A Teesside bakery has closed its doors just over one year after opening in Middlesbrough.
It was a full-circle moment for Ed Trewhitt when he set up shop in Middlesbrough ’s Dundas Shopping Centre in 2023 – eight years after selling his bread at the same market. Brickyard Bakery first opened in Guisborough then the not-for-profit Community Interest Company threw open its doors in the former Middlesbrough Cooplands Bakery in April 2023.
But Redcar-born Ed confirmed that his Middlesbrough venture has ‘sadly closed’. “Unfortunately current political decisions and economic circumstances seem to be stacked against all small businesses,” he told Teesside Live.
“I however will continue to believe in my principles and continue to operate as a small business with a social conscience.” The multi award-winning chef, who has created dishes at 5-star hotels including The Ritz Club in London, confirmed that he has “managed to re-open the Guisborough shop and academy”.
“I still passionately believe in the social principles behind the model,” Ed added. The Dundas Shopping Centre, which is managed by Dodds Brown on behalf of its owner, is “confident” that another independent bakery will take over the unit.
Richard Wilson, Senior Associate with Dodds Brown, said: “It’s a real shame that it seems the Brickyard Bakery didn’t work out here, particularly when it was providing great products and had quickly built up a loyal following of customers. However, everything’s in place – the oven and equipment, the fit out of the shop – for another independent bakery to take over, and we’re confident that will happen.
“This news comes at a time when there are so many positive things happening in the shopping centre and indoor market. A lot of money’s been spent on creating new units which, before Christmas, saw the arrival of six new traders and allowed two occupiers to move into much bigger spaces.”
Ed Trewhitt owner of Brickyard Bakery
(Image: Teesside Live)
Ed, a classically trained chef and artisan baker, worked alongside internationally-renowned chef John King and was part of the Gold Medal winning team for Best Regional Team in the 1988 Culinary Olympics.
He set up Brickyard Academy, on Westgate, Guisborough, offering a series of courses for beginners, aspiring apprentices, experienced cooks and children. You can find out more about Brickyard Academy here .
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