Tony Jones enjoys every minute he spends preparing food at Feroni’s in North Parade.

“I love it – going to work is a pleasure,” says the friendly cook, whose inviting deli and coffee shop serves a range of light meals including home-made soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, melts and baked potatoes.

Very popular – particularly since the autumn chill arrived – are the range of warming seasonal soups include leek and potato, sweet potato, vegetable and tomato.

“We have introduced more dishes, such as Feroni’s meatballs, stuffed peppers, and a variety of melt fillings,” says Tony. “We have a lot of lovely customers, many who come regularly. It is very satisfying when you put food down in front of someone, and watch their face light up.”

He is clearly passionate about his art – no-one would guess that before opening the venture, Tony, 59, had officially retired and pledged not to work in another food-related business again.

He has always enjoyed working with food, and was able to cook Sunday lunch from the age of 12.

On leaving school he trained as a butcher, serving an apprenticeship in the trade, and working up to become a ‘master’.

He later took a complete change of direction, running a greetings card shop, then a newsagents, before returning to food. He ran a pub, and later an a la carte restaurant.

When he left the industry behind he took a job in an art gallery, and did not envisage a return to food. But his children Cordelia, Gerard and Oliver thought otherwise and persuaded him to open Feroni’s.

“They talked me into doing it, and I’m glad I did – it is like a baby to me now,” he says of the stylish deli that is split into two levels, with the counter at the top and seating lower down.

He stresses how lucky he is to have a team of staff who fit in well and help create an inviting atmosphere.

Sarah Sharp, 26, has worked there for four months. “I love the people – the staff and customers. There is a lovely atmosphere and Tony is a brilliant boss,” says the mother-of-two from Wibsey, who previously worked in school canteens.

“I have already learned a lot about cooking and presentation. I prepare simple dishes such as melts, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. We do a special melt – bacon topped with goats’ cheese, which is very popular.”

Deborah Micklewright spotted the vacancy in the Job Centre and felt at home the moment she stepped through the door. “I was working in the kitchen at a bingo hall and fancied a change. I came up and hit it off with the staff immediately – it is a lovely place to work.”

Next month marks the third anniversary since opening, and Tony has no plans to hang up his apron. “The time has flown by. I love my job – I’ve retired once and I’m happy to be working again.”

Feroni’s Deli and Coffee Bar, 25 North Parade, Bradford. Tel. (01274) 744466