This little Hungarian store on Hampstead High Street is a very friendly patisserie and bakery. The colourful, mouth-watering window display will have you through the front in no time.

The Venue
Louis Patisserie is only about thirty seconds walk from Hampstead tube station so it’s an ideal pit-stop for those looking for a quick pastry in the morning as they chase their train. Inside there is a distinct Hungarian theme. It feels very much like an old classic European tea room – the sort of place Indiana Jones might read a book when he’s not swinging from his whip in a cave. The window display is a rainbow of fruits, cream chocolate, sponge and icing sugar. A lot of customers tend to order a pastry to take away and so never venture any further than this point.

Those who dine in, however, will step into a narrow room furnished with an assortment of browns. The old classically patterned brown carpet, the beige buttoned leather benches running the length of either wall, the wooden circular tables and the beige seat chairs all give off a classic European vibe. Above the backs of the comfortable leather benches, the wooden-panelled walls keep up the brown theme.

The Atmosphere
A light mood fills the air of Louis Patisserie in the mornings as one or two locals pop in for a morning tea and maybe a pastry. The service is very friendly and the staff don’t mind a good chat either. On the weekends, as with the rest of Hampstead, Louis Patisserie can be very busy and with the tables being very small (large enough for two, possibly three) you may find it difficult to find enough space if you have come in a group.

The Food
From the traditional pastries like plain croissants and pain au raisins to naughty cheesecakes and black forest gateaus, there’s a lot to choose from. Unfortunately they no longer do almond pastries which is a huge shame because they were one of the nicest almond pastries this side of Hungary. The chocolate croissants, however, fill the gap and are enormous and very chocolaty too. If you choose to eat-in then it’ll be served to you on a tiny delicate saucer and you’ll be given a small knife and fork to consume it with. Armed with your doll house cutlery you’ll just look silly truing to tackle it though, so avoid embarrassment and use your hands.

Locals looking for a good bakery should try their range of bread. You’ll spot them in the shop window and might come across one you like the look of. They also make birthday cakes to order so if you know a special someone and you want to give them the best birthday present ever, enquire within.

The Drink
A glass of water is a wise choice if you’re going for one of the sweet pastries but they also serve coffee and tea.

The Last Word
Louis Patisserie serves some of the biggest pastries you’ll ever see. They’re really sweet too and once you’ve had your first one you’ll never be able to walk past without popping in for another fix.

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