Everyone knows that London is synonymous with rain, but no one ever mentions the silver lining of a sudden rain storm. Only minutes after leaving the doorsteps of my hotel during my visit this past summer did I find myself in sandals, without an umbrella, in the middle of a downpour. I made the conscious effort to keep going and not turn back. One block after the next I stumbled upon cafes and hole in the wall shops I could have easily stopped at for a drink or small bite, but I continued down the road until I reached the blush pink walls and chocolate brown awnings of Peggy Porschen Cakes. I trudged in to find the cutest shop, with wooden floors, white walls and pink accents throughout. Cupcakes, cake slices, tea, coffee, baking supplies, decorations and chandeliers to boot, I was in a sweets lover’s heaven. I ordered a mocha and red velvet cupcake, and sat down to find a little solace from the rain.

A Belgravia fixture on Elizabeth Street, Peggy Porschen Cakes is to London what Sweet Lady Jane is to Los Angeles; there might be other well-known bakeries in the area, but none that offer the same supreme service and attention to detail. Sipping my mocha, I realized that had it not been for the rain on this otherwise sunny afternoon, I would have never popped into Peggy Porschen. Ironically enough, after I left the shop there was no more rain for the next few days. Apparently when the clouds open up and the appropriate opportunity arises, not-so-hidden gems reveal themselves.