A popular Wirral bakery has reopened its doors to the public eight years after its original building was destroyed in a major explosion. Griffiths Bakery in New Ferry welcomed around 200 customers on Monday, October 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the local community.
Key Takeaways
- Griffiths Bakery officially reopened in New Ferry on October 6, 2025, after an eight-year absence.
- The original premises were destroyed in the New Ferry explosion on March 25, 2017.
- Hundreds of customers queued on the opening day, showing strong community support.
- The new owners, Fiona Griffiths and Ritchie Hyland, are continuing the family legacy started by Fiona's late father, David Griffiths.
Community Celebrates Bakery's Return
Hundreds of residents lined the street in New Ferry to celebrate the return of Griffiths Bakery. The family-run business, a local institution for decades, reopened in a new, smaller location just a few doors away from its former site.
The queue began forming early in the morning, with many eager to purchase the bakery's well-known pastries. The first customer through the door was Danny Wilson, a New Ferry resident who had been waiting since 7:30 am.
"I grew up in the area and have been waiting a long time for Griffiths to reopen," Wilson said. When asked about his purchase, he added, "Chicken and ham pie, you've got to haven't you?"
His mother, Tracy Woods, a former employee of the original bakery, was also among the first in line. She left with a carrier bag full of pies for her family. "It's great that Griffiths has reopened; it's been so long," she commented.
Continuing a Family Legacy
The business is now run by Fiona Griffiths, daughter of the previous owner David Griffiths, and her partner Ritchie Hyland. The reopening is an emotional moment for the family, as David, who had planned to continue the business, passed away in January at the age of 82.
Fiona expressed her feelings about the day. "It's good to be back after a long eight years. I feel nervous and excited as well, so it's mixed emotions," she told reporters.
The Famous Griffiths Pies
The bakery is renowned for its traditional pastries. According to the new owners, the most popular items include:
- Chicken and Ham Pie
- Steak Pies
- Sausage Rolls
- Custard Tarts
Ritchie Hyland emphasized their commitment to maintaining the quality and tradition the bakery is known for. "All the famous pies, everything Mr Griffiths invented. He created a legacy, which made the name a famous name around here," Hyland said.
He noted that the chicken and ham pie is the biggest seller and was his personal favorite. The new owners hope to make Fiona's father proud by "carrying on Mr Griffiths' legacy." A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with family and friends on Sunday, where Mrs. Griffiths, David's widow, did the honors.
A Symbol of New Ferry's Recovery
The bakery's return is seen as a positive step in the ongoing regeneration of New Ferry. The area is still recovering from the devastating explosion that occurred on March 25, 2017.
The 2017 New Ferry Explosion
On March 25, 2017, an explosion at the Homes in Style furniture store on Bebington Road caused widespread damage. The blast injured 81 people and destroyed or damaged dozens of properties, including 15 businesses. In 2019, the furniture shop's owner, Pascal Blasio, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing the explosion as part of a fraudulent insurance claim. A judge described the incident as an 'apocalyptic' event.
Ritchie Hyland spoke about the impact of the incident and the hopes for the area's future. "The blast was a major crime where one individual blew up half of New Ferry eight years ago, destroying more than 80 businesses," he stated.
He continued, "New Ferry is still recovering now, but new houses and apartments are currently being built which will regenerate the area, and now we are also bringing back Griffiths."
The new owners are optimistic that the bakery's return, combined with the wider redevelopment, will increase footfall and bring more visitors to the area. "Back in the day, we had a lot of people out of the area travelling through. A lot of people from Liverpool, Wales, all over. It would be great to see them return," Hyland added.