Will French-inspired bakery with an Indian twist get the nod as ‘Aldi’s next big thing’?

18-Oct-2022 - Last updated on 18-Oct-2022 at 11:56 GMT

Pastry Pedaleur specialises in French-inspired pastries with an Indian twist. Pic: Pastry Pedaleur

Related tags Pastry Pedaleur Aldi artisanal bakeries Channel 4

Chester-based Pastry Pedaleur – which creates classic French treats, but with an Indian twist – has been selected from hundreds of entries to feature in Channel 4’s new six-part series.

The TV series sees the major retail chain uncover standout products from small UK businesses.

Pastry Pedaleur’s USP (unique selling point) that caught the eye of the judges is the way its products are made – all on site from scratch and in small batches using high quality, seasonal ingredients to “ensure the best flavours are delivered all year round,” said founder and owner Stephanie Peters.

Before opening the bakery in 2019 in Chester’s indoor market, Mumbai-born Peters was the pastry chef at the Chester Grosvenor, where she mastered her skills under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Simon Radley.

Her bakery has grown steadily, appealing to customers who are looking for authentic pastries and other sweet treats. Chester’s new indoor market is planned to reopen to the public on 8 November.

Going head to head to win an Aldi listing

‘Aldi’s next big thing’ will be broadcast live on Channel 4, running from 20 October to 24 November (also available on the All 4 video streaming service).

Pastry Pedaleur is set to feature in Episode Two (airing on 27 October), going head-to-head with other bakers to win a listing with Aldi.

The bakers will pitch their products to a judging panel that comprises of Aldi MD of Buying Julie Ashfield, award-winning grocer and cookbook author Chris Bavin and TV presenter Anita Rani.

“I used to work in the thriving media and advertising industry in Mumbai – my last job was with Vogue Magazine – before I realised my true passion and calling was baking,” said Peters.

“I had to say goodbye to my friends and family when I got married and moved to Chester to follow my husband career here in England.

“Once here, I trained with the best chefs, was a stagiare (intern) at popular bakeries in London and developed my finesse and passion for baking. My journey keeps evolving and I love the feedback my business has received at Chester Market.”

Natural baker’s flair

Added Chef Radley, “Stephanie’s natural flair and absolute passion for pastry was clear from the start.

“She has continued to develop her skills and clearly loves to create exciting new products and flavours for her customers to try.

“ I’m absolutely thrilled she will be showcasing her work on Channel 4 and wish her the best of luck. I’m delighted she has been able to turn her passion into a successful business.”

Alongside selling a broad range of treats, Pastry Pedaleur also hosts demo-based baking workshops from its site to raise funds for charitable causes. A recent workshop raised more than a £1,100 for The Eve Appeal, which works to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers in women. Local schools like The Queen's School also regularly participate in baking workshops at Pastry Pedaleur.