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After two months at Imperial studying the MSc Strategic Marketing programme, we can definitely say that Imperial has become our second home in London. It has been fun, yet stressful. During the weekdays most of our time was spent with teammates either in the classroom, the café or the vaults in the Business School. Given the amount of time we have spent at the Business School, it would have made more sense to ‘move-in’ permanently. Through blood (not really), sweat (a tiny bit), and tears (definitely), we have finally submitted three group projects!
To our fellow ‘survivors,’ here are five hand-picked dessert places in South Kensington to help revive your spent energy (and the will to live) when you are feeling stressed out.
Kova Patisserie
A cute little café with a Japanese twist and a selection of cakes, tarts, organic teas, and coffee. I think we stopped in for a sweet treat over 10 times and tried almost everything on the menu. We have come to the conclusion that our all-time favourite drink is the Mango Cheezo -it has two combinations that perfectly balance sweet and salty flavours in one sip. But if you are a fan of bubble tea, we would recommend Dirty Matcha Boba, it is one of the best brown sugar bubble teas that we have ever tried. Kova is not only perfect for tea lovers, but it is also famous for its hand-made cakes including the Mille Crêpes, Strawberry Shortcake and Roll Cake.
Try these: Mille Crêpes, Mango Cheezo, Dirty Matcha Boba, Sea Salt Lava Cheese Cake
Address: 16 Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00 - 20.00
Venchi
One of the most famous Italian traditions is gelato, and this one uses all-natural ingredients. With a variety of gelato flavours and a selection of chocolate candies, Venchi is a delightful find for chocolate lovers. You can create your own little moment of personalised happiness from a wide range of ice cream flavours. Our favourites are the Stracciatella and Pistachio flavours on a waffle cone. They are rich and sweet, making it a perfect quick all-day treat for us whenever we crave something sweet after a tiring day.
Try this: Stracciatella, Pistachio, Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato
Address: 13 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2HE
Hours: Friday - Saturday 10.30 - 22.00
Sunday 11.00 - 21.00
Monday - Thursday 10.30-21.00
Tombo
Another Japanese café, Tombo is known for its signature poke bowls (among ourselves we’ve come to a consensus that “Osaka Fire” is the best). While Tombo serves other healthy and delicious menus, do not let that overshadow their perfect soft serve ice cream! It seriously is one of the best you can find in London). The soft serve is smooth and rich; the closest thing to perfection if you ask us. This melt-in-your-mouth creation comes in green tea, but Tombo does special flavors from time to time.
Try this: Green Tea Soft Serve
Address: 29 Thurloe Place, SW7 2HQ
Hours: Monday - Sunday 11.30 - 21.30*
*Last Friday of the month Tombo opens until 22.00
Oddono’s Gelati
If you are craving real Italian gelato, Oddono’s is the place to go! Don’t let the humble-looking store fool you, they serve award-winning gelato that can certainly brighten your day (given how rainy London is, let’s just say we need to get our days brightened wherever we can). They have a variety of flavours to choose from, and the shop assistants are very happy to let you try them before you buy. Rich, yet not too sweet, their gelato will make you wish you lived right next door to the shop. Have a special event coming up? Wanting to treat yourself for your next birthday? No problem! Oddono’s also offers delicious ice cream cakes.
Try this: Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Tiramisu, Oreo Ice Cream Cake
Address: 14 Bute Street, London SW7 3EX
Hours: Monday - Thursday and Sunday 9.30 - 23.00
Friday - Saturday 9.30 - midnight
Brown & Rosie
Walking distance from South Kensington station to Imperial College Business School, you cannot miss Brown & Rosie. This picturesque cafe will make everyone jealous of your Instagram feed (make sure to sit outside for the best photos). Not only are the brunch menus to-die-for, the desserts are as wonderful as the flowers decorations. The waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - drizzled with chocolate sauce and loaded with M&Ms. If you want a healthier option, go for the acai bowl.
Try this: Next Level Waffles, Acai Bowl
Address: 10-12 Exhibition Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2HE
Hours: Monday - Friday 8.00 - 20.30
Saturday - Sunday 9.00 - 20.00