Chosen Few places; KONDITOR & COOK

Anyone who has lived or worked in the vicinity of London's Stamford Street will tell you that this is hardly the place to shop for quality food. It may be the home of Sainsbury's headquarters, but the promise of a local supermarket remains wishful thinking. Yet, in the pretty terraced back streets south of this traffic-clogged artery stands a fine bespoke bakery opened four years ago by Gerhard Jenne. In the morning, the mouthwatering aroma from its kitchens tempts passing office workers to return at lunchtime. For Konditor & Cook's culinary talents aren't confined to the superlative gateaux, tarts and biscuits that grace its windows; a takeaway lunch menu also serves up delicious dishes such as pumpkin and spinach soup, roast lamb sandwiches with balsamic onions and mange tout, and grilled vegetables with tabbouleh and goat's curd. For those who haven't got a desk to rush back to, pop round the corner to the Konditor & Cook cafe at The Young Vic.

Konditor & Cook, Cornwall Road, London SE1. Mon-Fri 7.30am-6.30pm, Sat 8.30am-2pm. KS