The second edition of The Best Croissant UK, proudly hosted by our partner Isigny Ste Mere, was a phenomenal success, held in the prestigious Savoy Hotel in October.
As Patron sponsor of this event, we at Classic Fine Foods UK were thrilled to celebrate the artistry and dedication of the UK’s most talented bakers.
A Showcase of Culinary Mastery
Bakers from every corner of the country put their best foot forward, displaying incredible skill, creativity, and passion. From buttery aromas to flaky, golden perfection, the event was a sensory journey that highlighted the exceptional quality of croissants crafted right here in the UK.
This year's competition was fierce, with over 3,000 bakeries participating in the initial round. The top 20 finalists were handpicked by the public through an online voting system, making it a truly community-driven contest.
The Grand Finale at The Savoy
On 26th September, the glitzy final took place at The Savoy, bringing together top-tier pastry chefs and notable figures from the hospitality industry. Guests were treated to a sumptuous evening of canapés, champagne, and—of course—croissants!
This year, attendees had the chance to sample the competing croissants and even cast their votes to help decide the top three winners.
In addition, Isigny Ste Mere delighted guests with a stunning display of their finest artisan cheeses, crafted from rich, nutrient-packed milk sourced from Norman cows.
They also presented an exquisite selection of hand-made butters, which were savoured and enjoyed by all in attendance!
What Defines the Perfect Croissant?
Crafting the perfect croissant is an art. From the delicate layers to the golden-brown crust and the irresistible buttery aroma, each aspect plays a crucial role.
The ideal croissant should be light and flaky, with a crisp, non-greasy exterior that crackles as you bite in. Inside, you’ll find soft, airy layers with a subtle balance of butter and salt.
As Benoit Blin, Executive Pastry Chef at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, says:
"There is no single perfect croissant. It’s a personal experience. While the balance of smell, crispiness, layers, and texture is essential, the rest is subjective."
Meet the Esteemed Judging Panel
Choosing the best croissant in the UK was no easy task, but our expert panel was up to the challenge. Led by Cyrille Van Der Stuyft, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2015, the judges included:
- Gilles Quillot, Executive Chef, The French Embassy UK
- Benoit Blin, Executive Pastry Chef, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
- Sally Abé, Chef & Director, The Pem Restaurant
- Jennifer Earle, Food Innovation Consultant
- Matt Adlard, Pastry Chef and Author
- Nicola Lamb, Pastry Chef and Author
- Clément Vaugrenard, Head Baker and Consultant
The Stars of the Show
The bakers who made it to the final round were true artisans, showcasing their passion, expertise, and love for the craft. From North to South, East to West, here are the 20 finalists of The Best Croissant UK 2024:
And the Winners Are...
???? Chestnut Bakery – First Place
???? The Two Brothers Bakery – Second Place
???? Chez Maitre – Third Place
A massive CONGRATULATIONS to all participants, and a special round of applause for Chestnut Bakery for securing the top spot for the second year running!
