Fait Maison

Fait Maison means 'homemade' en Français. So everything at the original shop in Kensington, and both of the branches on Goldhawk Road and Ravenscourt Park, is made in-house.

Oversized flaky croissants, decadent custard tarts, orange and coconut cupcakes, black forest gateau, toothsome chocolate chip cookies (75p-£2.75). All of them are stacked up on cake stands, tempting passers-by.

Own-brand 'Fait Maison' coffees and Twinings teas are brewed up and fresh orange and apple juices are squeezed to order.

The range extends to savouries and full meals - a salad bar has daily specials. On our visits they included grilled chicken with preserved lemons, herby roast lamb, several platters of grilled vegetables and green salads - all ready to be boxed up in different sizes (£3.50/4.50/5.95 and £11.95).

With a little notice, Fait Maison also provides reasonably-priced catering for any event. The friendly staff do know their stuff, though they don't necessarily convince you of it as they amble around on their own agenda.

Little ones are more than welcome here and are made to feel at home, with weekly baking classes, activity sessions, and waffle machines.

There is ample space to eat inside or outdoors on the enclosed pavement seating on Goldhawk Road. The café is also conveniently placed to provision a ready-made picnic for nearby Ravenscourt Park.