Departing Ashby Mayor Councillor Graham Allman's last task in the role was to open a the new patisserie in Market Street called Mmacaron.

Cllr Allman declared the new cafe open before stepping down as Mayor to be replaced by Cllr Rita Manning.

Ashby Nub News covered Mmacaron's first day on Facebook Live last week.

The owner, Mark McIntosh said he had been up since 4am making everything was in place for the big day - and so far, the feedback has been good.

Engineer turned artisan patissier, Mark realised a dream come true when he opens the family friendly cafe last Friday.

Mark - originally inspired by the Great British Bake Off - is undertaking the venture together with award-winning chef Emily Bucknall, who trained in Loughborough and has worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs.

Before the Coronavirus pandemic hit the UK last year, Mark held the position of Vice-President of Service Programmes position at Rolls-Royce, Derby, where for nearly 20 years he led engineering teams in high profile projects like the Trent XWB engine development.

But COVID-19 provided him with an opportunity to fundamentally assess his aspirations, seeing him swap engines for eclairs in a bold career change.

"Since my first teenage Saturday job at a bakery, it's been my dream to open my own patisserie café and share my skills and love of cakes with others," said Mark.

"Covid allowed us all time to pause and reflect on our lives and plan a different future.

{It's been a challenge to create a business through a global pandemic and many have called me crazy to give up a very good job, but sometimes you have to follow your heart."

The artisan café aims to provide a luxurious, family-friendly experience, with plenty of freshly-made, decadent treats on the menu such as Pithivier cake - named after Ashby's twin town in France - caramel & chocolate Buche and macarons.

Mark says he is dedicated to giving back to the community where he and his family have lived for 11 years and will offer his left-over cakes to local care homes.

Mmacaron will use locally sourced ingredients from independent suppliers in Ashby and across the region.

The patisserie will also be serving coffee from 200 Degrees Coffee, an independent coffee roaster based in Nottingham.

"Through lockdown, we've seen how essential our communities are," added Mark.

"We want to play our part in helping our local high street recover and rebuild, encouraging increased footfall in the region as well as supporting local suppliers and offering employment opportunities for local people.

"There are so many overlaps between the worlds of engineering and baking; precision, creativity and a love for the detail.

"When you're in the kitchen your entire focus is on what you are creating and making sure that it's right.

"I'd encourage anyone in the same situation to be bold and to embrace change.

"One of the only bright spots of the pandemic is that it has reminded us what's important - and that happiness should be top of that list."