Patisserie Valerie

Lovely stop for a coffee break and a rest from motorway driving. The coffee was lovely and the pain aux raisins freshly made. A great selection of pasties/cakes to take away. Will certainly ensure I call in again the next time I’m on that particular stretch of the motorway.

Coffee and a very large almond croissant, in luxurious surroundings! Pleasant sradd, and speedy service- and chandeliers!

Many years ago Patisserie Valerie was the place to go on the high street for a taste of a real French Patisserie, sadly that not usually the case now. At the start there were only a handful in the country. There are numerous cafes/restaurants on the high street selling French style patisserie, indeed there are many Patisserie Valerie – some of theses are good, some woeful (see previous reviews). This outlet (I believe they are all franchises) is located at the Cambridge A14 services. We ordered buttermilk pancakes with bacon, plus coffees. No bacon ! How can an establishment producing breakfasts run out of bacon? The staff member on the till, was new (I can only assume so); she was incredibly slow, and asked the most inane questions. Indeed it was obvious that her colleague preparing the coffees was getting fed up and very frustrated having to help her out constantly. The actual food arrived reasonably quickly, and was nice – the pancakes were fresh, with good quality blueberries, and the coffees were good. So a real mixed bag, decent food, slow service, bit expensive (but you knew that anyway).

Stopped here for a break from traveling. Nice cafe with lovely cake and coffee, not busy so no waiting. Very clean and nice staff.

Stopped here twice (on the way back as well). Both meals excellent and promptly served. On the way out breakfast and on the way back croque madame.