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Macaron
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Don’t search for ‘Macaron’ – this pâtisserie’s name is nowhere on the signage – look for the giant pink ice-cream cone by the front door. Nab a small table on the pavement, gaze out over Clapham Common, and nod to the young locals popping in for a long baguette and coffee. It wouldn’t take a large glass of wine to imagine you’ve been teleported to 1930s Paris. It’s forever sunny inside this tea room; the ceiling is painted blue with fluffy clouds and fat cherubs. The saccharine extends to the crockery: old Royal Albert bone china, flowery with gold edging. On the menu, there’s a varied selection of Chinese tea; a pot of nettle tea came full of fresh leaves thanks to the friendly waitresses. The display of freshly made baguettes and sandwiches on rye was tempting, though we opted for a creamy, moist leek tart (for which a side salad would have been appreciated). You’d expect the macaroons to be fabulous here – and you’d be right. There are rows and rows of pretty double-deckers (two pressed together with flavoured sweet cream), plus traditional varieties such as vanilla and pistachio; it’s also worth trying the tropical flavours like lychee.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Don't bother with the bread in this place. It is apalling! Catch a bus from Clapham Common to Clapham Junction, and get your bread from The Breadstall on Northcote road. They have the best French baguette outside France. Better than Paul and Au Pain Quotidien. I say £1.50 well spent.
I bought a couple of baguettes from Macaron the other day and was really disappointed. They were nothing at all like they are in France, they were the British version you find in supermarkets: doughy and soft like a pillow and the crumb was like gum and had no texture. Very different from genuine French baguette with the firm, crunchy crust. The taste was different too, like it was made with a different type of flour altogether.
Has the shop change management? Is it a question of saving on costs? I'd rather pay up to £1.50 for a good baguette than 90p or thereabouts for a lower quality version that has nothing to do with real thing.
I love this shop, alas, I am not a fan of their baguettes. They are really poor quality, like the ones you find in supermarkets.
I have only discovered this patisserie today and my word, what a treat! It's like Bernachon or Pralus in France, fabulous quality and a great place to hang out. For the connaisseurs I recommend l'eclair au cafe. I think it's the best I ever had. Croissants are even made with the best french butter. And the expresso put to shame the bitter shots you get in these Starbucks/Nero round the corner. Proper arabica, fluffy mousse on top. Great service as well.