Crome London: A Sweet Innovation in the Heart of the Capital
In a city brimming with culinary diversity, the claim of being "London's first" anything often raises eyebrows. Yet Crome London, nestled just steps from Selfridge's on James Street, boldly asserts itself as the capital's inaugural French toast specialty cafe. This establishment promises a unique twist on classic brunch fare, blending traditional French toast with Dubai chocolate influences in a sleek, modern environment.
First Impressions: Style Over Substance?
The exterior of Crome London is surprisingly understated, easily overlooked amidst the bustling streets of St Christopher's Place. Inside, however, the space transforms into a contemporary dessert haven. Chrome surfaces and mirrored accents reflect neon lighting, while a subtle aroma of sugar permeates the air. The narrow layout feels more intimate than expansive, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere that diverges from typical cafe aesthetics.
Service begins with a slightly awkward interaction as staff explain the table-screen ordering system, only to backtrack when certain items—like the eye-catching circular croissants displayed near the entrance—prove unavailable digitally. This technological hiccup requires old-fashioned verbal communication, adding a charmingly human element to the otherwise sleek experience.
The Main Event: Dubai Pistachio Kunafa French Toast
After approximately twenty minutes of anticipation, the star arrival justifies the wait. The Dubai Pistachio Kunafa French toast (£14.50) emerges as a veritable mountain of dessert, towering above its plate with vanilla soft serve slowly cascading down its sides. This creation combines warm cinnamon brioche French toast with pistachio kunafa, rich chocolate, and a generous Nutella drizzle, crowned with additional pistachio sprinkles and toasted kunafa.
The French toast itself achieves perfection: fluffy, infused with melted ice cream, and generously coated in cinnamon sugar. It remains warm enough to feel substantial, transforming what could be mere dessert into a satisfying meal. The vanilla soft serve complements beautifully—creamy and silky without excessive sweetness, a rare feat in such indulgent fare.
Toppings That Transform
While the French toast provides an excellent foundation, the toppings elevate the dish to extraordinary heights. The pistachio elements shine with authentic nuttiness, avoiding the artificial white chocolate flavor that often plagues similar desserts. Combined with the decadent Nutella drizzle, they create a harmonious balance of sweet and savory.
The kunafa sprinkles add crucial texture, their crunchy pastry providing savory relief amidst the soft, sugary components. This thoughtful layering prevents the dish from becoming overly mushy, showcasing the kitchen's attention to detail.
Supporting Cast: Circular Croissants
No visit to Crome is complete without sampling the circular croissants (£6.90 each), particularly the pistachio and Nutella varieties. Visually impressive with golden, laminated pastry and artistic drizzles, they deliver equally on taste. The pistachio croissant stands out for its genuine nutty flavor and restrained sweetness, while the Nutella version satisfies classic cravings without overwhelming.
Value and Verdict
Though prices at Crome London aren't budget-friendly, the portions justify the cost. The Dubai Pistachio Kunafa French toast alone proved challenging for three diners to finish, with leftovers packaged for later enjoyment. This cafe caters specifically to those seeking sugar overload in delicious, innovative forms, offering a refreshing alternative to predictable high-street options.
Despite minor service hiccups, Crome London delivers a surprisingly unique experience. It successfully merges Dubai chocolate inspiration with French toast tradition, resulting in desserts that are both indulgent and thoughtfully crafted. For sweet-toothed explorers tired of conventional offerings, this chrome-clad spot near Selfridge's is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Location: Crome London, 36 James Street, St Christopher's Place, London, W1U 1ES.
