Julie Andrews surely forgot to mention cupcakes as she sang My Favourite Things – Primrose Bakery reminds you why these small iced wonders are on everyone’s favourites list.

The Venue
Cute as a pie, Primrose Bakery is nestled inside a small room, decorated in powdery colours and furnished with ‘50s pieces, which make the place resemble a diner. There are only three tables, made of formica and metal, and a few antique-style pink and white chairs. The walls are painted in mint and soft yellow whilst the black and white awning outside adds a joyous circus feel to the place. The focus of attention, though, remains the wonderful glass display, where layers and layers of iced goodies compete for attention. A small corner at the back stacks colourful aprons, T-shirts, bags, cards, books and more which are sold alongside the cakes.

The Atmosphere
The food and the venue itself evoke memories of a dolls’ tea party. You’d expect to see girls dressed in white crinoline with boater hats playing with porcelain faced dolls and yet the place appeals to more adults than children. Relaxed business meetings are held here during the afternoon and the bakery is busier during the week, when the nearby offices stop by for a pleasant afternoon break or to order cupcakes for a birthday or a function. Pre-theatre hours are popular as well.

The Food
Cupcakes are the house specialty and the selection is so vast it will take you more than one visit to sample everything. They come in regular (£1.85 – £1.95) or miniature (£1.25 - £1.35) sizes, the latter being made with either vanilla or chocolate whilst the bigger versions are made with a wide variety of sponges and icing. Some of the best picks are the moist, sweet carrot cake and a very tasty, almost adult-like Earl Grey sponge made with real tea and decorated with lilac vanilla icing. Banana and with walnuts and chocolate icing has a rich taste but the banana flavour could be stronger. Many other flavours are available, including rose, mocha, coffee, lemon and more. Some are strictly seasonal, like chocolate sponge with brandy cream icing, made during the Christmas period, raspberry with white chocolate or ginger. Flavours change daily but the classic ones are always available.

Cakes are available as well, made fresh daily in the oven in the basement. Victoria sponge, plum cake, coffee and walnut cake and others look delicious but it’s hard to resist the prettily iced, colourful cupcakes. It is somehow a shame since all the baked goods here are wonderfully crafted; they all look beautiful and there’s no compromising on taste – colouring is kept to a minimum and everything is baked (and iced) downstairs.

The Drink
Hot drinks are ideal to go with cupcakes and here you can choose from a classic variety of coffees and teas (from £1.35 to £2, and 60p for a babychino). However, the cold drinks are just as interesting since you can order things like Coke floats (£3.50), milkshakes (£3.95), glasses of organic milk (£1.25) and more – it’s not just the decor that’s ‘50s inspired but also the drinks, too.

The Last Word
As sweet and cute as its cupcakes, Primrose Bakery in Covent Garden is ideal for a mid-afternoon break with your best friend.

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