Le Pain Quotidien is a fantastic bakery with stores around the world, serving delicious breads and pastries as well as food to eat in the restaurant area, including plates of charcuterie, sandwiches and salads.
Despite being a Belgian chain with branches in New York, Le Pain Quotidien feels tres francais. It's like Paul's more rustic, filling boulangerie cousin: same great French approach to fresh bread, delicious croissants and decent coffee in bowls, but with heftier open sandwiches and salads on the menu. It also has the benefit of free wifi and a great breakfast menu - the porridge will fill you up till way after lunch, and only those with iron self-control will be able to resist the sticky jars of praline spread that appear with the baguette. Service is swift and charming (and definitely included on your bill).
All branches are buzzy, with a large communal table, as well as smaller tables, but the Kings Road branch is particularly good for people-watching, packed as it is with chic continental locals enjoying a taste of home, yummy mummies and shoppers. For a solo coffee & newspaper moment or a bigger lunch with a glass of wine, Le PQ makes a refreshing change from the usual coffee chains.
Nicely designed with bare brick walls, thoughtful menu and fun layout with a large communal table in the centre of the room. This is a comfortable and appealing place to meet up with people or hang out for breakfast, lunch or a cup of tea/ coffee.
It has a fun french feel, so tea is out of bowls and there is plenty of expertly baked fresh bread and yummy looking cakes.
Terrific spot for a cafe on the corner of Marylebone High Street and Nottingham Street.
It is actually part of a chain, albeit a small one in the UK with only 4 outlets. I guess it feels like a chain but it is cleverly put together and service is prompt and professional.