Desserts are the forbidden fruits of restaurants, the sinful temptations that turn thin dreams into fat pleasures, good intentions into earthly delights.

If you are going to fall off the healthy eating wagon, best make it worthwhile. Here are some of London's finest puddings. Restaurants may not be too happy if you show up at the busiest times and just order a dessert. But wander in during the afternoon or past the dinner rush and your welcome may be as warm as a jam roly-poly. 

The Colony Club Bespoke Sundae: Colony Grill Room

Here's the deal: You choose from six ice creams and sorbets, eight toppings and six sauces, to create your own sundae. It's £7.25 ($10) for two scoops and £8.75 for three. (I wonder why anyone would order two.) It sounds simple enough but you might find yourself wanting everything. It's served in a retro glass and is fabulous.

Cost: £7.25 or £8.75

The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, W1K 6TF; .Blackcurrant "Eton Mess": Pollen Street Social

Chef Jason Atherton's modern take on this traditional English dessert features a smooth cylinder of meringue. Below lurk a miso sweet-pastry disc topped with a fromage frais and blackcurrant mousse, fresh blackcurrants, clove gel and blackcurrant sorbet. Smash your way through the meringue and create your own mess.

Cost: £12

8-10 Pollen Street, Mayfair, W1S 1NQ; .Eccles Cake and Lancashire Cheese: St. John

This sweet-and-salty combination reflects St. John ethos of simplicity in conception and presentation. The puff pastry with currants from the restaurant's bakery isn't too sweet, while the Mrs Kirkham'scheese it tangy and sharp. Chef Fergus Henderson's mum is from Bolton, so it's local, too. To make this at home the recipe is here.

First « 1 2 3 4 5 » Next