Bakery brand Fitzbillies is set to move production outside of Cambridge and into a new site in the nearby village of Harston.
The 105-year-old business has signed a lease on the 4,000 sq ft premises, which was formerly a Ducati motorbike garage.
The space will be divided between a bakery – supplying products to its three existing cafés in central Cambridge – an office, and a new 45-seater coffee shop serving the local community. Refurbishment work is already underway and expected to be completed by this summer.
Fitzbillies’ bakery team will be relocated to Harston and joined by up to seven new barista recruits.
The company made the decision to expand after outgrowing its bakery unit on Clifton Road, which is also under threat of a compulsory purchase order as part of the East West Rail development of Cambridge station.
“Ever since we moved the bakery out of the back of the original Trumpington St branch in 2018, we have dreamed of a place where the baked goods can be taken straight from the oven to the counter and into our customers hands,” commented Fitzbillies co-owner Alison Wright, who with Tim Hayward acquired the firm out of receivership in 2011.
“Our bakers are enormously proud of their craft and they love to see it displayed, looking beautiful for our customers to enjoy. And customers will be able to see our bakers at work for the first time. This is ‘the dream’ for us – putting bakers and bakery lovers together, sharing one building. This is exciting for the whole Fitzbillies team, as well as being the next natural development for the Fitzbillies business,” added Wright.
The co-owner also noted how Harston was a brilliant location. “We really hope to be part of the village community and contribute to village life. We’re looking forward to employing Harston locals, plus it’s just a short journey to deliver fresh-baked buns, bread and pastries to our shops in town each morning,” she said.
Fitzbillies is known for its ultra-sticky Chelsea buns and also makes a full range of baked goods from sourdough bread to macarons and wedding cakes. In addition to its cafés, it also sells postable cakes, buns, picnic hampers, and gift boxes via its website.
No comments yet