Just Delicious
A little help from mum means at just 19 Sophie Grierson-Hill is probably one of the youngest business owners in Tring.
Mum Shelley has handed over the keys to her shop so that her daughter can be her own boss rather than working long hours in a pub.
Based at 30 High Street it used to be a smoothie bar but closed last summer due to dropping sales.
Now after some market research and several cakes later, Sophie opened Delicious - an Italian deli and French patisserie - at the end of last month (March).
"People in Tring have been really supportive. We have had really good feedback and a lot of interest," she said.
Pastries are ordered in from London's famous Patisserie Valerie and meats brought from an authentic Italian company - even Sophie has difficulty understanding the staff because of their strong accents and has to call in an Italian pal to help out. "I'm determined to learn Italian so I can order my own produce," she said.
Sophie lives with her parents in nearby Cheddington and used to work at The Old Swan pub in the village. Before this she studied beauty therapy at Aylesbury College but after completing the course decided it wasn't for her. She's also tried office work but found she wanted more interaction with customers.
"I'm not an office person. I have tried it and didn't like it . This is more rewarding. This is mine and I work for that," she said.
Shelley, who's been helping to get the business on its feet, said: "She's (Sophie] an incredible people person and is very fired up and passionate."
The business came about after the pair visited Winslow - a market town in Bucks - and saw a deli. Sophie said: "There is nowhere really around Tring that you have delis. We just put two and two together."
Also on the menu at Delicious are a range of cheeses, olives, pastas, croissants, Italian breads and Sophie is in talks with a couple who make chocolates.
She stresses that if there is something a customer wants that she does not have in she can always order it for them.
The shop also has a small seating area so customers can eat in - there's a range of light meals on offer - whilst enjoying a tea, coffee or cold drink.
Find out more by calling Delicious on 01442 823450.
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Weather for Tring
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
