Villa Tempest started out in 2010, as an idea, a simple idea,
… the name of a family home.
From those small beginnings in Hanoi, Vietnam it grew into a bespoke Pie Service and Weekend Market BBQ Operation. A few years later the desire to build a business around the idea of a, “Bed and Breakfast,” Operation in a popular, summer and winter, German tourist destination grew and with it the hope that this could be a family business opportunity for us.
As a sideline operation to the B&B idea we considered the idea of a Weekend Beer Garden, based around the brewing of small batch, handcrafted beers, AND a Savoury Pastry Service for expats in need of a little comfort food.
Unfortunately, the Bed & Breakfast idea dwindled as an option, as the practicalities of work, school and access to community services, and reasonably priced housing became a greater priority.
The Beer Garden idea morphed into a Hobby Brewing Club, known as Hobbybrau Hamburg (you can still find them on Facebook), and as for the pies? Well… we left Hamburg behind, and moved to Shanghai.
Fast forward to the end of 2024 and we have returned to Germany. Our son has grown into a fine young man, and as parents we have split, along with our responsibilities between caring for elderly parents in Hamburg and managing a cafe in Elmshorn (Cafe Vormstegen), AND the “Pieman” dog sitting, volunteering, and supporting the Cafe’s operations from time to time.
Its kinda funny how things work out. Its not a Bed & Breakfast but if we can turn the Cafe’s fortunes around, perhaps there still might be a future for, “Villa Tempest Pies.” Let’s see what the future brings.