Maison Bertaux

Maison Bertaux is an institution and full of character - and that's really the only reason to go there. though i am sure there once was a time when Bertaux served the best French patisserie you could find in Soho, they sadly haven't really managed to keep up with the likes of Patisserie Valerie, Amato and even Paul - all of which serve cakes and pastries of a far superior quality and choice (at a better price too). At £4.50 a piece, you won't be coming to Bertaux for the cake - it must be the ambiance. Saying that, ambiance and character does not have to sacrifice hygiene and housekeeping. The Maison looks like it hasn't seen a bottle of bleach in 30 years.
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Azem - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 2
Friday, May 28, 2010

The previous person who reviewed Bertaux has totally missed the point. This is a Soho institution - my mum has been coming here since the '60s and I continue to do so myself because it's full of character and completely unique. The decor remains largely unchanged for decades, but that's what gives the place its cosy feel - it's like stepping back in time into an eccentric family's house! Staff can be outspoken at times but that's one of the reason many regulars return.

The cakes and savouries are delicious - try the cheese tarts or one of their freshly baked danish pastries. For anyone who is underwhelmed by sterile chain cafes and is looking for somewhere with bags of character, style and delicious food, I'd recommend Bertaux without hesitation - it's one of a kind and long may it remain.
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Thursday, December 03, 2009

If my two visits are anything to go by there is definitely something wrong with the service at Maison Bertaux. The charmless man behind the counter immediately made us feel less than welcome, rushing us to make a decision on their unappetising looking cakes which with no one else queueing seemed unnecessary. Once we'd taken our seats in the 'characterful' (trans: grotty) upstairs room, another of the dreary staff brought us our cakes, barking 'whose is this?' and when we didn't answer quickly enough waved the plate around in an attempt to get a response. He ended his service masterclass by reaching across me and, without a sorry or excuse me, bashed me in the arm to put down a spoon. Anyone who's been to a real french patisserie will find this place laughable. Oversized, synthetic looking cakes that taste just as bad. The last time I was here we were surrounded by tables full of dirty plates and a floor full of crumbs. I've yet to find anything to recommend this place, uncomfortable, dingy, terrible service and cakes better suited as doorstops.
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JK
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Friday, October 23, 2009