The key ingredient to a truly great sandwich is arguably a good quality butter.

And no one knows their butter better than Jules Bal, a long-time hospitality industry worker whose passion for delicious dairy saw a lockdown hobby spread across Glasgow before culminating in the opening of a new Byres Road sandwicherie, Le Petit Coq, earlier this month.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “It’s a bit surreal, I didn’t expect for it to blow up quite as fast but the reaction has been amazing.

“The amount of followers I’ve had since opening Le Petit Coq has been crazy and people from places like Hamilton, Motherwell or even as far away as Edinburgh to try one of our baguettes.

“I still can’t get my head around.”

Glasgow Times:

The origins of Jules’ recipe for success began in his family’s home country of France where he learned the tricks of the trade which had been passed through generations.

Years later, the skilful practice of traditional butter churning would make its way to Glasgow dining tables as the 31-year-old began selling his products under a business playfully named Oui Knob.

He explained: “I got into butter when I was quite young.

“My dad taught me how to make it when I was living in France but then I sort of forgot about it for years before I started making butter for my pals during lockdown.

“Later when we would meet, they’d bring a bottle of wine and I’d bring the butter until one of my friends who is involved in the Park Lane Market suggested I should try set up a wee stall.

“It all went quite fast from there.”

In the next two years, life would move faster still for Jules as his reputation for producing artisanal flavoured butter with dairy from Mossgiel Farm saw him amass fans across Glasgow’s food and drink scene.

Glasgow Times:

A huge opportunity to recognise a lifelong dream and explore his love for championing local produce and quality ingredients even further came late last year as he found the perfect spot to open his first brick-and-mortar takeaway in the heart of the West End.

Jules said: “I’ve always wanted to have my own little restaurant, café or bar but just wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted it to be.

“I knew that when the time was right it would start to make sense.

“Last December, the opportunity for this unit came along on the same week that I had an idea for a French takeaway called Le Petit Coq.

“Everything at the shop has been curated by me from the design to the paintwork and the menu.

“It’s all really exciting.”

Glasgow Times:

In just a few weeks since opening, Le Petit Coq has received rave reviews and proved a huge hit on social media thanks to a French-influenced menu of sandwiches made with baguettes which are baked using a bespoke recipe and, of course, plenty of butter.

And there’s no sign of slowing down yet for Jules who said: “The people of the West End have really welcomed us with open arms and I already have plans to branch out in the coming months.

“I love my product, I believe in it and I love seeing people enjoying it whether they’re trying the butter or ordering food in the shop.

“I want to continue that down the line and just keep putting smiles on people’s faces.

“I’ve no plans of stopping any time soon.”

For more information on Le Petit Coq click here.