Heavenly bakery for your daily bread

Not wishing to seem bias on the Italians, but (as far as bakeries go) this place is simply exquisite. Princi,  one of Milan's smartest bakery and deli outfits has opened is UK flagship store on Wardour St in the heart of Soho. Who would have imagined a bakery come cafe and deli could be so serene? Well, at least that is, when its not heaving at the sides full of hungry customers, slavering over the beautifully designed and stocked glass counters. Calming classical music combines with the tranquil sound of trickling water from the feature than runs the length of one side of the counter seating to create such a relaxing space to have your coffee and pastry. The interior is more akin to a swish Scandinavian hotel lobby with its sleek marble, stone and glass surfaces.  The displays at the counter taste as good as they look - everything from croissant, panetonne, apple charlotte, traditional tiramisu, breads of every kind; fruit, olive and nut in various sizes and of course pizzas and other delicious savories. Surprisingly, everything is pretty good value as well with great Italian coffee and a pastry coming in under £3.00 (you'll pay as much for your coffee in some places and it won't necessarily be good).  In addition to the bakery goods, there's also a salad and hot food counter offering traditional Italian dishes such as mozzarella, tomato and basil, Italian beef stew, lasagna, and polenta.  For someone with both a love of and rather unmentionable reactions to anything leaven, it is both a heaven and hell on earth. But when its this good I'll suffer the un-mentionables once in a while.  If you're a fan of cafe culture, especially of the bustling Italian kind, you'll love this. Princi, 135 Wardour Street, Soho. www.princi.it