Southampton: HSBC supports city's first Creams dessert cafe

A Hampshire-based franchisee has secured a six-figure finance package from HSBC to open Southampton’s first Creams dessert café.

The funding has enabled owner Mark Hirst, director and shareholder of Walden Gelatos, to open the 1,700 sq ft unit in Westquay Watermark, the UK’s largest dedicated food hall and leisure plaza. The unit can seat up to 70 customers at one time.

The launch of the new Creams café has created 25 jobs for the local economy, including 10 full time positions and 15 part time positions.

Hirst said: “I am incredibly excited to be opening Southampton’s first Creams franchise with HSBC’s support, as well as creating a large number of jobs for people in the city and the surrounding area. My relationship manager, David Hammel, was hugely helpful during the process, ensuring I had everything I needed during the often complicated franchising process.”

Jane Fancy, HSBC’s area director for Hampshire and Dorset, commented: “HSBC has extensive franchise experience and the team here in Hampshire & Dorset worked closely with our dedicated franchise team to help Mark secure the most suitable funding package to open the Creams café.”

The high-street dessert chain, founded in 2008, now operates in 70 locations in the UK and offers customers Italian and American style desserts from sundaes and gelato to waffles and crêpes.