"Unbelievable support" has come pouring in for a new business after a popular bakery closed its doors.
Chatwins took over from Ray's craft bakery in Prescot and Allerton Road. Despite initially fearing the response, there has been much praise as people queue for the bakery's goods.
Ever since 1924, specialist craft bakers Ray’s had been a much-loved business in Prescot, selling a range of items from hot savouries to beautifully decorated sweet treats. With people travelling from all over to buy them. So it came as a surprise when the popular store announced its closure.
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Many people were quick to share "fond memories" of the bakery that had served generations. One person said: "Gutted been a customer for years, when my mum was alive she loved going in the cafe happy and fond memories, remember queuing up at the side door Christmas Eve for cakes, trifle and pork pies and sausage rolls."
But as sad as news of the closure was, there was excitement when Chatwins announced it was going to take over the stores in Prescot, and Allerton Road as well as keeping on staff. The ECHO previously reported the opening of Chatwins on Allerton Road back in November was a huge success.
With queues outside, many were eager to see if the carvery barm cakes and sausage rolls would live up to their expectations. And it was a success as staff then geared up to open the store in Prescot. That store opened this month, with huge queues of customers again being seen.
Speaking to the ECHO, area manager Craig Eastman said the bakery hadn't dared hope for a repeat of the huge success in Prescot, but the response had been "unbelievable".
He said: "Following the success of our first shop opening over the water on Allerton Road we hadn't dared to hope we would repeat that feat in Prescot, but the response from the local community has been unbelievable and we have once again exceeded our most optimistic expectations.
"Our carvery baps and Yorkshire wraps have been a huge success here, along with cakes, creams, sandwiches and our more traditional baked fare such as meat and potato pies and of course the humble sausage roll.
"Without a doubt the most rewarding part of the process has been to witness the reaction of familiar Ray's customers to the return of the staff they know and love, albeit minus their iconic hats, and we are genuinely thankful to each and every one of them for making us feel so welcome here in Prescot, and also on Allerton Road.
"Everyone at Chatwins looks forward to continuing this exciting new chapter in our business, and we would like to wish all of our customers an amazing Christmas and New Year. If you need some warming winter fare then rest assured we've got you covered."
Chatwins already had stores in Bromborough, Heswall, Little Sutton in Ellesmere Port and Hope Farm in Ellesmere Port as it builds on its successes with Allerton Road and Prescot. And praise has come pouring in.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "Despite it being an end of an era for Ray's (in Prescot), it's great to see that the building isn't being left and there's still a local bakery. Now more than ever we need to see local businesses getting the support they deserve. I for one, can't wait to try the goodies Chatwins has to offer."
Jay popped in for lunch to see "what the fuss is about" as he added: "I came to Ray's and was impressed then but it's good to see another bakery continuing on the good work."
The Prescot store, which opened on December 13, has undergone a huge refurbishment but Craig confirmed despite the "inevitable change", customers could still expect the "same warm welcome and friendly service".
He previously said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to our opening of the shop on Allerton Road, both in terms of the success of the shop with our new customers and also the warm welcome they've given Chatwins.
"We were very much aware of the responsibility in taking on the mantle of a local institution, and the Allerton Road community have been absolutely fantastic in the way they have received us. With customers queueing up for a taste of Chatwins we are currently recruiting for even more staff to help deliver the quality and service so far established by the team who joined us from Ray's, and whom the regular customers have been delighted to see back behind the counter."
Chatwins was founded back in 1913 by John Chatwin, when he set off by horse-drawn van to deliver fresh bread. It is now synonymous with award-winning bread and cakes.
Have you tried Chatwins? Let us know in the comments.
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