London landmark for continental cakes
There was a time when Valerie's was a byword for swish cakes and special occasions, or the place to enjoy a quiet early-morning coffee and croissant among Soho's media movers and shakers. But the business expanded and the three brothers sold their shares. Patisserie Valerie is now a London-wide chain, with the Danish and tall cakes produced in an industrial facility in east London. And sadly it shows, with further decline in quality in 2013. The Soho branch is still the flagship and still worth an occasional visit — you can get a decent cup of coffee or tea — but it's lost dollops of the charm and atmosphere that once made it the jewel of Old Compton Street.

Tags: $ - Budget , Cafe / Bistro , Patisserie