The patisserie chain’s High Holborn branch is perfect for a lunchtime – or post-haircut – treat.

The Venue
Located in the Aveda salon on High Holborn, this Le Pain Quotidien branch is the sixth in London. With its French food and Belgian philosophy, the chain has proven to be a big hit in the capital (celebrities are particularly fond of the Marylebone High Street location) and this branch further establishes its reputation.

Le Pain Quotidien is tucked away into the corner of Aveda – it’s a small space, but it manages to fit in a pastry counter, a few small tables and the ubiquitous communal table, a long, light-coloured wooden table that runs down the length of the cafe. The decor is simple, but the big windows let in lots of light and give the place a homey feel.

The Atmosphere
Although it might seem strange to be enjoying French bread at a communal table with ladies who lunch waiting in foils for their hair dye to permeate, the crowd doesn’t seem to mind in the least. Covent Garden and Holborn office workers mix (and munch) happily alongside Aveda customers in long black smocks and those showing off their new trendy tresses.

The Food
The food is quite expensive for a cafe, so if you don’t have a lot of cash to spare you might not be able to make this a frequent lunch spot. It’s nice for a splurge though, and portions are big and good value for money. The famous bread is freshly baked daily, and although this location is too small to have its own oven the bread is delivered from a nearby branch. It’s crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and especially good when paired with hummus.

The smoked chicken salad comes with thin slices of tender chicken, crisp mixed leaves, pine nuts, big flakes of parmesan cheese and nicely seasoned croutons made from Le Pain Quotidien’s own bread. Tartines, or open faced sandwiches, include a Mediterranean prawn option, with refreshingly spicy and flavourful prawns and fresh avocado and tomato chunks on slices of thick brown bread. The sandwich slices are separated by bright pieces of mango, and despite the abundance of tomato and avocado it doesn’t get soggy.

Le Pain Quotidien’s pastries change daily, but particularly recommended is the fruit tart and the carrot cake, which is moist and chewy, served in the shape of a Christmas pudding and with a thick layer of light and sugary cream cheese frosting on top. All the food except for the salads come presented on a LPQ porcelain cutting board, which is a nice touch.

The Drink
Hot drinks include coffee, hot chocolate and tea, served Parisian style in a cup without a handle, which you sip from with both hands. Don’t ask for a normal British mug, though – this is the only type they carry. They also carry a range of fruit juices, fresh squeezed orange juice and limeaid, a tart and bubbly concoction that comes with a sprig of fresh mint. Very refreshing and quite a cool green colour, as well.

The Last Word
Although it might be a little too expensive to spend every meal there, Le Pain Quotidien – and seeing everyone emerge from Aveda with their shiny locks just might inspire your next haircut as well.

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