Celebrating five years on Honiton High Street

A popular independent patisserie is celebrating an important milestone on Friday (April 16), with the business turning five.

James' patisserie and sandwiches on the corner of Black Lion Court has stood the test of half a decade – with many customers enjoying a complimentary slice of cake to celebrate.

Nub News caught up with James to find out how the past five years have been, and how he's enjoyed becoming a well-known asset to Honiton High Street.

"The time has flown by," James said. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind, as I moved down to Honiton from where I'm originally from in Aylesbury five years ago.

"I came down with my wife, an intensive care nurse, who grew up in Dawlish and wanted to be nearer family in Honiton.

"That was in 2015. We got married that year too at the Deer Park Hotel, before opening the business in April 2016. And then our son arrived the following year."

I admit to James that I feel exhausted just hearing it, and he responds in his customary good-natured way, that "it was tough to be begin with."

The first year was especially hard going for James and his family, as they were staying with his in-laws and paying high business rates.

"It was costing me £600 a month just to be here, which made it hard financially. But I managed to get that reduced and the business has become more established over the years."

Everything sold on the premises has been made from scratch, onsite by James – except the bread. Having trained as a pastry chef in 2006 and worked in a number of five star hotels and restaurants, James is dedicated to perfecting the art of cake making.

Not only has he achieved more in five short years than many people do over a lifetime, he's done this while also battling with Crohn's disease.

"I was diagnosed back in 2012 and have medication to help manage it, but it does leave me feeling completely drained at times. I rely on coffee a lot!" he quips cheerfully.

It's an inspiring story, and I ask James what the future holds.

"The next step is to branch out more into catering. I make cakes for a coffee van in Woodbury, which is doing really well, and have another similar venture lined up.

"I'm also looking at the possibility of hiring someone to help out, which will be a big thing. It's so that I can have more time to take care of my son, as it can be tricky, what with my wife working long hours at the hospital."

And finally, the obligatory question for our Honiton readers, what do you love most about this little East Devon market town?

"Honiton is great," he answers correctly. "There are loads of amazing indie businesses here and you get to know people really well.

"I also love the fact that custom is steady all-year-round, as opposed to having a crazy summer season then dead all winter."

Check out James' patisserie and sandwiches website – currently being developed – and Facebook page.