I wasn’t entirely impressed by this place. When my sister visited from Ireland, she was hell-bent on checking it out after reading a recommendation in the Lonely Planet. However, the service was abismal - and the food was not great considering how expensive it was. I got French toast - but it was really nothing special. The waiter had some kind of attitude like we should be honoured that he was even serving us at all.

But the patisserie downstairs looked amazing - I’ll say that. Maybe we were just unlucky that day…..hhhmmmm..
Patisserie Valerie is part of a chain and I’ve also visited the one in Spitalfields - which is so much nicer. But the branch in Soho does have a kind of old-world charm about it compared to the sleek and chic Spitalfields. Next time, I’ll just get a croissant…

hmmm…. this place doesn’t have the same charm as the St James’ branch. I don’t know why. I mean, I like the fact that it’s on two floors, I like the cute little sugar mice in the window (bless!) but it’s just not that fun.

It’s cramped. It’s too busy and it takes ages to get served and when you do it’s by some waiter who couldn’t care less. I really don’t like the staff in this branch. I don’t care if it’s cool to be rude in Soho. It just means I won’t tip you.

I’m so fond of the St James’ branch and I urge TikiChris to go to that one instead! That one is fab. I dont come to this one anymore. It kinda takes the fun out of the cakes. And I don’t want to be anywhere that ruins cake.

Patisserie Valerie is a well established French pastry establishment in London. The window displays say: come in!
I highly recommend you to buy your birthday or other special occasion cakes over there. They have a lot of choice and the cakes taste as good as they look. Everytime I celebrate something at home, I head to Patisserie Valerie and order one and neither me or my guests have been disappointed so far.

Patisserie Valerie Is arguably the best pastry establishment in London, and it only takes one visit for you to realize how its gained this reputation. Indeed Patisserie Valerie Is responsible for my sudden weight gain in the summer of 2001 when I worked across the street from this evil den of sugar. Not a lunch time would pass without me popping across the road to pick out a mini pizza or creamy scone to scoff down my throat.

Eventually I forced myself into going cold turkey but still till this day I cant walk down Compton Street without feeling the temptation to pop in and spoil not only myself but my figure. Please ignore my example of resistance and indulge your self in this fortress of sugar, cream and pure joy.

Style over substance and more hype than maybe it deserves. Still, Valerie is a good place when you got a sugar fix that needs attending to. The window displays are lovely. There are better places and, honestly, I think PV makes the bulk of its money from impulse buys and out-of-towners passing by.

I cannot walk past with cafe without staring in the window every day and I challenge anyone with a sweet tooth to do likewise!
The cakes are stunning works of art, and I'm pleased to say I have had the pleasure of tasting some of these and found them just as delicious as they look. This cafe has character, and I would recommend eating in to experience this authentic feel. Apparently artists who have flocked to London to make their mark in the theatre world throughout the years have hung out here. Although it can get a little busy at lunchtimes, it is ideal for an afternoon tea. Look out for the delightful marzipan characters and the delicious mince pies at Christmas time.

Patisserie Valerie was founded in 1926 and has become something of an institution. The current premises are around the corner from the original and there are now several branches around central London.

The Old Compton Street cafe, on two levels, is like something out of a 1970's time-warp. The decor is old-fashioned, and the menus feature old favourites such as scrambled eggs on toast (even at lunchtime), alongside other light dishes, snacks and sandwiches.

Their speciality is, of course, cakes and pastries, which are temptingly beautiful to look at and taste just as good. They are also well known locally for their breakfasts, which I am told are also highly rated.

I go here for lunch once a month or so. Be warned: it can get very busy at lunchtimes, and service is horribly variable (but that's all part of the 50's charm in an odd sort of way). The new Piccadilly branch is a bit more upmarket.