Other branches of Pâtisserie Valérie in London:
Covent Garden, Kensington, Knightsbridge, MarylebonePâtisserie Valérie reviews
Have been visiting the Patisserie Valerie branches for years but in the last two years have found their service poor and not in keeping with the reputation this chain commands. Friends and family have often been made to wait more than half an hour for service. Last Saturday, after waiting for half an hour myself with guests from out of town, I left because the waitress could not be bothered to take our order - she was only concerned with the fact it was half an hour from closing time. Punters should know there are better places to spend their money, no matter how nice the cakes and food are here.
by mwang, 25 Mar 2008On the plus side, Pat Val's Old Compton venue is perfectly located for West End meeting point. Enjoy the Valerie's hot chocolate and watch the world go by. The cafe bustles and the downstairs level is always heaving, making you feel delightfully plugged into the heart of the city.
On the downside, don't put too much faith in the cakes. Gone are the days when PV offered a slice of French patisserie expertise... to be honest I wouldn't be much surprised if they shared suppliers with Paul's or any of the other chains. Staff can be amazingly lax and more than once I have seen bemused tourists sit for over half an hour without being served. You go here for atmosphere not culinary nirvana. Wonder at the window display but don't gamble on much more than the mini florentines.
Used to be good many years ago but has gone rapidly downhill since it became a chain. Cakes taste of chemicals now - I've had better at a French motorway service station.
by Mark_W, 03 Feb 2008I buy my husband's birthday cakes from here, and I know many colleagues who get theirs from here too. The cakes are really amazing, and topped with gorgeous chunks of fresh fruit. However, the interior of the patisserie is less than enticing. It's rather dark and dingy. One could call it atmospheric, but there's a nicer branch on Marylebone High St where you can sit outside on a nice day.
by bobbypants "top london reviewer" (55 reviews), 17 Jun 2007Wonderful array of the most delicious patisserie and beverages. Don't be put off by the decor, which is in dire need of a makeover. The food is fantastic and the staff lovely. Like going for tea at a friend's - only extra yummy!
by Anonymous, 07 Apr 2007Superb cakes - they really ARE works of art and taste even better. Compton Street's the best!
by Anonymous, 24 Dec 2006Beautiful cakes, great coffee and divine hot chocolate. There's more on the menu, but it's the cakes that are king. They do actually taste as good as they look - and they look amazing. Unmissable.
by steve69, 25 May 2006I have visited Patisserie Valerie many times, at one point going daily. The food was always ok, but the poor service finally got the better of me.
On one occasion with three friends, we waited to sit down, found a table, waited, waited, asked to order. The waitress said "in a minute" and served others who had arrived after us. We had wasted 20 mins wanting to eat, when we left they paid no attention, they where not even slightly bothered to have let us down. Clearly they are making too much money and can do with out any of mine.
Eustace, London 2005
If you visit Soho you have to visit Pat Val. I don't know what I would do without my gorgeous croissant from this heavenly place. Lovely environment with friendly staff who provide wonderful service. I have been going there for more years than I care to remember. An absolute haven.
by edithasta (3 reviews), 13 Jul 2005Had a great time. The cakes are the best I have ever had and believe me I have had a few! The Soho branch is still the best.
by Anonymous, 21 Jun 2005One of the best cake shop for cakes and the environment is great. I went to a cake shop in HK that has won awards but Patisserie Valerie put them to shame.Started going there when I was a kid, still go there today - great place.
by Anonymous, 17 Apr 2005Birthdays in our office are an excuse to send somebody down here for one of their chocolate cakes. They come attractively wrapped with a little pink ribbon, are always fresh and all-round delicious. They don't usually last long.
Patisserie Valerie also make tasty individual chocolates and tarts and the cafe always looks pleasant, but busy.
Have we missed a great cafe in London? Let us know.
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