Is Chester’s Pastry Pedaleur, Aldi’s Next Big thing? #News
Victoria Hayes
17th October 2022
Chester’s Pastry Pedaleur, the artisan baker of French-inspired gourmet pastries and desserts, has been selected from hundreds of entries to feature in Channel 4’s new six-part series ‘Aldi’s next big thing’. The new TV series sees the supermarket uncover and stock new products from some of the best small food and drink businesses in the UK.
The series, running from 20th October to 24th November will be broadcast live on Channel 4 and will also be available via the All 4 video streaming service. Chester’s Pastry Pedaleur is set to feature in the episode two which will be shown on 27th October at 8PM, where they go head to head with other bakers to win a contract.
The programme aims to give independent food and drink producers from across the country the chance to present and pitch their products to a judging panel that comprises of Aldi Managing Director of buying – Julie Ashfield, award-winning grocer & cook book author Chris Bavin & popular TV presenter Anita Rani.
Pastry Pedaleur, located in the city’s beautiful new indoor market, offers French-inspired gourmet pastries and desserts, was selected to take part in the new series thanks to the judges taking a shine to the way the products are all made onsite from scratch and skilfully crafted in bespoke, small batches using high quality, seasonal ingredients to ensure the best flavours are delivered all year round.
Stephanie Peters, the entrepreneur behind Pastry Pedaleur, was previously the pastry chef at the Chester Grosvenor where she mastered her skills under the guidance of Michelin Star chef Simon Radley. Originally from Mumbai, Stephanie has been running her business inside Chester Market for the last 2 years providing customers classic French pastries and desserts.
Stephanie said: “I used to work in the thriving media & advertising industry in Mumbai, my last job was with Vogue Magazine before I realised my true passion and calling was baking! I had to say goodbye to my friends & family when I got married and moved to Chester to follow my husband Jason’s career here in England. Once I got here, I trained with the best chefs, was a stagiare at popular bakeries in London and developed my finesse and passion for baking. My journey keeps evolving and I love the feedback my business has received at Chester Market.”
Chef Simon Radley who mentored Stephanie at the Chester Grosvenor, added: “Stephanie’s natural flair and absolute passion for pastry was clear from the start. She has continued to develop her skills and clearly loves to create exciting new products and flavours for her customers to try. I’m absolutely thrilled she will be showcasing her work on Channel 4 and wish her the best of luck. I’m delighted she has been able to turn her passion into a successful business.”
Stephanie set up the business in 2019 to focus on her passion: classic French baking with an Indian twist. The business has grown steadily from its permanent site in Chester’s indoor market food hub where they serve customers from across the country who are looking for authentic, high quality and delicious pastries and other sweet treats. Chester’s new indoor market is planned to reopen to the public on 8th November.
Alongside selling a broad range of delicious treats from their Chester market store, Pastry Pedaleur also offers demo-based baking workshops from their site in the new market. The last workshop raised more than a £1100 for The Eve Appeal, to help raise awareness on Women’s gynaecological cancers. Local schools like The Queen’s School have also taken their students for baking workshops at Pastry Pedaleur.