It’s no secret that Leadenhall Market is considered a top Harry Potter location in London, yet beyond breathtaking gold and burgundy architecture, you also have a delicious bakery to try there – Aux Merveilleux de Fred.
Ever since my first time moving to London in 2019, I have been on the lookout for cute bakeries and French patisseries.
After all, I am partly French and believe me, it’s not that easy to find really good French pastries in London.
I have found some at places like Belle Epoque Patisserie in Islington, which are true to the kind of éclairs, macarons and croissants you would be able to buy in Paris.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred in Leadenhall Market, however, takes French patisserie and renames it with its own recipes, flavors, and textures – read the complete review to know more about my thoughts!
Aux Merveilleux de Fred Leadenhall, The Best French Pastries in London
I first discovered Aux Merveilleux de Fred in France, when I was working at Saga Cosmetics on Rue de Rivoli, and my first thought was that it was one of the most beautiful bakeries in Paris.
It’s already posh in France, so when such a brand also opens branches in London, you know the prices are going to follow.
I love finding cute bakeries in London, and while I am more used to the South Kensington cafe bakery, it was a nice change to try the Leadenhall Market spot.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London Review: Location & Decor
When you walk from Liverpool Street Station to Leadenhall Market, you’ll find Aux Merveilleux de Fred is one of the first places on your left.
Everything from the lights of the pastry shop to the small terrace with a beautiful view of Leadenhall Market’s shops feels inviting.
And to be honest, while you do feel the air of sophistication around Aux Merveilleux de Fred, the staff is so friendly that you just feel at peace enjoy coffee and a bite.
The opening times vary according to the day of the week, but the pastry shop is roughly open from 7/8 am to 6.30 pm every day of the week but on Sundays (closed).
Read: The Best Macarons in London
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London Review: Inside the Pastry Shop & Menu
Aux Merveilleux de Fred is one of the smallest pastry shops in London, and they have a short but sweet menu.
What they do, they do exceptionally well, and if you’re ever looking for cheap eats in London or some type of snack to keep you going, a visit to this pastry shop is definitely in order.
Especially since you have some really cute hidden gems nearby, from the Tivoli Corner at nearby Bank to the incredible church ruins of St Dunstan in the East.
Read: The Most Gorgeous Castles and Palaces in London
The French meringues are one of the bestselling pastries at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, as are the Cramiques (pictured above).
The cramiques are a type of Belgian brioche that can be found in the North of France, and come in several flavors at Aux Merveilleux de Fred:
- Plain
- Sugar
- Raisins
- Raisins and sugar
- Chocolate
If I may, the Sugar Cramique has been my favorite type of brioche for the longest time now – one of the best things to eat in London overall if you have a sweet tooth.
Read: The Most Unusual Places to Visit in London
While the Cramique and meringue range are must-tries, the bestselling pastry at Aux Merveilleux de Fred is, well, the Merveilleux (pictured above and below).
The Merveilleux is a small French pastry made from meringue, a biscuit, whipped cream and a topping.
Several incredible flavors are available to buy from the Leadenhall Market bakery, including caramel, white chocolate, cherry or chocolate.
Read: The Most Unique Shops in London
With a small Merveilleux retailing for just about £2, a meringue for £2 and a Cramique for about £3, you have lots of options to eat for under £10 – and really have your own fancy moment.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London Review: What I Ordered
The very morning I visited the Aux Merveilleux de Fred branch in Leadenhall Market, I hadn’t planned to eat out for lunch that day.
I however really felt like trying out a couple of the pastries there again before walking around London Bridge and Borough Market.
Read: The Best Shops on Oxford Street
That’s why I got two mini Merveilleux, a Cramique as well as a latte, my go-to coffee in London:
- L’Incroyable: Meringue, speculoos biscuit, whipped cream coated with shaved white chocolate.
- Le Magnifique: Meringue, praline whipped cream, coated with crushed caramelized almonds and hazelnuts.
- Sugar Cramique: Brioche with sugar pearls.
Read: The Best Christmas Window Shops in London
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London: Sugar Cramique Review
If I remember well, the whole breakfast cost me between £10 and £12, but I am also aware I over-ordered and actually finished the Cramique later during the day.
The one reason why I love the Sugar Cramique is that while it’s usually well-cooked on the outside, the sugar pearls inside the brioche make the dough melt on the tongue.
If you’re having a romantic date in London, I find that the sophistication and true-blue Frenchness of the brioche’s texture make it a perfect bite while walking around.
Plus, Bank and the City of London are one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, filled with secret sculptures and statues.
Why not get a coffee and a Cramique to go and then try to discover some secret, beautiful streets in the surroundings?
Perfect if you’re living in London on a budget and can either afford eating out or an activity – we’ve all been there!
Read: How to Save Money on Groceries in London
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London: Mini Merveilleux Review
The Merveilleux pastries from Aux Merveilleux de Fred come in different sizes – even in large birthday cake sizes.
Out of the six classic flavors they have, I chose Le Magnifique (pictured above, made with caramelized crushed almonds, hazelnuts, praline and meringue).
Well, I cannot even begin to explain how crunchy, creamy and delicate this one felt under my teeth.
Not too heavy, but two of those mini Merveilleux are definitely enough with a coffee in the morning in my opinion, especially if you are used to intermittent fasting like I am.
Read: Harrods Review, London’s Prettiest Department Store
L’Incroyable Merveilleux has notes of speculoos, white chocolate, whipped cream and meringue – the base of the Merveilleux pastries is meringue, and again, this one felt very delicate.
Where the cream of Le Magnifique Merveilleux is made from praline, L’Incroyable is made from whipped cream, thus feeling just a tad lighter.
With those two French pastries, I ordered a latte, large size, always amazing when I know I’m going to be walking around London a lot during the day.
Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
Aux Merveilleux de Fred London Review: Final Thoughts
One thing to remember about Aux Merveilleux de Fred Leadenhall Market is that there are no toilets available – at least, the bakery itself is too small to accommodate a restroom.
The fact that the terrace is located inside Leadenhall Market, which is itself open, means that you won’t really want to hang out during winter, as it gets very cold.
However, since Aux Merveilleux de Fred is one of the cutest bakeries in London, it’s definitely worth a picture and a bite.
Read: The Best Places to See Autumn Colors in London
Aux Merveilleux de Fred Leadenhall, The Best French Pastries in London
Faultless is the only word that comes to mind when I think of Aux Merveilleux de Fred, whether their bakeries in London or the ones in Paris.
Currently, there are five branches around London which include:
- Leadenhall Market in the City of London
- Clapham
- King’s Cross
- High Street Kensington
- South Kensington
In case you’re not around the City of London, it just so appears that Aux Merveilleux de Fred is definitely one of my favorite bakeries in South Kensington.
Lots of coffee shops there, but this French pastry shop?
Unforgettable.