JARS of mini croissants and pastries sit atop glass counters, which are filled with tantalising home-made quiches and fresh fruit tarts.

Bunting made of French flags is strung jauntily alongside the rustic tables, while a specials board boasts numerous French-inspired paninis and salads.

“Why take the Condor to France when you can come down to Delice Des Champs and experience a little bit of France on your own door step?” asked Adam Keskin, who has been running the eaterie in Gervis Place, Bournemouth for the last year.

Originally taken over by his father seven years ago, when the cafe was part of the Delice de France franchise, the family has since renamed the business but managed to retain much of its loyal clientele – no mean feat in the current climate.

Adam, 27, puts this down to the high level of service his customers receive from his dedicated manager, Leandro Spera, and staff.

“We are really a local family-run business with a great team of staff,” he explained.“The cafe itself has been here about 20 years – some of our regular customers have been coming here ever since it first opened.

“We greet many of our customers by name; we believe in talking to our customers and getting to know them.

“We take a hand-on approach in delivering the best service to our customers which is centred around our excellent waitress service.”

Adam describes the customers as ‘part of the Delice Des Champs family’, adding that they value their clients loyalty. The cafe opens its door early to allow waiting regulars to pop in and read the paper over a freshly-brewed coffee.

“We are one of the first cafes in Bournemouth town centre to open in the morning,” he said.

“From 6am we are here preparing and baking our patisseries with our doors open from 7am so that our customers can grab a coffee and a pain au chocolat straight out of the oven en route to work.”

The mouth-wateringly flaky pastries filling the cafe’s cabinets are, in fact, something of a speciality, and are made freshly, on site, every morning.

Fresh baguettes – all made up with French-themed fillings and given French names – are baked fresh throughout the day, as are all the savouries, including the quiches, pizzas and filled croissants.

The cafe offers the luxury home-made Styles ice cream, as available at Harrods, to eat in or take-away. It also provides catering services for parties and special occasions.

Adam is passionate about Delice Des Champs – despite working in an entirely different profession just over a year ago.

“I was a block paver by trade,” he explained.

“But I grew up around catering. I’ve always been at my happiest in the kitchen – my dad is a chef running his own restaurants and so he taught me to cook from a young age.

“I decided to follow my passion and I was lucky to have this opportunity to be involved in my family’s business.”