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Celebs retreat, Patisserie Valerie, has opened in Peterborough creating over 20 – 25 new jobs and bringing a cornucopia of wicked indulgence!
 
The official opening took place on Saturday 11th June in Cathedral Square.
 
The opening was performed by Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Paula Thacker MBE.  Representatives from Opportunity Peterborough also attended, as well as local dignitaries including Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson, Cllr Marco Cereste, Leader of Peterborough City Council and Cllr Janet Goodwin, Cabinet Advisor to the Leader.

The Peterborough opening comes hard on the heels of a year in which the Company has surged out of its London base and become a truly national presence on High Streets with a 50+% increase in the number of outlets across the Country.
 
The rapid expansion has already seen thousands of new customers and businesses try its clever combination of early morning breakfasts, delivered catering, wedding cakes and a dazzling array of indulgent offerings.
 
This combination has seen the chain carving out a high street niche not met by traditional coffee house chains or cake shops – with plans to continue this expansion for the rest of this year and next.
 
Patisserie Valerie’s Chief Executive Officer Paul May said: “We are delighted to be opening in Peterborough and have already received lots of help and support from Opportunity Peterborough and a warm welcome from the Mayor’ Office. Now we want to open our doors to the good people of Peterborough.
 
Steve Bowyer, Head of Economic Development at Opportunity Peterborough, welcomed the arrival of the new café: “We believe that the works in and around Cathedral Square have transformed it into one of the finest squares in the Country.

“It’s great that Patisserie Valerie has recognised this potential and is helping to deliver the economic investment that we all hoped for. They are a high quality operator, in a high quality location.”
 
Despite the current climate of doom and gloom, we have been able to bring investment and new jobs to the UK’s high streets. If anything the enthusiasm of the public has taken us by surprise.
 
We look for high quality shopping venues in which to open and Cathedral Square in Peterborough fits the bill perfectly.
 
In the areas where we have opened already, customers have commented that it was great not have to trek into London to find a Patisserie Valerie, but have one in their own area.
 
Some might find this enthusiastic reaction surprising – after all we keep being told that shopping is in decline and that retailers are struggling to find enough customers.
 
This is not our experience however. In times of recession, people need an affordable treat to cheer themselves up – and when things are going well, they want to celebrate.
 
We provide a dazzling array of pure indulgence in the form of our delicious cake range, but we do not neglect the basics of breakfasts, lunches etc matched with quick and excellent service. Many business breakfast clubs use our facilities early in the mornings for example.
 
We provide businesses with a delivered catering service and at the other extreme, decorated wedding cakes.
 
All of this puts us in a different market place from any other operator. This is why we have been able to add so many new customers in the last year – and provide much needed jobs.
 
We really believe that we are helping to add to the shopping experience and entice shoppers.”
 
Founded in 1926 by a Belgian – Madame Valerie, Patisserie Valerie has, over the years welcomed many celebrities though its doors where they and others can indulge themselves, whilst watching the world go by.
 
For more details of why Patisserie Valerie is so popular, go to www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk.