Café
Monmouth Coffee Borough
A specialty coffee shop and roaster's outlet at Borough Market, serving filter and espresso coffee and selling beans that can be sampled in store.
Maison Bertaux
A small French pâtisserie on Greek Street, founded in 1871 and often described as London's oldest, serving cream cakes, scones and pots of tea.
At a glance
- Type
- French pâtisserie and tea room
- Area
- Soho, London, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- maisonbertaux.com
Good to know
- Cream cakes
- Scones
- Speciality teas
- Celebration cakes to order
Why we recommend it
Maison Bertaux is a small French pâtisserie and tea room on Greek Street in Soho, founded in 1871 by a Frenchman named Bertaux, who came to London from Paris. It is often described as the oldest pâtisserie in London, and it has been run since 1988 by sisters Michele and Tania Wade, with Michele having worked there since her teens. The shop has survived changing fortunes in Soho, including a closure during the pandemic, after which a crowdfunding campaign helped secure its future.
The pâtisserie is known for fresh cream cakes and French-style pastries, as well as artisan scones and cheesecake, displayed in the window and on the counter. Speciality teas and coffees are served to accompany them. The interior is cosy and a little bohemian, and three mirrors bear the words liberté, égalité, fraternité, a nod to the founder's background. Seating is limited, so it is a small, intimate space rather than a large tea room.
Maison Bertaux suits anyone with a sweet tooth, couples looking for a characterful afternoon stop and visitors who want a taste of old Soho. It has long been popular with artists, writers and performers, and it has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere rather than the polish of a hotel tea room. It is a good place for a slice of cake and a pot of tea between theatre matinees and evening plans, or for picking up pastries to take away.
There are no reservations, and seating is first come, first served, so expect to wait or take your cakes away at busy times such as weekend afternoons. Opening hours are not published in full on the official website, so check before making a special trip. The shop also takes orders for celebration cakes and hosts occasional events. Because the space is so small, it is best visited in pairs or small groups rather than with a large party.
Maison Bertaux is at 28 Greek Street, next door to the Coach and Horses pub. Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations are both a few minutes' walk away. Soho Square, the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue, Chinatown and the restaurants and bars of Old Compton Street and Frith Street are all close by.
Maison Bertaux FAQs
How old is Maison Bertaux?
It was founded in 1871 and is often described as London's oldest pâtisserie.
Who runs Maison Bertaux?
Sisters Michele and Tania Wade, who have managed it since 1988.
What does it sell?
French pastries, fresh cream cakes, scones, cheesecake, teas and coffees.
Can I book a table?
No, seating is first come, first served.
Is there seating?
Yes, but it is limited, so expect to wait or take cakes away at busy times.
Can I order a celebration cake?
Yes, the shop takes cake orders through its website.
Where is it?
At 28 Greek Street in Soho, next to the Coach and Horses pub.
Which station is nearest?
Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road, both a few minutes' walk.