Meet the Grainger Market Traders: The French Oven
Get to know The French Oven as the business celebrates its 20th birthday
Newcastle’s Grainger Market is home to lots of long-running traders and this year marks 20 years of The French Oven at the iconic indoor market.
To celebrate the occasion, we had a chat with owner Emma-Claude to talk about her journey so far, her passion for baking, and what’s kept the ovens warm all these years.
What inspired you to open The French Oven?
One of my fondest memories is of my French grandmother. One afternoon, she sent me off to a traditional local bakery with a few coins and told me to buy whatever I could afford. I must have been around eight years old. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt completely at home – the smell of fresh croissants, the sight of so many freshly baked goods.
I’m half French and half Geordie, and after spending a lot of time in France and discovering a real passion for baking and cooking, I decided to bring a little piece of that world back to Newcastle and open The French Oven.
How does it feel to be celebrating 20 years in business?
It’s an incredible feeling – a mix of pride, gratitude, and disbelief at how quickly time has flown. Running a small independent bakery is never easy, but our customers and the Grainger Market community have supported us through everything – from recessions to the pandemic, and all the good times in between.
Reaching 20 years is a real milestone, and it’s all thanks to the people who keep coming back for their daily baguette, and our amazing team members – like Simon, who’s always in and out of the oven, and Lisa, our wonderful manageress on the counter.
How have you seen Grainger Market change over the two decades you’ve been there?
The Market has evolved so much while still keeping its original charm. When I first started, it was filled with traditional traders. Over the years, we’ve seen a wave of new independent food businesses bring in fresh energy and diversity.
There’s now a real sense of community and creativity here – it’s become a destination for both locals and visitors. It’s wonderful to be part of that evolution and to have stood the test of time.
What are your most popular products and what is your personal favourite French Oven product?
Our bestsellers are our sourdough loaves and savoury pies – made with locally sourced ingredients, slow-cooked fillings, and handmade pastry.
Personally, I have a soft spot for our croissants – you just can’t beat a freshly baked one in the morning. And when I’m in the mood for something savoury, I usually go for a warm, hearty quiche.
What advice would you give to other Grainger Market traders looking to stay in business as long as The French Oven?
Be consistent, stay true to your craft, and never stop adapting. We’ve seen trends come and go – from crepes to griddle scones baked in front of customers, to macarons. Things are always changing, and it’s important to evolve with what people want.
The real key is to build genuine relationships - with your customers, your staff, and your fellow traders. Lasting 20 years isn’t about chasing every trend; it’s about showing up every day, giving your best, and learning from the hard times, even when things don’t go your way.
And, as always, what do you love most about being a part of the Grainger Market community of traders?
I’m glad you asked – it’s absolutely the people. The camaraderie between traders, the loyalty of our customers, the shared laughs, and those early mornings – that’s what makes Grainger Market so special.
It’s more than just a workplace; it’s a community of people who look out for each other - even when there are 100 different shops, 100 different owners, and just as many opinions and bits of banter.
I’ve been part of this market since I was a teenager. My husband helps out now, and our son can’t visit without dragging us over to Dumpling and Bun for his fix. After 20 years, it truly feels like home.
The French Oven is located in Unit 27 in Grainger Market’s Arcade and is open from 8am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday. For more information visit www.frenchoven.co.uk.
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