Artisan bakery invests £100,000 in growth strategy

Artisan bakery Belfast Baking Company has invested £100,000 to expand its business in Northern Ireland.

The company is opening a new bakery in Belfast in early 2017 and expects to create eight new jobs - it already employs 30 people at its first bakery, which is in the city's Titanic Quarter and was opened last year in a £350,000 investment. The Titanic Quarter bakery also features a 50-seat restaurant and deli.

It will open the new premises in a patisserie/home bakery format. Belfast Baking has plans to offer further outlets in the city. The business is owned by Paul and Sharon McDonald.

Paul McDonald, commenting on the latest investment, says: "The new bakery will allow us to offer some traditional products to the local community while introducing different products to the mix."

The new bakery will offer traditional artisan breads, patisseries and bespoke cakes, as well as take-out sandwiches and hot food options. It will be the company's third artisan bakery in the city.

"Our business is focused on providing baking excellence using locally sourced foods, crafted by expert staff. Our bakers and cake makers have over 50-years' experience in traditional Irish bread making and handmade cakes, which we will serve fresh daily - with a twist.

"As well as baking mouth-watering breads, we have devised a sumptuous lunch deli menu celebrating our local foods and flavouring which we know customers will love. To this we have a fantastic evening menu.

"The deli is designed to let customers see the bakery operating during opening hours, creating a lovely buzz and allowing visitors to see the art of traditional bread and cake making, whilst enjoying locally sourced Irish food in gorgeous surroundings from breakfast through to lunch and dinner."

Located within Titanic Quarter's ARC Residential and Retail Complex, the new 3,600 sq. ft. deli and bakery is close to Titanic Belfast, Belfast Metropolitan College and SS Nomadic.