Fans of baked goods are exceptionally well-served in Islington. You can get viral croissant ice cream cones at British Patagonia, snag a wholesome loaf at Sourdough Sophia, or eat your way into a whole homebaked lifestyle at bougie fave Popham’s. There’s simply no excuse for settling for Gail’s or Pret. And now, it’s getting a delicious new spot that’s all about quintessentially French baking, served up alongside a line-up of coffees and hot drinks.
Authentique aims to live up to its name by using traditional methods and quality ingredients, including Valrhona chocolate and lashings of butter. Its newest bakery will open up in June on 351-352 Upper Street, Islington, and will have a sunny yellow frontage, with indoor and outdoor seating that’s perfect for lingering over a pastry and a hot drink by Conscious Coffee.
Judging by the line-up on offer at Authentique’s two pre-existing London branches in Tufnell Park and Finsbury Park, the menu will be stuffed with all the classic favourites you’d find at any local French bakery. Croissants, crusty baguettes, croque monsieurs, sandwiches like the legendary jambon-buerre, and delicate pastries including flan and chocolate-pistachio brioches will adorn its groaning counter, ready to tempt passers-by into abandoning any low-carb health regimes they may be attempting.
This site on Upper Street was formerly occupied by a deli, and that tradition will continue with Authentique’s line-up of classic French groceries, including charcuterie, cheese, jams, honey and of course wine. So next time you’re planning a picnic, pop in and load up your basket with delicacies that taste like they’re fresh from a Parisian neighbourhood shop.
Still peckish? These London bakeries are definitely worth your dough.
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