PATISSERIE Valerie in Oxford High Street is now flourishing after the national cake chain almost crumbled into oblivion.

Last year the business owned by Luke Johnson went into administration after a massive hole was found in the company accounts.

But in February the cafe chain was saved from closure by a management buyout backed by an Irish private equity firm.

Almost 100 cafes were rescued in the deal, funded by Causeway Capital Partners, including the branch in Oxford’s High Street.

The branch inside Debenham’s, however, was closed and has not reopened.

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At Patisserie Valerie in High Street, there are positive signs and a new summer menu and a redesigned range of classic patisserie and gateaux is being launched.

Oxford Mail:

Chain spokeswoman Jennifer Sutcliffe said: “These exciting launches are the first steps in the redevelopment of the much-loved brand as the business re-focuses on quality ingredients, creative designs and ethical sourcing.

“The new ranges will be focused around a core range of the favourites that Patisserie Valerie is famous for, alongside exciting new flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients.

Oxford Mail:

Five individual patisserie have been reworked. They include Strawberry Gateau, Double Choc and Blackforest.

The menu has a broad range of 'plant-based' options and all patisserie and gateaux are suitable for vegetarians. The company is also pleased to launch a new refreshing cold drink range for adults and kids in partnership with fresh British brand Cawston Press.

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Managing director Paolo Peretti said: “We’re really excited to be able to share some of the hard work that’s gone on behind the scenes over the past few months at Patisserie Valerie.

Oxford Mail:

“We’ve not just put the butter back in our pastry, we’ve upgraded the quality of the ingredients our menu from Italian Amerena cherries on our black forest gateaux to Mediterranean figs in our new vegan super wholefood salad.

“Hopefully this investment in quality shows our commitment to grow the Patisserie Valerie brand keep it at the heart of the high street.”

Oxford Mail:

Alongside Patisserie Valerie’s famous freshly baked pastries, diners can now enjoy an All-Day Brunch menu which includes healthy options such as Smashed Avocado on freshly baked bloomer toast.

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Ms Sutcliffe added that The Lunch to Dinner menu has been ‘stripped back’ to a classic range of comfort dishes including croque monsieurs.

Patisserie Valerie sold its Baker & Spice café chain, which had a branch in Woodstock Road, to the Department of Coffee & Social Affairs for £2.5m but the new owners have not opened a branch in Oxford.