THE Trader of the week this week has the sweet smell of success about his business - the Choux Bun Appetite.

We took time out to catch up with Josh Ambridge about his business.

What is your full name?

Josh Ambridge

What is the name and address of your business?

Choux Bun Appetit, Five Valleys Centre

Are you the owner of the business?

I’m proud to say I am.

Tell us about yourself

I am focused on flavour and using the best ingredients and making sure everything is done as fresh as possible.

I started my career as a chef in a small pub doing my apprenticeship at the Trouble House in Tetbury for a year then moving to Calcot Manor for three years then to Lords of the Manor near Stow-on-the-Wold.

From there I worked myself up to junior sous chef and competed in South West chef of the year twice and got to the finals both times and won best presentation and young national chef of the year. Also making it to the finals and cooking at the London Olympia in front of a live audience.

Just before Covid and lockdowns started I was full time in pastry and falling in love with French pastry I wanted to start my own pastry business and I hope to make a name for myself and have my own restaurant/bakery in the future.

What do you sell / service provide?

We sell classic and modern French pastries along with macarons, hot drinks and recently launched afternoon tea.

What is the best-selling item?

Our handmade macarons! Available in an assortment of flavours.

What is Stroud like as a place to operate in?

I find Stroud has a good mixture of cuisines and I’m excited to build my business and community within the Cotswolds.

Anything else you would like to add?

We’ve been open for just over a few months and I’ve already met so many lovely customers & remembering their regular orders!

Our afternoon teas have already proven popular and I’m excited to continue to grow and develop my menu.

Thank you to everyone who has already popped by and supported the business.