Edible Art.
It fills my soul with joy to see such an array of sweet treats. The new Donutelier in Carnaby Street offers donuts and pastries which are almost too beautiful to eat… almost.
Donutelier is one of London’s high-end patisseries, and they have style and impeccable good taste. The boutique donut store takes the classic donut (or doughnut) and embellishes it. Each creation is a visual work of art.
This latest opening occupies an enviable position on celebrated Carnaby Street in Central London. Carnaby Street has a long and colourful history. The street was probably laid out in the late 1600s. It was famed in the 1960s for its hippy tie-dye shops and Indian-inspired gift emporia. Over the decades it has become smarter and more polished and now attracts those looking for both trending fashion and good food.
Donutelier’s artisan culinary craftsmanship takes place in-house, with skilled chefs making the stunning goods fresh every day, three times a day. Their mission is to innovate and expand the brand worldwide, although I suggest they open their next branch in Twickenham. Did I mention I live in Twickenham?
The impressive store is a vision of gold and unique lighting, and is laden with glass cloches covering trays of the most exquisite donuts, pastries and croissants. There is House-blend coffee and tables at which to appreciate one’s chosen confection. This is a stylish spot in which to relax for a moment and indulge in some sweet decadence.
The ethos of hospitality
Yes, the baked goods are the equal of those found anywhere in Paris, but it is the staff which will also help to ensure the success of Donutelier. Both front of house and the kitchen team are steeped in the ethos of hospitality. It takes more than a great location, beautiful space and exceptional culinary offerings to make a successful business. The attitude and training of the staff is a key component. The staff here are friendly and proud of their company; that and the quality of these spectacular offerings have already garnered return visits. London is a city of choices, so that is something of an accolade.
The Carnaby Toffee Pudding is exclusive to Carnaby Street, and is bound to become a signature donut here. It is a creation of date toffee and Chantilly cream filling, crumble, sugar dusting and topped with a caramel pipette to add just a little theatre to your taste and texture event.
The Pistachio donut is a multi-element stunner in delicate green. It’s made with Chantilly cream and pistachio-rippled filling, pistachio nibs and crispy raspberries, pistachio ganache and an almond sable disc. This is a colourful, architectural and Instagram-worthy delight which was evidently popular with other photographically-inclined guests when we visited Donutelier.
The Spiced Apple Crumble pastry is a marriage of classic laminated pastry with traditional apple pie. If you enjoy your desserts on the less-sweet side, then this is the treat for you. The fruit topping is perfectly chopped in small dice and cooked with just enough sugar to allow the tartness of the apples to shine. This is perfect to pair with a nice cup of tea. Spiced Apple Crumble is made with Pan Suisse pastry, almond cream base, vanilla ganache filling, spiced caramelised apples and almond crumble. This might not seem to be the most extravagant pastry at Donutelier but it is a taste of old-fashioned comfort – elevated.
Everything at Donutelier is noteworthy and nothing disappoints. Every creation is expertly dipped, sprinkled, swirled or garnished. They are temptations of taste and texture, and memorable. This gorgeous Carnaby Street sweet boutique is where art and culinary perfection meet.
Donutelier Carnaby Street
50 Carnaby Street
London W1F 9A
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 09:30am-10:30pm including Bank holidays.
Holiday Opening Hours:
24th Dec: 09:30am-10:30pm or sold out
25th Dec: 09:30am-10:30pm
26th Dec: 09:30am-10:30pm
31st Dec: 09:30am-10:30pm or sold out
1st Jan: 09:30am-10:30pm
Also at:
Donutelier Charing Cross Road
48-50 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0BB
Visit Donutelier here