Raymond Blanc vs Jungs-Beaconsfield's Continental Conundrum

The celebrity chef, Raymond Blanc, has been granted permission to open a French patisserie in Beaconsfield. Plans for Maison Blanc were approved on Wednesday by South Bucks District Council.

No doubt the establishment will be a huge hit with the 'Hooray Henrys' and their spouses who inhabit the leafy environs of South Bucks. There will undoubtedly be a clamour for Mr. Blanc's speciality breads and French confections as cafe culture continues to thrive in the town.

Some residents, however, are concerned about the impact the opening will have on family-owned bakery Jungs, situated directly opposite. For the uninitiated, Jungs is a small chain with shops in Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. Amongst other cakes and pastries that they offer, one is, or certainly used to be, the chocolate banana. The title of this inspired combination is pretty self-explanatory, the taste is sublime.

Those vowing to continue their support for Jungs include a Seer Green resident who did not want to named. They told the Bucks Free Press, “It would be very sad if Jungs started to struggle and I would want to give them all the help I could."

Hopefully both patisseries can thrive alongside each other and mutually benefit the town. A chain attached to a celebrity chef is always going to prove popular, especially in a well-heeled market town.

It would be naive and dewy eyed to ignore the fact that the competition will revolve somewhat around the bottom line of business. Still, let's hope residents don't forget about the family-owned chain that has preceded some of them and continue to support local, quality produce at the heart of the community.