Describe a typical day for you at Ârtisserie .
A typical day starts at 3.50am when I wake up and cycle to the shop for 4.15am . I turn on the deck oven to get the stones hot and set the temperature and humidity for the proofer . I start making the four variations of different bread we have and prepare the morning pastries for the proofer .
After all the Viennasoire is baked , I start to cook the bread . This is our Old Dairy IPA Loaf , which we use in conjunction with the local micro brewery , Old Dairy Brewery ( www . olddairybrewery . com ) that ’ s just a five minute walk from the shop . It made sense to use local producers and offer something different and artisan in Tenterden , and it ’ s great that Kent provides so many opportunities like this .
I then prepare all the petit gateaux and cakes ready for the display fridge . By 9am , the products are all ready to sell and look beautiful . After this , I have a coffee and prepare for the next day .
What made you decide you wanted to make the move from London to Kent for work ?
The move was initially to live outside London and start my own business . I wanted to do something for myself after working for other high-end restaurants and hotels . I am in my 40s , so I wasn ' t getting any younger and now was the best time to start .
What do you love most about Kent ?
What I love most about Kent is the space , countryside and products available on the doorstep . I also love the people and different pace of life here . It has been a complete reverse of the fast-paced action I was used to in London . Despite this , it is so conveniently located in proximity to London ; the train journey is only one hour if I ever need to go .
How has Kent inspired you within work , business and your personal life ?
Running your own business is hard ; it requires every ounce of your energy , both mental and physical . Kent offers a lot on the food side of things and the products available are really good quality . Being the Garden of England , fresh produce is available in abundance - I love the cherries , strawberries , raspberries and even asparagus ! We bought a house in Cranbrook and our son starts school in September , so there ’ s always lots more to look forward to and focus on if work ever gets tough .
If there was one thing you would like our readers to know about Ârtisserie , what would it be ?
We make absolutely everything on site . We even have a glass door into the kitchen so people can see me creating the items and nothing is brought in pre-made . Ârtisserie is a little piece of France in Tenterden .
Tell us a little bit about pastry cheffing , why it originally appealed to you and how you found yourself following this career route .
Pastry cheffing takes commitment , sacrifice , hard work and dedication to the craft . I started at a young age and was always enthralled by the process as well as the playfulness and creativity that can be put into each creation . I have been lucky enough to have worked in some of the UK ’ s top kitchens , which has helped me refine my style and career path . I have specific mentors to thank for this .
What does the future hold for you and Ârtisserie ?
We are six months old in June , so we are still growing and finding our way . We are happy with how far we ’ ve come in those six months and the place we ’ re at right now but there ’ s still plenty to do to move forward and progress . I imagine there will be lots of progressive changes to come in the future - so watch this space .
Ârtisserie Pâtisserie 53 High St Tenterden TN30 6BD artisserie . uk
artisserie _ patisserie
107