Published: 7/26/2017 11:32:26 PM
NORTHAMPTON — A Berskshire County-based chain of French cafes will open a new location in downtown Northampton this fall, offering a variety of foods and beverages.
Patisserie Lenox, which currently has shops in Lenox, Great Barrington and Hudson, New York, will take over space at 48 Main St. that was abandoned when the Hinge bar and music club closed its doors in late 2015 after its owner was arrested on drug charges.
“We’ve been looking at Northampton since we opened our first location,” said owner Yulia Bougouin, who operates the restaurant with her husband, Jean Yves. “It just never really happened to have a good location on the Main Street that appealed to us — then there was one.”
Patisserie Lenox offers pastries such as croissants baked fresh daily, as well as specialty cakes, eclairs and other items. The chain also offers a full lunch menu including sandwiches, quiche, salads and soup.
Bougouin said Patisserie Lenox has developed a style throughout its locations that aims to emulate a French cafe. She said they decorate with warm colors, brick walls and flowers, and their locations also usually have outdoor, cafe-style seating and French music playing.
“It’s a very classy, elegant look,” she said. “It’s not just a rustic coffee shop.”
Bougouin said she expects the Northampton location to be similar to the other three and said they’re shooting for an Oct. 1 grand opening.
As for the space’s old use, Bougouin said they’re not trying to emulate or replace Hinge. Patisserie Lenox has a different purpose and vibe.
“We’re not going to become a nightclub,” she said. “We were thinking of maybe getting a piano — that can be our live music.”