Food & Drink
Is bakery tourism the most tempting travel trend of the year?
The rise of hotel bakeries is feeding luxury travellers’ appetite for indulgence
It might be the season to jet off to a fashionable beach club, but now is also the time to seek out the best pastries as bakery tourism has arrived and we (along with some of our favourite hotels) are fully on board with the trend.
The finest hotels, from London to Paris, are enticing gourmands to check in and visit their on-site patisseries to indulge in stunning desserts from celebrated pastry chefs.
This summer, Claridge’s is set to open its first bakery, with Richard Hart at the helm, and British classics such as jam tarts, iced fingers and Hart's renowned sourdough loaves on the menu.
Of course, Claridge's is by far the first luxury hotel to open a bakery. Master pastry chef Cédric Grolet opened his pastry boutique in Paris’ Le Meurice in 2018, before bringing his hallmark trompe-l'oeil fruit cakes to The Berkeley in London (his first patisserie outside of France) in 2022. Grolet's arrival at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has also been announced for later this summer.
To help you on your way to pastry perfection, we’ve brought you more of the world’s top hotel bakeries worth travelling for…
Scoff at The Savoy, London
Afternoon tea-lovers have been enjoying scones at The Savoy for over a century, and since last year, they have been available to purchase from the hotel's dedicated scone shop, Scoff. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Houchet, the scones are anything but traditional. They're generously filled and topped with unique flavours, including strawberries and cream, exotic punch, caramel popcorn, and tiramisu. Scoff scones are presented in beautiful boxes to take away or served as part of The Savoy’s classic afternoon tea service.
Les Desserts by Tom Coll at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai
An icon of the Dubai skyline, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab opened its opulent pastry boutique Les Desserts on the first floor of the hotel last year. Executive Pastry Chef Tom Coll's tempting treats range from the fruity Raspberry Tart to the rich Pistachio Religieuse. Chef Tom's artistic pastries can be enjoyed in-store or delivered to your suite by a private butler. In true Burj style, Les Desserts displays its pastries with 24-karat gold finishes on an Italian white marble counter. Coll’s creations can also be found in the afternoon tea served at the Skyview Lounge, on the 27th floor.
Cédric Grolet Singapore at COMO Metropolitan Singapore
Celebrity pastry chef Cédric Grolet opened his first Asian bakery, Cédric Grolet Singapore, in the lobby of the COMO Metropolitan Singapore in 2023, bringing pastry fans the chance to savour his art-like creations in a sophisticated setting. From his hyper-realistic fruit-shaped desserts to delicately layered and airy croissants, each piece is a visual and gastronomic masterpiece. You'll get to experience Grolet's pastries as an in-room welcome gift when you check into COMO Metropolitan Singapore. They're also served daily for breakfast and afternoon tea.
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir at Ritz Paris
Under the visionary guidance of Executive Pastry Chef François Perret, Ritz Paris Le Comptoir is a testament to the art of French patisserie. The stylish boutique, with its chic counter and packaging, elevates classic treats into playful and exquisite creations. Perret, known for his innovative approach, transforms the humble madeleine into a cloud of buttery perfection, often with a molten heart of various flavours. There are tarts and viennoiseries available for you to indulge on the spot or take away. A second boutique opened in the Latin Quarter in June.
Pierre Hermé Paris at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
Known as the 'Picasso of Pastry,' Pierre Hermé brings his signature creations to Dubai with a new bakery at one of the most exciting hotel openings of the year: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Steve Thiery, the boutique's creations are meticulously crafted with an excellent balance of flavour and texture. Expect to be delighted by the likes of the Minute Millefeuille with caramelised puff pastry and vanilla mascarpone cream, and the Ispahan macaron biscuit filled with rose petal cream, raspberries and lychee. You can taste the creations in the hotel's afternoon tea, or opt to take them away for later.
Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught, London
Set on Mount Street with its own entrance, Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught was inspired by the idea of a jewellery box. With respected Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud running it since the opening in 2020, the elegant bakery showcases the finest French culinary traditions. Pains au Chocolat, Lime Madeleine and Strawberry Tart feature regularly on the menu and the Signature Connaught Hound, a chocolate hazelnut cake, keeps gourmands returning. The Connaught's patisserie even has a playful clock telling you whether it's time for a croissant or afternoon cake.