Patisserie Box, Circencester

Tucked away in the doorway of Bishop’s Walk in Cirencester, a charming new cake hatch is quietly making waves in the world of French patisserie.

Xavier Pelloux and his wife Bee have been sharing their exquisite creations with wholesale customers since 2016, but two weeks ago, they opened their very first shop – and if our visit is anything to go by, it won’t be the last.

Arriving late on a bustling Saturday afternoon, we were met by Xavier (Head Pastry Chef and Director), who told us they’d had an incredibly busy day and had already sold out of several cakes. A good sign!

It was genuinely hard to choose, with a menu that spans from timeless French staples to playful, inventive flavours like Mango & Coconut, Apricot & Mango, and the Stratichella – a nod to the beloved Italian ice cream.

Prices range from £3.45 to £4.25, which feels like remarkable value considering the craftsmanship and quality of ingredients. The cakes are beautifully packaged in cute carry-home pink boxes – a delightful touch that adds to the experience and would make a perfect gift.

We began with the White Chocolate Bunny Bum – a playful and utterly charming bake complete with tiny bunny feet and a fluffy tail. The sponge was feather-light, wrapped in smooth white chocolate, and hiding a salted caramel centre with a perfectly salty hit.

Next up, the Rhubarb and Custard – visually stunning with soft pastel tones and a gentle dusting of sugar on the outside to give it a bit of texture. The rhubarb flavour was vibrant and zingy, beautifully offset by a cool, indulgent custard at the centre.

The Lemon Meringue Pie was a classic we couldn’t pass up. It delivered everything you’d hope for – a bold citrus kick, silky meringue, and a lovely harmony of crisp pastry to tangy topping.

For our wildcard choice, we followed Xavier’s recommendation and tried the Honey and Peach. This one had a crackly sugar-coated shell and a rich, unmistakable honey flavour. While the peach was a little lost in the mix, we enjoyed the creative twist.

The hatch also tempts with a rainbow of brightly coloured macarons, pastries, cookies, and chocolates – all handcrafted by the family. This is a labour of love.

Behind these creations is Xavier himself, a pastry chef whose career began at just 14 years old in a small bakery near his home in France. From there, his journey took him to acclaimed kitchens across France, New York, and the UK, including Maison Blanc, The Ivy, and Harrods.

The new Cirencester shop feels like a natural next step for this talented couple. If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss the chance to stop by. You’ll leave with a full heart, a happy palate, and a pink box of patisserie magic.