaky layers. The filling is generous and indulgent, with high-quality chocolate chips and a velvety smooth pastry cream.
While it might be pricier than other options, the quality justifies the cost.
Why we love it: The Connaught Patisserie's pain suisse exemplifies the height of pastry craftsmanship, with each element executed to perfection.
Website: https://www.the-connaught.co.uk/restaurants-bars/patisserie/
Address: Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
Review: "The Connaught Patisserie's pain suisse is the epitome of luxury. It's a must-try for any serious pastry lover." - Condé Nast Traveller
What Makes a Great Pain Suisse?
A truly exceptional pain suisse is a delicate balance of several elements:- Laminated dough: The pastry should have distinct, flaky layers that shatter when bitten into.
- Filling: A generous amount of chocolate chips and smooth pastry cream is essential.
- Balance: The sweetness of the filling should complement, not overpower, the buttery pastry.
- Freshness: Pain suisse is best enjoyed on the day it's baked, when the contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior is at its peak.
Each of these bakeries excels in creating pain suisse that tick all these boxes, making them standout choices for pastry lovers in London.
Whether you choose to visit these bakeries in person or opt for the convenience of Butter & Crust's delivery service, you're sure to enjoy some of the finest pain suisse Central London has to offer.
Happy eating!
