Patisserie Valerie has everything it needs to be a very pleasant stop-off in Soho, but unfortunately it doesn’t deliver.

The Venue
Patisserie Valerie has a great location on Old Compton Street, a quiet road that runs parallel with Shaftsbury Avenue. This ensures that it doesn’t overflow with too many people and the fact that it comprises of two floors, both of healthy proportions, means you stand a good chance of finding a vacant table. That being said, Patisserie Valerie is popular and never feels empty. As the counter has been positioned immediately inside the door, the entrance can get a bit cramped at times, particularly during the lunch hour when numerous locals drop in to grab a slice of cake to take back to the office. Once inside, however, you can breathe and appreciate the Mediterranean vibe effervescing off the peach-coloured walls and from the European paintings and apt pot plants.

The Atmosphere
The standard of service lets the side down somewhat as service with a smile doesn’t appear to be a company policy. From the moment you step into the cafe you’re never made to feel welcome. After finding a table you may have to sit and wait empty-handed for a while before you’re given a menu – and once you do get one, it seems the staff will do their best to avoid you at all costs, walking briskly past the table with their heads down. When placing your order and being served don’t expect conversation, a smile or a cheerful ‘enjoy!’ because you won’t get it. With the service being so poor, the experience is left feeling like a disappointment which is a great shame.

The Food
Your all day breakfast will set you back £6.95 and consists of two eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausage, grilled tomatoes and toast. If you want to add beans or anything else you’ll be charged a staggering £1.25. Continental breakfasts are also available and include pastries, pancakes and toasted sandwiches. The club and toasted ciabattas come in at a touch under seven quid and are served with salad and potato crisps. If you fancy something a little more wholesome, an evening meal costs around £8 for which you can choose from their selection of Italian style dishes. Most people that wonder into Patisserie Valerie, however, will have one thing on their mind - the cakes they saw in the window when they were walking along the street. One of these will set you back between £2 and £4 depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have.

The Drink
Drinks are very expensive. A mineral water costs a monstrous £2.20 and a small freshly squeezed orange juice, £2.40. Ice cream milkshakes are also on the menu as are the usual selection of coffees and a wide variety of teas. The hot chocolate isn’t particularly special and might turn up cooler that you hoped for making the price of £2.40 even more outrageous. For those that fancy a glass of wine to wash their meal down in the evening, a small selection of wines are available.

The Last Word
Patisserie Valerie has the potential to be great but the staff doesn’t seem to have any passion for what they do and this is what ruins the experience. If they took a little more pride in their work and tried to make you feel welcome then this would be a lovely restaurant/cafe/patisserie.

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