"Long before Soho became the home of graphic design studios and boutiques that sell bankruptcy-inducing cleansers, there was Maison Bertaux. A sugary Soho constant since 1871, it specialises in cakes and fancies. The expert, fruit-loaded tarts and choux classics are of the Marie Antoinette genre of sweet treat. They look and taste like something from an era when dainty measurements were a faux pas and rich, whipped praline crème was the true meaning of luxury. This place is generous with its cream servings, icing sugar, and charm: the epic hand-piped éclairs come in nostalgic paper cases, the buttery, slightly crisp croissants are supersized, and there’s a piano next to the till. Next door to the grab-and-go counter, there’s a sweet little tea room that’s perfect for people who love Nancy Meyers interiors and gossiping over a rich double-decker paris-brest. When the sun’s out, our go-to move is to sit on one of the pavement tables with the strawberry tart and participate in our favourite type of people-watching—seeing busy Londoners’ stern faces melt at the sight of the window display. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Heidi Lauth Beasley
