A WALTHAMSTOW-based pudding manufacturer has caught the interest of London mayor Boris Johnson – by selling soufflé to the French.

Rensow Patisserie Ltd., in Green Ferry Way, Walthamstow, manufactures the well-known Gü puddings, which are sold all over the UK and now in France.

And in a high-profile speech at the Manhattan Institute, during his visit to New York, Boris Johnson said: “Walthamstow is a fantastic place. Walthamstow-made chocolate cake and brownies are going to France.

“The French are buying our cake by the shedload. I say to Sarkozy, hands off our financial industry. Look at your cakes. I say let them eat cake from Walthamstow.”

It is understood that Mr Johnson first became aware of the brand at the Taste of London fair in June, where he met sous chef Jono Jenkins.

Mr Jenkins, who has worked at Rensow for 18 months, said: “I was just working on our stand, giving out samples, when Mr Johnson came over.

“He was really clued up on what was going on in Walthamstow.”

Hidden away in an industrial estate, if Rensow is Walthamstow's chocolate factory, Gü founder and managing director James Averdieck is its Willy Wonka, although he is based in west London.

He said: “I'm glad Boris Johnson is talking about us – it's great and very flattering.”

Rather than oompa loompas, however, about 120 people are employed on the site, and the sweet treats are now literally selling like hot cakes.

Chef Fred Ponnavoy, himself originally from France, said: “I was looking for a new challenge when I came here.

“I came to London originally for six months and ten years down the line I'm still here.”

Marketing director Yaffa Nathan added: “We've grown from 6,000 square feet to 22,000 to 44,000.

“It's a huge commitment and it was brave to do it but for the moment, even in the recession, we're doing ok.”

Mr Averdieck met Mrs Nathan at a catering exhibition in Barcelona in 2001, and in 2002 the partnership was finally settled ahead of Gü's launch in 2003.

He said: “I'm glad the mayor is interested in backing good London companies.

“I think the idea of selling soufflé to the French appealed to his sense of humour.”

The mayor is reported to have mentioned the company again at a reception at the New York mayor's home and another held to coincide with fashion week.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "He sees it as a triumph of the optimistic, creative, enterprising spirit that has enabled London to survive and thrive over many centuries."