Gautier Houdebine
Gautier Houdebine

Gautier Houdebine

What’s your name?
Gautier Houdebine.

Name on the Van?
Un Normande A Londres

Where are you located? We are at the south end of the market, next to Souter Bros.

What brought you here?
I'm close to the boss, Frank. I'm from Normandy. My parents are from Normandy. My dad was very passionate about food in general, and he met Frank because he knew he was a cheese monger and they became friends. At some point, you know, I automatically learned to love good food. So being able to work in London selling cheese that I love. Good idea.

How long have you been working here?
Two and a half years. It's a little French area. Every weekend, it smells of fresh goats’ cheese.

Where do you call home?
The more I'm here, the more here is home. I was born here. And then went back to Montpellier as a child. They are good people, and there’s quite a strong Spanish influence on the food.

What do you love most about North End Road Market?
The diversity and the closeness between people. It's authentic.

You've got lovely French cheeses…
Yes, we do restaurants, cheese shops and wholesale. The business started out as two brothers. That was 20-25 years ago. Initially they started working in France. But they decided to come to London to try it out. There are a lot of French people living in London. Now they have four or five markets including Borough Market.

So why here?
This is the first market the boss started in. He knows everyone here.

What's your first memory of the area?
It was in February, so it was winter, it went dark quite quick. It was a nice atmosphere - with the light coming out of the truck - serving people good cheese for the weekend.

What's your favourite shop or stall apart from your own?
I like the Italian fella. He sells Greek products. I buy olive oil from him. He's very knowledgeable.

What socials are you on?
- Facebook 
- Instagram

How can someone order?
https://unenormandealondres.uk and 0207 403 1737.