Comptoir Gourmand

Items Ordered:
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.

Absolutely amazing Tartiflette. I would strongly recommend it. Chunks of potatoes and lardons drowned in reblochon cheese. What’s not to love!
The croissant and ham were pretty standard, it’s difficult to go wrong with that. However the macaroons they do are quite average.
It does get quite crowded around lunch time, and getting a place to sit could get challenging, but then you dot go to Maltby Street to sit.

The coffee’s better across the street (just sayin’) but you can’t beat the proper French pastries here at this cosy little eatery. In fact, I think Comptoir Gourmand and Fix Coffee should work out a nice little ‘we bake/​you brew’ relationship.
The folks behind the counter are friendly and efficient, the food’s tasty (and honestly the coffee’s fine) and the vibe is pleasant for a bit of a linger. Come warmer days, the few tables outside are ideal for people gawking on Whitecross street — catch the City schleppers in the am and the market goers during lunch.
I’m liking this place more and more each time I visit.

A great new place with a various selection of pastries, salads and other delicatessen. I loved the Chocolate Soufflé and am looking forward to the brownie I took along.