Ipswich: Butter Market Patisserie Valerie becomes Bonbon

Having operated as a pop up stall, chocolatier and patisserie Bonbon opened on the Butter Market in 2020.

Everything in the store was made on site, from the 12 varieties of brownies and 30 varieties of cupcakes which are baked in the morning, to the handmade chocolates and cream cheese-filled cannolis.

Family Stuart Calder, Alex Calder and Maria Cebrian run Bonbon. (Image: Stuart Calder)

Now, the family-run business has moved just a few doors down to take advantage of a space "four times larger", with outdoor seating.

The site was formerly home to Ipswich's branch of Patisserie Valerie, which closed permanently in February 2022 - just as rival coffee shop Starbucks opened its new cafe in the town centre.

Owner Stuart Calder, 45, said it was a "move they needed to make", so they can provide an indoor seating option.

"We discussed the idea of refurbishing our old site, but the cost of doing that wasn't worth it," he said.

Bonbon has taken over the former Patisserie Valerie site. (Image: Dolly Carter, Newsquest)

"We ended up moving all our things down a few doors by hand and started a gradual opening from mid-May."

READ MORE: Former Butter Market Joules store to become animal charity shop

Having expanded its seating, Bonbon now offers much more than sweet treats, with a range of main courses, snacks and even an afternoon tea.

"We've created a dining experience and we're much bigger on savoury now too," added Mr Calder.

"It's been great seeing people enjoying the new space and we can't wait to welcome more over the coming months."

Bonbon initially opened a few doors down on Butter Market street in 2020. (Image: Archant)

In January this year, it was confirmed that neighbouring clothing store Joules would be closing just months after the chain was rescued by retail giant Next.

Signs appeared in the store's windows late last month confirming that Woodgreen Pets Charity was hoping to open a new charity shop there in the "next couple of months".