Sweet success for new macaron shop
LIFE is sweet for new Ainsdale business The Macaron Lounge after they sold out of treats on their first day of trading.
Robert Swindon and Francesca Falbo Sahonta were back in the kitchen after selling out of handmade macarons and chocolates on Saturday (May 28).
And the business partners, who met at a wedding fair last year, are set for a very busy first week of trading leading up to the Ainsdale Gala and Southport Food Festival. The Macaron Lounge will have a stall at the Victoria Park event over three days.
Francesca, who learnt how to cook in her mother’s Italian kitchen, said: “We did very well on Saturday, selling virtually everything that we made. We must have sold hundreds of macarons. The community really came out to support us. Friends and family also called in too.”
The Macaron Lounge sells homemade chocolates and pastries that have all been made inside the shop. Francesca is selftaught and Robert is a highly experienced chocolatier, who has worked in hotels all over the world.
Francesca said that she believed the Station Road business, with a vintage and classically-styled interior, offered something different in Southport.
She added: “We do not sell savoury products and although we offer an afternoon tea, we are not a traditional Southport tea shop. We are specialising in macarons, chocolate, and gelato, which is similar to ice-cream. We do hot drinks too, and Robert makes a hot chocolate which is very good, made with his own chocolate, cream and milk. And he makes an ice version too.
“We have also started supplying some businesses in the area, such as Bistro Verite in Birkdale. We will start selling a broader range of patisserie soon, such as croissants and brioche.
“Some customers might wish to spend time here, while others might buy a cake to take home. So we are here for everybody.”
In a message on Facebook Francesca posted: “We opened our doors yesterday (Saturday) and we never stopped all day. Hence why we didn’t even have the chance to take any pictures.
“The support we received from everyone is highly appreciated. So many people visited to enjoy our products and we received amazing feedback. We are taking on board all of them to constantly improve our business. We are closed today and tomorrow to recharge a little our batteries, but we will be in to replenish the stock of products as we have sold out most of them yesterday.
“It’s a very busy week for us with the food festival and the Ainsdale Gala, therefore lots of chocolate and macarons will be required as well as other baked goods. Thank you to everyone, who was able to come yesterday and for the nice messages, cards and flowers we received.
“Come and taste our Sicilian cannoli and choux buns, our amazing selection of tarts and cakes. All available to sample, elegantly presented in our patisserie, or to take home.”
The Macaron Lounge is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.