HAYDON Bridge lass Anna Hunter is fast learning what appeals most to her new-found customers, but she does have high hopes of enticing them onward into pastures new.

Tired of the call centres and office-based jobs she’s held until now, in January she finally took the plunge and became self-employed. Her mobile FlipnFast creperie business is now on the move.

Last weekend, she was in Hexham for the Taste of Tynedale food festival, where she sold more savoury crepes than sweet ones, but that was unusual, she said.

“I prepared far too much of everything when I first started out, but I’ve learned that 90 per cent of what I sell is usually the sweet fillings.

“I think once people get to know the business, they come for the savoury options, but for the passing trade, it’s mostly Nutella or sugar and lemon.

“Although I try to be creative, people tend to want what they know, but I’m hoping to change that in time – I want to get people to try something different.”

A combination of goat’s cheese, rocket and balsamic onion relish certainly went down well in Hexham, as did mozzarella cheese with tomato and balsamic dressing.

The latter was a safe choice, she says, based on the pizza topping just about everybody feels comfortable with.

However, in the fullness of time, she plans to start spicing up the offer with, well, spices, when occasion allows – probably for audiences who already know her food.

A vegetarian herself, her menu is totally vegetarian, with some additional vegan options too.

She stocks up on vegan batter and suitable versions of cheese and chocolate spread when she’s going to an event where she thinks it might sell.

All of her ingredients are fresh and/or sourced locally. Among other things, the milk and cream comes from the award-winning Marley Cote Walls farm, near Slaley; the cheese is supplied by the Northumberland Cheese Company and the Leaside Cheese Makers, of Teesdale, and the coffee she serves is roasted and blended by the Tynemouth Coffee Company.

Part of Anna’s learning curve over the past few months has been trying to accurately appraise what will hit the mark at the next event she’s attending.

She’s done several food fairs to date, in places such as Glasgow and Harrogate, and music festivals in Haydon Bridge and Uttoxeter.

That last one was the venue for the L Fest weekend of music, comedy and the arts. “It’s a lesbian festival, and I sold more of the vegan food than usual and I did quite well on the savoury,” said Anna.

“The only other festival I’m doing this summer is the Stormin’ the Castle bikers’ rally at Witton Castle at the beginning of September.

“That will be interesting, to see what they like. I’m going to take lots of jars of Nutella, but you never know – I might be surprised!”