La Sucriere Philipsburg

Why open a French bakery in the middle of Philipsburg?

Because there was not one. Philipsburg has jewellery, rum and a boardwalk, and for years it did not have a proper French counter. A guest who lives here wrote that she was just very happy to see entrepreneurs coming back to Philipsburg, which is a better explanation of the decision than anything we could write.

Where is Hendrikstraat?

Right in the middle of town, beside the Courthouse, which is the white and green building at the centre of Philipsburg that appears on most postcards of the island. From the cruise pier at Point Blanche it is a water taxi or a short drive, then a walk. From Front Street it is a minute. From the boardwalk on Great Bay, about two.

What is it good for?

• A croissant and a coffee before the shops open at nine.
• A baguette sandwich to take to Great Bay beach.
• Quiche and a tart for an office lunch in town.
• Something to carry back aboard, if your ship is in.
• Collecting a cake, Monday to Saturday, since Sunday is closed.

Is it the same bakery as Simpson Bay?

The same business, the same recipes, the same prices, and the same overnight bake delivered in for the 7 AM opening. The differences are practical: Simpson Bay is larger, has the production kitchen, carries a wider range, opens an hour earlier, opens on Sunday, and has the terrace. Philipsburg is built for a town counter and takeaway.