Independent Retailer Month: Q&A with owner of Caroline's Viennese Patisserie in Wrexham

Name: Steven Vale

Business: Caroline’s Viennese Patisserie

Location: 2 Central Arcade, Wrexham

Telephone / website: 01978 355496 / stevenvale.wixsite.com/carolines

Opening hours: 9am-3.30pm, Monday to Saturday

When did you open and why?

The business has been open in Wrexham for over 50 years, I took it on from the lady who previously owned it and wanted to retire. It’s one of the oldest patisserie’s in Wrexham.

Since I took it on, I’ve realised that it’s more than just a business, it’s a way of life. We have brilliant customers and lots of regulars that come in here every day.

Why did you open in this location?

I love Central Arcade, it’s a fantastic location. Handy enough just off the high street, but also just out out the way enough to be relatively quiet, so yes I think it’s brilliant.

Tell us about your business...

Well it is a patisserie, so it’s mainly pastries, cakes, that sort of thing, but we do have a little café upstairs where people can sit and relax and enjoy a cup of tea or a coffee, or a nice snack.

We won’t make a million doing what we do but we’re not out to make a million. The patisserie is more about serving the community and being here for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice sit down and a drink or a snack.

What’s your most memorable/proudest moment in business?

The thing I’m proudest of is the customers that come in here every day. We have lots of regulars who come in so often, I can tell you who’s going to come in which day and what time.

We get some great characters in here, young and old, and I love hearing about their days and hearing their stories.

Have you had any strange requests?

On Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago, we actually had a man propose to his wife in the shop. We prepared a cake with ‘Will you marry me?’ iced on it, which is something I never thought would happen in here.

Thankfully she said yes!