Table for one. I cannot think of a better way to alleviate the frustration of being stood up than enjoying a cake with Nicolas Rouzard, not literally of course but a on infrequent special occasion visits to the Connaught Hotel I have intended to try the cakes, I got wind of a new cake boutique opening of Piccadilly somewhere, actually the Burlington Arcade no 66 - 67 when I look it up. The social media if you like cakes is mouth watering sublime.
Everything from the beautifully attired staff, the attention to detail, the lovely unassuming service is noteworthy worthy at Nicolas Rouzard. Even if you don’t like cake particularly these masterpieces are not sweet. The raspberry one I chose, I narrowed it down to two and then the staff made the final decision telling me the raspberry tarte was a best seller.
I sat outside at a reserved table. It made me feel special, although most of the tables inside were occupied when I arrived so it may have just been serendipitous. I do recommend an outside table on a sunny day, especially when alone, I had been stood up by a good friend last minute unable to get out of work to meet me. The cake served two purposes, a pick me up and a luxurious experience or somewhere I had seen and heard about but never actually tried.
All this fabulousness comes at a price. The cakes are works of art in their own right and will cost you £14 each to go, £17 if you want to sit down, plus a discretionary service charge which I imagine few ask to be removed.
If you have coffee or a cold drink to accompany your cakes expect to pay £60 for two.
Quite a few people entered whilst I was enjoying my cake, about half of which left empty handed. Could have been the lack of available tables inside but maybe £20 for an individual cake was over budget.
May sound a lot but when compared to afternoon tea at the Savoy or Claridges where prices start at £95 per person and you have to have a reservation, you cannot just pop in on the fly, it’s the affordable luxury version.
If you are in London and fancy a posh cuppa and a cake this is where I would recommend. Even just for the people watching.
The cakes are delectable, I cannot wait to visit the new Cafe in the Burlington Arcade, close to Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, St James shopping and the world famous Ritz Hotel.