Comptoir Gourmand
Macaron Samples
Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Almond Croissant
Canele
Bakewell Tart – Almond Tart with Raspberry
Lamington – Victoria Sponge dipped in chocolate, rolled in coconut
Ducking out of The Table with plans to attend The Borough Market soon thwarted by a throng of early shoppers it was in a quick re-route that I found myself on Druid Street and although intending originally only to visit St. John Bakery my curiosity (and gluttony) could not help but stop by Comptoir Gourmand for a few bites en route. Technically French in concept but covering a wide swath of styles as part of a growing chain providing supply to several cafes throughout the city it was admittedly with wide eyes that I approached the garage of sweet treats and although oddly chopped gummy macaron samples should have served warning when several other options appeared average at best a five part order soon took shape, the results ranging from a horrendous frangipane hot pocket dubbed an “almond croissant” to a stellar representation of the Aussie favorite Lamington with the rest otherwise forgettable save for the sheer size of the cookie. Perhaps a victim of its own success or the product of an ‘everything to everyone’ approach suffice it to say that there is simply better pastry to be found throughout London although I obviously did not sample the lot even high volume kitchens like those at Harrod’s and Fortnum & Mason seem to be putting out a superior product on the whole.
RECOMMENDED: Lamington.
AVOID: Oddly, for a “French Bakery” the croissant was terrible, the macerated macarons gummy, and the canele flaccid.
TIP: Offering free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and plenty of free street parking nearby I guess there is at least that incentive to stop by…
http://www.comptoirgourmand.co.uk/
