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There’s something very comforting about enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake in a cosy space surrounded by others doing exactly the same. Luckily, in Lausanne, this isn’t hard to find. The city’s love for le tea room has resulted in a huge array of places to sip a speciality brew – or a cappuccino or a hot chocolate, if you prefer – while indulging in a sweet treat that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Step out of the cold and into the warm and welcoming environment of one of these six fabulous finds.
1. Moutarlier
In the heart of Lausanne, near the town hall on Place de la Palud, this is the perfect spot for a rejuvenating cup of tea and slice of cake during a shopping trip. A family-run business established by French pâtissier Lucien Moutarlier, its chocolates, cakes and pastries are so enticing you’ll be drawn in by the eye-popping selection in the window. Take a seat in the room at the back – or on the terrace outside, perfectly placed for people-watching – and enjoy your mille feuille, lemon tart or rum baba with a loose-leaf Lapsang Souchong or a speciality coffee – we recommend Le Petit Palud, a delicious coffee-cacao combination with a dash of froth.
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2. Balzac Takeaway
There’s no better place to spend a chilly afternoon than Balzac, a tranquil spot sous-gare which specialises in artisanal hot chocolate – its large menu includes cocoa from the Caribbean, South America and Java, flavoured with spices including orange and cinnamon – we love the noir-gingembre, a rich yet delicate hot chocolate flavoured with ginger. If you don’t know what to pick, tell the chocolatier behind the counter what spices and flavours you like and he’ll recommend something. Then sit back and relax in the warmly lit room, whose decoration evokes the East – ornate silver lanterns hanging from the ceiling, a Buddha water fountain and even a fish tank housing exotic fish! And if you don’t like hot chocolate, don’t worry, Balzac also serves speciality teas, coffees, milkshakes and smoothies, along with a lunch menu.
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3. Maison Buet
Lausanners Anita and Laurent Buet invite us to sample their delicious homemade treats in two locations in the city centre – the takeaway boulangerie on Rue Haldimand, and the café-boutique on Rue Grand St-Jean. The latter, with its stylish and welcoming tea room, is a lovely place to linger a while. Sit at one of the tables and order a salad, quiche or filled baguette for lunch, an éclair or nut tart with a cup of tea, or a rich and creamy artisanal hot chocolate (there are ten decadent varieties to choose from). And if that wasn’t enough, the shelves around you are packed with goodies to take away – homemade chocolate spread and salted caramel sauce, chocolate ‘spoons’ to melt in hot milk, and elegantly wrapped boxes of chocolate. If you leave empty-handed we’d be surprised!
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4. El Gato Pâtisserie
This charming bakery was founded by Evelyng, a passionate pastry chef from Lausanne. If, like her, you’re allergic to gluten, you’re in the right place. And if you tend to be lactose intolerant, the selection also includes lactose-free creations. You’ll be warmly welcomed by a team always ready to chat with customers and explain each of their creations. Don’t miss the luscious caracs, lemon-meringue pies or delicious Mont Blancs, all of which are, of course, without gluten or lactose. To go with these culinary delights, we recommend the slightly spicy homemade hot chocolate from Equateur. All can be savoured in the tearoom on the first floor or as takeaways. If you love patisseries, a visit here is a must!
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5. Chez Séverine et Luca
There’s a reassuring familiarity to this traditional, down-to-earth tea room, run by a couple called – as the name suggests – Séverine and Luca. As well as a takeaway counter packed with salads, sandwiches and pastries, it offers a simple, relaxed space in which to read the paper over coffee and croissants or take shelter from a cold or rainy afternoon with a cup of tea and a coconut macaroon. All the bread is handmade on site, and the sweet treats change with the seasons, so there’s always a reason to come back! It’s also a good place to pop in for a pastry before catching a train, since it’s close to the station.
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6. Cuppin’s
It would be easy to walk right past this cute tea room on the cobbled Rue du Petit Chêne – but look above the Mövenpick ice cream shop and you’ll see it! And what a shame it would be to miss it, because this pretty-in-pink café and concept store is just gorgeous. Its speciality cupcakes are irresistible – the Black Velvet is to die for – while teas are served the ‘proper’, English way, in a teapot with freshly boiled water from a kettle! The café’s marble tables and pink velvet chairs are tucked into a cosy corner, while the rest of the store displays a carefully curated selection of gifts and treats, including jewellery, children’s toys, soaps, mugs and much more, all in soft pastel colours – as pretty as a cupcake!
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