As mentioned in Issue 196, The French Fancies patisserie has now opened in basement premises at the Broughton Street end of London Street.
Bee and Thomas Bruno are at the helm. She welcomes visitors to the shop and tea room, he creates the edible wonders. Business so far has been brisk.
As well as gorgeous-looking tartines, we spotted a variety of extraordinary jams: vanilla and milk; pears and ginger; chocolate and banana; raspberry, strawberry and pastis. That's right: raspberry, strawberry and pastis, together in a jar in one jam.
The couple have been in Edinburgh since 2008, returning after an earlier visit during which they fell in love with the city. They now live locally, and appreciate the closely connected village atmosphere of Broughton. Over the last 3 years, they've made a wide circle of friends through the Association Edimbourg Accueil programme, and the shared preoccupations of fellow parents at St Mary's Primary School.
Originally from Lyon, their decision to settle in Edinburgh was made easier by a disastrous trams reinstatement project in their home city. Delivered years late and 3 times over budget, it caused chaos, was deeply unpopular, resulted in increased taxes, and is now little used. They're thanking their lucky stars they got out in time.
Bee Bruno is unaccountably camera-shy. Here instead are some shots of the shelves and tea room.
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