Today we’re heading to Covent Garden for an English afternoon tea with a twist – a French one – at Le Restaurant de PAUL. The restaurant is set in the heart of Covent Garden, a short stroll from the buzzing piazza. It’s a family company dating back to 1889 with five generations of baking expertise behind it. So you can expect some seriously good delights here – both savoury and sweet.
All of which arrive beautifully laid out on their attractive tower. Accompanied by free-flowing sparkling wine – vin mousseux from Ky Procco by Alain Gayrel.
Sandwiches made from the freshest of French bread – it’s baked on-site every day using specially imported French flour – with three tasty fillings. Oozing camembert, tender chicken and a salmon and cream cheese mix. Dainty and flavoursome, the perfect start to tea. I love a good sandwich and always wish for more. Perhaps that’s just greedy.
Next we tucked into the brioche which was served with jam and cream – instead of the English tradition of scones. Simply wonderful, the fluffy brioche had a golden finish, a perfect sweetness and was mouth-watering spread with cream and strawberry jam. I would never eat another scone again if this was the option on offer. Seriously.
The top of the tower was home to the stunning sweet treats. The croquant slice offers chocolate deliciousness that has to be tasted to be believed. A dark chocolate sponge cake layered with chocolate mousse, crisp praline and topped with a dark chocolate glaze. Wow!
The Fraisier slice was made from fluffy layers of Genoese sponge, filled with mousseline cream and fresh strawberries and finished with pale green marzipan and more strawberries. And then there were the famous PAUL macarons – we had their vibrant pistachio and raspberry delights.
I’m loving this French take on tea!
Le Restaurant de PAUL is a hard place to walk past – its window is brimful of irresistible goodies! My advice – don’t walk past, go in and treat yourself.
Today’s price point
Bottomless afternoon tea comes at £24.95 per person. For that you get your complete tower of goodies – sandwiches, brioche, cakes and macarons and free-flowing sparkling wine.
Le Restaurant de PAUL is at 29 Bedford Street.
Looks amazing Sandy! Wish I was there devouring those magnificent treats with you!
Me too! You would have loved the sparkling wine.