Tori MCaughey is the young owner of a recently modernised bakery that maintains its traditional roots and serves the village of Royal Hillsborough.
At Toris's Coffee, Bakes and Cakes, all produce is baked and prepared on the premises by an all-female local team.
Royal Hillsborough native, Tori, harnesses her experience, passion and energy to create new products and a unique experience in the heart of the village.
Read more: Stepping Out founder Oliver Johnston goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
We caught up with Tori and put her under the Belfast Live spotlight to find out more about her work, her favourite things to do outside of work and her favourite spots across Northern Ireland.
What do you do (in 10 words or fewer)?
I work in my bakery in Royal Hillsborough.
Three main attributes you need for the job:
You must be a team player, be determined and creative.
Path to this position:
Baking was a hobby that I just kept practising at. I took the risk of leaving my job to pursue it and thankfully it paid off.
What’s your dream job (present position excepted)?
My family and friends will tell you that I wanted to have my own bakery or café from a young age, and there are plans in place to develop the bakery further with a sit in café - watch this space!
What are you most proud of (work-wise)?
I’m most proud of the fact that I finally have my own bakery. I left a job mid-pandemic and took a real risk to give this a go. It took a lot of perseverance, but it was all worth it.
What are you most proud of (in life)?
I’ve worked hard to do everything I’ve wanted to. I’ve gotten to travel, do ski seasons and live in America all by the age of 28. I’m also proud of the family and friends that I have around me. I have such a great support network, although my nephew Archie is my favourite!
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your organisation and how did you adapt?
In some ways, the pandemic really helped me grow my business. If it hadn’t happened, then some of the coffee carts I now supply might not have opened. Without them I might not have had the courage to leave my parents kitchen. Thank you, Co-op Coffee and North Coffee!
What lessons did you learn about yourself during lockdown?
I’m not very good at sitting still but can do anything I put my mind to – apart from Zoom quizzes!
Who is Northern Ireland’s brightest business brain?
It would be hard for me to choose just one. I’m lucky that I’ve had parents who had very successful careers and can constantly guide me. I’ve also had great mentors along the way. Andrew Mulholland from Pig Out in Lisburn was my first boss and is still always willing to give me advice.
I’ve also always had great support from Dean Stewart from BDS contracts, and David Millar from Fraser Millar NI. I’m very lucky that, through doing this, I’ve made friends with other business owners such as Molly Simpson from Co-op and Benita Brown from Hands bakery. It’s always good to have friends available for support.
We’ve been taking part in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme since 2022, along with over 40 other local business owners and I’m seriously impressed by what fellow businesses have to offer in these beautiful areas.
What do you wish you had invented?
Any Apple product. I’d be permanently on holiday if I had!
Favourite App on your phone:
Instagram as it allows us to keep our customers up to date on everything we have in the bakery. I’m always posting shots of our latest creations on our page @toris_hillsborough
Apart from Belfast Live and your own, what’s your favourite website?
It would have to be either Finch Bakery where I buy far too much bakery equipment, or ASOS where I spend a fortune on clothes.
If you were spending the day in Belfast where is your dream breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks? Where’s your hidden gem in Northern Ireland?
Breakfast in General Merchants, Boojum for lunch and dinner at 2taps. Drinks always in the Harp Bar.
Apart from our gorgeous home of Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira, my hidden gems are the Glens of Antrim or the north coast. I used to love taking my Granny Izzy, for a picnic in the car to those places.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
It has to be Portugal.
How would you describe Belfast to someone who’s never been?
Belfast is a fun place to visit - you are never stuck for things to do! Whether it's sightseeing, eating or heading for a few drinks with friends, there is such a wide range of activities to choose from.
In 10 years’ time I’d like to…
Expand the business with more bakeries and sit in cafes and have a family of my own hopefully.
To find out more about the Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme visit the website.
READ NEXT:
Owner of Arthur's Hillsborough goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
WATCH: Here's what it takes to make Hillsborough Castle sparkle all year round
Four NI towns named in top 10 'most welcoming' places in the UK
Paste Dental founder Dr Alan Clarke goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.
