A popular family-run bakery in New Ferry is set to reopen its doors on Monday, October 6th, eight years after its original building was destroyed in a major explosion. Griffiths bakery, a local institution, will welcome customers back at a new location just a short distance from its former site on Bebington Road.
Key Takeaways
- Griffiths bakery in New Ferry will reopen on Monday, October 6th, at 10 am.
- The original premises were destroyed in the March 25, 2017 explosion.
- The business is now run by Fiona Griffiths, daughter of the late owner, and her partner Ritchie Hyland.
- Classic recipes, including the famous chicken and ham pie, will return.
- The reopening is part of the ongoing regeneration of New Ferry town centre.
A Community Staple Returns
For decades, Griffiths was a fixture in New Ferry, known for its traditional baked goods like custard tarts, sausage rolls, and pies. The business was one of dozens impacted by the devastating 2017 explosion that altered the landscape of the town centre.
After an eight-year absence, the bakery is making a much-anticipated comeback. The new owners are Fiona Griffiths and her partner Ritchie Hyland. Fiona's father, David Griffiths, had run the bakery for many years and had planned to continue before his passing in January at the age of 82.
Fiona expressed a mix of feelings ahead of the opening. "It's good to be back after a long eight years," she said. "I feel nervous and excited as well so it's mixed emotions."
The 2017 New Ferry Explosion
On March 25, 2017, a gas explosion occurred at the Homes in Style furniture store on Bebington Road. The blast injured 81 people and caused widespread destruction, destroying or damaging dozens of homes and businesses. In 2019, shop owner Pascal Blasio was sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing the explosion as part of a fraudulent insurance claim.
Continuing a Family Legacy
The new bakery will continue the legacy established by David Griffiths, offering the same classic products that made the original shop so popular. Ritchie Hyland confirmed that customers can expect to find all their old favourites.
"All the famous pies, everything Mr Griffiths invented," Ritchie explained. "He created a legacy, which made the name a famous name around here. Everyone's looking forward to getting chicken and ham pies or desserts again."
"The most famous one, the chicken and ham pie. That's the biggest seller and was my favourite back in the day as well." - Ritchie Hyland
The chicken and ham pie, in particular, was a signature item for the bakery. The owners anticipate high demand for this and other classic recipes that have been unavailable for nearly a decade.
Part of New Ferry's Regeneration
The reopening of Griffiths is a significant milestone in the broader effort to rebuild and revitalise New Ferry. The area is still recovering from the effects of the explosion, which Ritchie described as a "major crime" that destroyed livelihoods.
Impact of the Blast
- Date: March 25, 2017
- Injuries: 81 people
- Businesses Impacted: Over 80
- Cause: Deliberate gas explosion
Significant regeneration work is now underway in the town, including the construction of new houses and apartments. The return of a well-known local business like Griffiths is seen as a positive step towards restoring the area's vitality.
"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," Ritchie said.
Hopes for the Future
The owners are optimistic that the ongoing redevelopment will bring more people back to the town centre, boosting footfall for local businesses. Before the explosion, Griffiths attracted customers from across Merseyside and even North Wales.
"Hopefully, when all the area is redeveloped and all the precincts get done as well, we'll get a lot of footfall and more customers through the doors," Ritchie added. "We're expecting a queue along the street."
The new, smaller premises are located just a few doors away from the bakery's original home, marking a symbolic and triumphant return for a business that has been deeply missed by the community.