Is this the Creams of the crop?

Two years of planning and hard work has gone into the opening of the Creams dessert parlour in North Street, Peterborough. The family business, creating about 25 jobs, opened three weeks ago in the former Masonic Hall, once home to Clarkes restaurant fronting Lincoln Road.

A spokeswoman said it had been a labour of love, which started two years ago with the long negotiations to be accepted for the Creams franchise, then finding the right place, getting planning permission for changes and a five-month refit. And around £300,000 later, she insists it was all worth it.

“Dessert parlours are very popular at the moment but we felt there was an opening in the market if we could find the right location in our home town,” she said.

“We looked around in the city centre but I fell in love with this place the moment I walked in.”

Being part of a growing franchise meant Creams were very particular about the fit out (a lot of purple and black seating) and the food offerings - crepes and pancakes, giant American waffles, milkshakes and probably Peterborough’s largest selection of gelatos.

“We were very keen though to have a few bespoke elements in the design to reflect the character of the building though,” said the spokeswoman. “We kept the open fireplace upstairs, and we opened up the ceil- ing to bring both floors closer together and there is a beautiful chandelier.

“We also felt it was important to have seating at tables as well as the booths to keep large groups eating together.”

Opening seven days a week means long working hours for Kiran, but she added: “Seeing people leave with a smile on their face having enjoyed their visit here makes it all worth while.”

Meanwhile, Kaspas dessert lounge, another franchise, is set to open its doors in Bridge Street in the next few day after a similar investment. The plush, leather bay-seated restaurant with outdoor seating too will be able to cater for up to 150 diners.