With the much-delayed British summer finally having made an appearance, Favola Gelato and Café in Tonbridge has been doing a brisk trade.
The new upmarket ice-cream parlour in Angel Walk offers an authentic taste of Italy as well as equally tempting Belgian waffles.
Husband-and-wife team Jo and Nicolas Marechal are so dedicated to their business that they spent time in Bologna, northern Italy, learning the art of true gelato-making, which marks itself out as special through the use of completely fresh ingredients.
According to Mrs Marechal, who moved with her husband from South East London to Tonbridge last year, they have been made extremely welcome in the town.
She said: “We nearly started the business at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, but we talked to people in Tonbridge and they told us the town really needs a Gelato café, as there isn’t one in the area,” explained the co-owner, who previously gained an MA in design from the Royal College of Art in London.
The company’s rise in popularity has led to the couple seeking an apprentice through West Kent College to assist with the fast-growing business, which employs a team of six part-time staff.
Mrs Marechal added: “With my husband’s family having a background in the chocolate business, and my own mother being a chef, it seemed like a good thing for us to do.
“We’ve found it is really busy here in Tonbridge, with a lot of footfall. People have been really positive about the café. Sourcing products locally has been a key part of our business model.
