A former finalist of South West chef of the year is set to open a new patisserie at the Five Valleys shopping centre in Stroud.
Josh Ambridge, who previously ran The Choux Bun App茅tit from his home in the Cotswolds, will open his new venture鈥檚 first store at the retail complex鈥檚 indoor market.
Mr Ambridge used to work in the kitchens of the Trouble House restaurant and the Calcot Manor hotel and spa near Tetbury, as well as the Lords of the Manor hotel near Stow on-the-Wold.
As well as two appearances in the finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition, the French pastries specialist also made the finals of Young National Chef of the Year, where he did a cooking presentation before an audience at London鈥檚 Olympia exhibition centre.
The Choux Bun App茅tit joins 20 other artisan producers and street food vendors at the centre鈥檚 market, which has been inspired by London鈥檚 Borough market.
Mr Ambridge said: 鈥淚 am so thrilled to be opening my first patisserie business in Five Valleys. I have developed a great love for working with pastry and providing people with something really special to enjoy.鈥
Jessica Derham, Five Valleys centre manager, added: 鈥淲e are so excited to see Josh join the line-up of artisan traders already here at our indoor market. This offer will complement the rest of the market so well and add something really special to the centre.鈥
The eatery is the latest to join the retail facility, formerly called Merrywalks, with current tenant and Gloucestershire chain Fat Toni鈥檚 Pizzeria recently announcing the expansion of its restaurant there.
The shopping centre, located on King Street in Stroud town centre has undergone a major programme of redevelopment by South Yorkshire owner and operator Dransfield Properties.
As well as an upgrade to its multi-storey car park, nine luxury apartments, including a basement flat and a townhouse, have also been created in the space above the site鈥檚 retail and office units.
The project鈥檚 next stage of development is under way and includes a 拢6.5m medical centre and a further two-bedroom apartment above the shops in the arcade area of the scheme.
The scheme's other business tenants include Halfords, Home Bargains and Wilko.
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
