Our Story

Ernst Strassman was born in Switzerland in 1935. Even as a young boy, a love of fine pastries and confectionary meant he was destined to pursue a career as a Patissier. This ambition led him to enroll in an apprenticeship in Geneva so, by his 19th birthday Ernst was a qualified Patissier and Confectioner.

After working in a five star hotel and various patisseries in Switzerland, Ernst decided to come to seek his fortune in London’s luxury catering industry. Before long, Ernst earned a post at Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s oldest and most prestigious grocers, where he quickly rose to become Head Patissier. 

Despite his early success, Ernst was still hungry for more and with a new found interest in business, decided to start his own company where he could experiment by mixing continental confectionery with traditional English recipes. 

Heidi’s Swiss Patisserie was established on the first of January 1969 and now comprises a main bakery on Hayling Island, serving nine patisseries, each with it’s own coffee shop.

Today the company remains a family business, with Ernst’s daughter Heidi taking responsibility for the day to day affairs and supported by a team of passionate and dedicated staff.