Laura’s Inspirational Story

I am Laura Amos chef/proprietor of The Dessert Deli. I began my career at the age of 16 studying a 3 year catering course at Bournemouth & Poole College. I was an advanced student and won ‘student of the year’ and was offered the opportunity to go to London for three months and work under Michelin starred Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Whilst working at J.C’s restaurants, I worked along side some amazing chefs such as Richard Guest at Maison Novelli as well as others in EC1 Brasserie, Novelli W8 & Les Saveurs. After my 3 month stint in some of London’s, prestigious fine dining restaurants, I now had the bug of a busy restaurant service and Jean-Christophe offered me a part time job at the weekends and then full time after completing college, running his pastry sections at Novelli W8 & Maison Novelli.

Three years later, I then went on to work at The Ivy. Within a year I had worked my way up through the ranks to Sous Pastry Chef. Here I soon learnt to toughen up and stand my ground in what is predominately a male environment. This proved to be the most challenging, yet inspirational time in my career. I worked at The Ivy for nearly 3 years, then decided I was in need of a change and was offered Head Pastry Chef at Le Caprice. Here I worked for nearly 2 years working amongst a great team of chefs, whose passion and dedication for producing top quality food was outstanding.

After nearly four years in the company, I reluctantly decided to leave to gain more experience and went to work at Popina, an award winning Artisan bakery. I was Head Chef, managing a team of approx 20 people, I specialised in Product Development, and developed the range of biscuits currently in Waitrose, for Popina and Sharpham Park brands. Also ranges for Highgrove House and Daylesford Organic to name a few. Here I learnt how to mass produce products to a high standard, using specialist machinery as well as the handmade products such as biscotti all cut by hand. I was there for three years before deciding it was time to follow my dream and start my own unique luxury dessert brand,  ’ The Dessert Deli ‘.

In September 2008, at the age of 26, The Dessert Deli  began. Following my dream, and exploding with passion to produce the most ‘Luxurious Handmade Desserts for Food Lovers’ in London I began my journey making truly outstanding, amazing premium desserts made and packaged by hand in small batches using only exceptionally high quality ingredients and packaging, retailed at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy.

I started in Balham’s Hildreth Street market, thanks to Sharon Wright from Wandsworth Council giving me the opportunity to have my first ever market stall there. As months passed I grew a very supportive, loyal network of customers which I like to call my friends, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you all, as without your regular support I would not be where I am today and I will be forever grateful. I have now gained a permanent market pitch on Northcote Road in Clapham Junction opposite Hamish Johnston Fine Cheese Shop. This is my flagship market stall and where I am found weekly baking in my market cart, supplying locals with desserts and baked goods and sharing my knowledge of baking. This is where I call home after leaving Dorset many years ago and the local community I am proud to be a part of.

After 7 months of starting my business, my desserts were on the shelves in the prestigious ‘Selfridges Food Hall’ which was such a proud achievement. Then followed the equally renowned Harvey Nichols & Fortnum & Masons Food Halls which I feel shows recognition of the quality of my desserts and which I feel differentiates from other bands and puts  The Dessert Deli  in a league of its own in the current market.

This is the story so far, to be continued………………………….