Paul

Usually I *love* Paul, but this place is dreary even on a sunny day, the pastries looked sad in their cases and the service feels particularly unfriendly. It’s probably not this particular Paul’s fault but the apple pastry I got was a little sour and sad, usually I adore Paul pastries. There are just so many wonderful other local bakeries on Upper Street that I’m not sure why you’d ever come here.

For Freuchie like me who sometimes have to deal with homesickness, Paul is the perfect place to recover. The smell of fresh bread, rows and rows of sweet treats and some of the prettiest sandwiches this side of the Channel… I feel just at home.

Amazing staff, me and a friend stayed there for hours and ate pastries until it closed. The staff were very friendly and we had a nice chat before we called it a day! Would defiantly recommend.

Went up there to pick up few boxes of their famous mini macaroons. These tiny things are an absolute treat! A box of 12 (6 different flavours) comes in a nice box with optional ribbon for £9.25 and makes a nice gift as well! Try these out. They also do what ever you expect a French Bakery/​Patisserie to do! And staff of course was brilliant!

Needs a bit of a décor refresh but am obsessed with their pistachio giant macaron. Consistently fresh, chewy, crisp with delicious creamy filling. GreenTea for £1.75 in a large cup is good value.

Amazing hot chocolate, thick like chocolate sauce, friendly staff.
It is a chain formula, so although it is good and with nice thoughtful service, could not give it 5 stars as does not have the magic of an independent

I must say, we do love our chocolate croissants, and Paul does not disappoint. along with a café latte the way only made in this region, they have the flakiness of a croissant down to paris level excellence. there are a bunch of Paul locations all over london, So you are bound to bump into one along your travels.

In my quest to find my new local bakery, I visited Paul a couple times to sample their everyday sorts of artisan breads. The bread was okay — once quite burned, but it was the only loaf they had left. Also a little pricey to pick up multiple times a week.
Still, it was fine in my book until my last visit. Now, I must preface my story by saying that for more years than I care to recall, I served food to people, and there’s this golden rule that you always give the customer the best looking thing you’ve got. That way, every customer thinks that he/​she got the best one, that you love them, and everything is blissful. Okay, maybe not all food service people live by this mantra, but certainly you shouldn’t go out of your way to give the customer the WORST looking item in the display case, right? My poor little runt mille feuille. Tucked away, the hardest to get to, and yet, you were the one I walked home with. Maybe some day I’ll be back… and I’ll be that lady who points out exactly which one she wants.

Considering that I can see Paul from my window, it’s only fair that I snag the first review. Side note: When the renovation was taking place, the word «PAUL» was crassly scribbled across a large board over the doorway and I was concerned an obnoxious new neighbour was marking his territory. When the classy black and crème awning appeared, I was relieved that *THIS* was the Paul moving in. He can be my neighbour any day!
That’s a good sign, right? When your neighbours are happy you’re moving in? Yes it is. Because rather than another estate agency along Upper Street, we now get decent organic coffee, creative and delicious sandwiches (some of which are hot and go into the «to die for» category) and absolutely fantastic bread. It is seriously seriously good. Seriously. Almost as good as their pain au chocolat I’m currently midnight-​snacking on. Speaking of late night snacking, they are open until 9pm on Saturdays. 9PM!
In a Unilocalshell, I’m happy to report that this Paul location continues to launch Paul ahead of the competition based upon on quality, class and general deliciousness.