A slice of the Parisian Left Bank in the heart of Hampstead, Maison Blanc provides sumptuous pastries and fresh sandwiches to a hungry North West London crowd.

The Venue
Already an established chain with over 10 patisseries scattered across London from Putney to St John’s Wood, Maison Blanc has an ideal location on Hampstead High Street. Opposite Hampstead tube station on the Northern Line and surrounded by plenty of up market shops lining the cobbled streets, Maison Blanc is also close to Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Recently refurbished, the front window display will try and tempt you off the street whilst inside neutral white washed walls with some tasteful art thrown in encompasses a clean cut finish.

The Atmosphere
This venue fills up at the weekends with lots of yummy mummies, pampered pooches and terrifying tots but don’t let this detract from the overall chatty lively ambiance. Seating is at a minimum so its finder’s keepers on most days.

The Food
There is a range of sandwiches and cold dishes on offer as well as rich and delicate pastries that will tempt any person with even the slightest hint of a sweet tooth. Choose a typically French tarte provencale with a Dijon mustard lining and Emmental cheese that melts nicely and is finished with fresh tomatoes, herbs de Provence and a drizzle of olive oil.

There’s a good selection of homemade sandwiches all made fresh and foil-wrapped to maintain their freshness. These are made with only the finest bread ranging from baguette and pain complet to pain rustique. Sample a tuna nicoise salad with fresh tuna, slices of egg, olive and green beans that are soft and not rubbery. This is finished with salty marinated anchovies and a low fat creme fraîche. The roast chicken sandwich is another meat alternative with sun blush tomato and peppery rocket.

A French patisserie would be one without mentioning the choice of tarts, chocolate cakes, French specialities and mousses that are available. The Le Tentation pastry (temptation is the English translation) is exactly that. A cake of almond and chocolate sponge soaked in raspberry is complimented by ganache, layers of dark chocolate and raspberry, chocolate glacage, gruee de cacao and garnished with fresh raspberries is heaven on a plate. The Gateau du Roussillon is another one to watch out for. This is a sweet apricot and pinenut tart encased in a crispy crumble packed full of almonds.

The Drink
There’s a usual choice of hot drinks that when the weather’s right is great to take wit h a newspapers and just let Hampstead go by such as a creamy cafe creme or latte. There’s also Maison Blanc Coffee which is a medium roast blend taken from the best quality Arabica coffee beans from around the world. Try the organic sparkling cranberry lemonade or a more unusual hot beverage of Moch-a-latte or Choc-a-latte that has a subtle hint of chocolate added to your usual strong coffee.

The Last Word
Bravo to Maison Blanc. This is a pretty place to come for a pitstop in the heart of Hampstead and with its reputation for producing fine quality pastries and cakes this venue doesn’t fail to deliver.

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