Belle Epoque’ philosophy and strength lies in understanding the working kitchen, focusing on the needs of the chef, unrivalled in his expertise.
It all began in 2000, when Eric met with Hulya over a conversation about their long lasting love for Africa.
Belle Epoque’s history is intimately tied up with Hulya and Eric’ extensive travel experiences around the world.
When they found an 18th Century building in the heart of Stoke Newington they knew that this was the opportunity to transform this listed building into a pastry shop. The decoration of Belle Epoque in Newington Green is the result of decade’s long treasure hunt made up of bargains and treasures collected in markets over the Channel and England. Since the opening its doors in November 2002, 37 Newington Green boutique very quickly became a popular destination for Francophiles as well as locals.
Newington Green was until 2012 the only bakery squashed into the small basement, it would famously remind its neighbours of Paris in the small hours with the wonderful perfume of freshly baked croissant and brioche.
In 2012 Belle Epoque acquired a new kitchen unit and centralised production sited just a stone throw away from N16, in Highbury Barn. With exclusive customers like Selfridges Belle Epoque has a leading position in the independent baking industry.
Belle Epoque is regularly touted as one of the best pastry shops in the city with extensive selection of cakes, chocolates, breads, viennoseries, tarts and quiches all made to exactingly high standards.
In July 2014, Belle Époque renewed its branding and opened a boutique on Upper Street in Islington. This boutique now moved to a bigger site on 267 Upper Street.