Heaton Road is home to the North East's first and only gluten, nut and soya free bakery, which Jasmine Haden decided to open in an attempt to give people more options and a safer environment to enjoy fresh food when they have allergies.
Jasmine has Coeliac disease, which has affected her since she became very ill aged 19. She soon realised that she could no longer have gluten, and started baking at home, at a time when there wasn't much in the way of gluten-free options available in shops and bakeries.
Jasmine decided to start selling her gluten-free products in a stall at places such as Newcastle Quayside Sunday Market, but she always wanted the peace of mind of something more permanent like her own shop.
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Jasmine wanted to create a safe space for people with allergies, as in other places, cross contamination can occur from these products mixing with things like dairy, gluten, nut and soya heavy products.
Four years ago, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jasmine was able to create The Lily Tree Bakery in Heaton, opening with a strong focus of selling a range of fresh bakes that are all 100% gluten, nut and soya free.
Jasmine has had her fair share of issues both throughout and after the pandemic, with the current Cost of Living crisis. The prices of bills have gone up massively at her shop, with her even having to keep the lights off at certain times. Ingredient prices have also gone up massively, with money from the Government drying up.
There has also been problems with graffiti, which seems to be a wider issue on Heaton Road, with the shutters of The Lily Tree Bakery being vandalised, with paint getting on the windows and impacting on business.
This has not deterred Jasmine however, as she is now as determined as ever to be inclusive with her products. Jasmine has spoken about her reasons for starting The Lily Tree Bakery, and what exactly it is that sets her business apart from others of the kind.
"As someone with Coeliac disease I always felt like I was missing out on a lot of amazing baked goods, as most gluten free products are pre packed and often not as tasty as the other ones. My goal is to no let people miss out in the same way, by making breads and pastries that cater to all allergies.
"I can cater for allergies on an individual level, and together we can work out something that you can have. I know from experience how sever these allergic reactions can be so I want to ensure that The Lily Tree Bakery is a safe space for everyone.
"I want to be a friendly face and to continue to be part of a lovely community that have been so amazing to me ever since I opened."
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