STORY: Rolls-Royce VP swaps Rolls for rolls with patisserie launch

Engineer turned artisan pâtissier, Mark McIntosh, is opening his first patisserie café, Mmacaron, in a renowned Leicestershire tourist spot.

Together with award winning chef Emily Bucknall, Mark is launching Mmacaron on Ashby de la Zouchs popular Market Street, (a Government-shortlisted Greatest British High Street, apparently). 

Before the Coronavirus pandemic hit the UK last year, Mark held the Vice President of Services 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, its been my dream to open my own patisserie café and share my skills and love of cakes with others.” Mark says.

"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.”

Mark adds: There are so many overlaps between the worlds of engineering and baking; precision, creativity and a love for the detail. When youre in the kitchen your entire focus is on what you are creating and making sure that its right.”

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, caramel & chocolate Buche and macarons. Mark 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. 

Through lockdown, weve seen how essential our communities are. 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.”

This has been a dream come true for me.” Mark concludes. Id 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 whats important - and that happiness should be top of that list.”