Macaron Day - on March 20 - may have been and gone but that doesn’t mean you have to wait till next year to indulge in one of France’s most famous exports.
To celebrate everyone’s favourite sweet treat we’ve rounded up our top 8 places to find the best macarons:
William Curley
For unusual flavours and true expertise, head to William Curley, the eponymous shop of award wining chocolatier and member of Relais Desserts International. Their bestseller is a mouth-watering concoction of sea salt, coffee and hazelnut but for something a little different we recommend the ‘Yuzu’ – a Yuzu shell with white chocolate and mandarin filling.
(0207 730 5522; www.williamcurley.com)
Pierre Herme
In 2015 hungry customers will be invited to taste ‘Les Jardins de Pierre Herme.’ This gourmet tour showcases a different flavour of macaron, every month, inspired by Pierre’s own garden. The ‘Jardin en Sicile’ takes centre stage in March; a blend of orange and basil flower. Alternatively pick up an assortment box from one of their two London boutiques or Selfridges’ concession.
(0207 245 0317; www.pierreherme.com)
Bettys Café
Bettys, based in Harrogate, Yorkshire is fast becoming a stalwart of British teatime tables across the country. Their traditionally flavoured macarons, sandwiches with either pate de fruit, ganache or buttercream, come in two different sized assortment boxes or in individual bags, perfect for wedding or party table favours. If Harrogate isn’t on your doorstep, you can order online or over the phone with a calm mind because all deliveries are sent out with the store’s trademark ‘perfection guarantee’.
(01423 877 300; www.bettys.co.uk)
William Curley macarons.
L’orchidee Boutique Patisserie
L’orchidee only opened in 2011, in the Westfield Stratford centre, but head chef and founder, Daniel Garcia, is already living up to claims that they sell the ‘best French macarons in London.’ Originality is the store’s speciality; the savoury macarons are best served as canapés with flavour combinations including: foie gras and fig, tomato confit and pecorino cheese and goat’s cheese and red pepper marmalade
(0203 086 9920; www.lorchidee.co.uk)
Mademoiselle Macaron
The delicate French macaron is infused with some Scottish flair at Mademoiselle Macaron, whose bold and bright creations demand to be seen, and eaten. Our favourite flavours, from the Edinburgh based store, are liquid flavoured: Hendricks gin, Earl Grey, elderflower and Innes and Gunn. Customers can also purchase macaron making essentials and book in for a macaron masterclass.
(01312 284 059; www.mademoisellemacaron.co.uk)
Macarons and More
Macarons and More is the brainchild of Masterchef 2010 finalist Tom Kinnaird. Their inviting Norwich store stocks various selection boxes, as well as a mix of their bestsellers. Our favourite? Chocolate and gingerbread.
(01603 419 506; www.macaronsandmore.com)
Ganache Macaron
If you’re suddenly feeling generous, Ganache Macaron is the go-to store for macarons worth sharing. Combinations such as peanut butter and jam, raspberry daiquiri and pink champagne are perfect for parties and you can even personalise the delicate sugar shells with a photo or message, a unique alternative to giving Easter eggs this year.
(0208 533 2077; www.ganache-macaron.co.uk)
La Dinette
La Dinette, based in East Finchley, prides itself on it’s French, ‘no fuss’ approach to baking; all macarons are made entirely by hand, on site. Their piece de resistance is a spectacular tower, comprising 230 artfully arranged macarons. Visit their workshop at Campbell&Syme or buy online for home delivery in promised ‘pristine order’.
(07756 326730; www.ladinette.co.uk)
* Additional research by Maisie Peppitt
Best Easter eggs
We size up the best Easter eggs on offer this year.
