'Awesome memories' as four-generation bakery closes

A family-run bakery that has involved four generations will close on Saturday for the final time, after 68 years.

Central Bakery in Leominster has cited issues ranging from rising costs, effects of the Covid pandemic and ongoing work in the town centre.

The announcement on its Facebook page attracted more than 120 comments.

Manager Hannah Lewis, the latest Burke family member to be in charge, said that recently she had been trying to avoid confronting her feelings on the shop closure.

She said: "I'm... just carrying on serving everybody and being friendly and polite and not having an emotional breakdown in front of them.

"But on the weekend I will be probably [be] in a bit of an emotional state."

The bakery was first run by her grandfather and the current manager's father. His brothers have also been involved, along with Ms Lewis's children.

One baker has worked there 36 years and another 25 years.

Asked about customers' comments, the manager said: "It's lovely to hear stories that people have, all of them have got different stories, like when they used to come in when they were little."

Leominster resident Sue Bristow, who first went into the bakery about 20 years ago, said the family had always been very welcoming, and praised the staff.

Baker Simon Hill started working there 25 years ago, aged 19, when he came in as "cover to help clean the floor".

He said he had "awesome memories" and "great people have come through the doors".

"Sadly we've lost some really well-known members of staff who I'll be humbly grateful for, because they've taught me the trade."

Mr Hill said if he could get the right funding and support, he was considering opening his own small bakery in the town.

He added: "The bonds are there for life, but sadly, yeah, knowing all you've known is the people here and the work you've done, it's gonna be quite scary out there."

Ms Lewis said: "My dad, he had his moments here when [he was] going to throw the towel in at various points in his life, but he probably [would] be the first to say 'if it's not making money, get rid of it'.

"Even when I'm here... [now] he's passed away, I always feel his presence sometimes as well over my shoulder."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.