Craft bakery chain Public is expanding further across the Midlands and up into Scotland, backed by new investment.
Arran Bailey, founder of property developer ALB Group, has provided a seven-figure loan to fuel growth of Public’s site estate, which is said to be on track to hit double-digit sites by the end of 2026.
The company currently operates three locations, having opened its first bakery café in Loughborough in August 2021. It added another site in the nearby village of Mountsorrel in April 2024 before unveiling a third store in Nottingham a few months later. The latter is housed inside Grade II-listed building on the city’s historic Low Pavement, which was let by ALB Group.
“I’ve seen the passion and skill behind this brand first-hand,” commented Bailey. “That’s why I invested financially. The investment also continues my mission of rejuvenating our city and town centres.”
The funding has helped Public secure the opening of a fourth branch in Leicester and enabled the purchase of a freehold property in Edinburgh. Launching soon on Leicester’s King Street, the new site forms part of a £10m regeneration scheme for the city’s New Walk area.
The company revealed continued expansion plans had it eying up the likes of Manchester, Leeds, Bath, and Bristol.
Bailey noted it was important for Public to open in cities and towns that will benefit from a sense of community and regeneration, whilst also looking for buildings that are perhaps difficult to repurpose for some reason or another. “We want the building to be cultural anchors,” he said. “So far, we have repurposed old banks, mills, cinemas, and even a former bingo hall in Edinburgh. Each location is designed to preserve the architectural character of the building in which it is housed.”
The property developer highlighted the success of the Nottingham store, a former bank dating back to 1836. After laying empty for years, it has now become a hub for the community, supporting new jobs and drawing in over 5,000 customers a week.
ALB Group has also been responsible for reigniting the buzz of Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate, buying 14 business premises along the pedestrianised street and commissioning vibrant murals to create a ‘Carnaby Street’ vibe. The regeneration spread to nearby Low Pavement and Lister Gate with all acquired properties now let or under offer.
“Public has been the perfect anchor to let other buildings in the area,” added Bailey. “Its success is well deserved and seeing queues up the street from 8am til 8pm is proof that the high street can thrive again.”
Public’s new Leicester site will see a further 25 staff employed, increasing its total workforce to 125 roles across the four venues.
Raffaele Russo, founder of Public, described the concept for Public as combining welcoming interiors, conducive to socialising and co-working, with exceptional food and drink. “Each venue features a theatrical on-site bakery, communal tables for co-working, and a vibrant social atmosphere that attracts students, professionals, and shoppers alike,” he said. “It’s a place to relax, collaborate, and connect. Everything is made in full view of the customer – it’s part of the experience.”
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