During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Julien Ramos and Olivia Le started making cakes, biscuits, and other treats for people in Warrington, offering a delightful alternative to cards and flowers. The positive response they received led them to open their own café / coffee shop in the town center, serving freshly baked French goodies.
This French couple, Julien and Olivia, named their business Gourmand! and it is located at 58 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SB. They opened their doors in September 2021 and have been providing traditional French offerings ever since. Despite not being locals to the area, having moved from France to England in 2013, they have embraced Warrington as their home since 2014.
Gourmand! is not just a bakery and café, but also a cake shop that offers a variety of traditional French foods, from pastries to bistro-style hot dishes and desserts. They use French ingredients like specific flours and butters for their bread and pastries, ensuring an authentic French experience for their customers. Starting their workday at 4am, Julien and Olivia ensure that everything is freshly baked each day, following traditional French recipes and processes.
One unique aspect of Gourmand! is their focus on sweet breakfast options, catering to the French preference for morning pastries over savory dishes. Their dedication to authenticity has earned them regional and national recognition, including awards for Best French Café in Cheshire and being a finalist for The Best Croissant UK.
Despite their specific food offer, Gourmand! has built a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality, freshness, and unique treats they provide. Customers return not only for the food but also for the French atmosphere, music, and conversation that Julien and Olivia cultivate in their café.
Looking ahead, Gourmand! is gearing up for a busy festive period, with special menus planned for Christmas, La Saint Nicolas, and Epiphany. They will continue to offer seasonal treats, such as Galettes des Rois for Epiphany and crêpes for French Pancakes Day. With a calendar full of events like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, Gourmand! is set to keep delighting customers with their delicious French creations throughout the year.
