Member Article

Pop-up Sheffield bakery becomes permanent fixture after great success

A bakery which began as a “pop-up” stall in Sheffield’s Moor Market just a few months ago has proved so successful that it has become a permanent fixture.

Seven Hills Bakery opened its first stall in the market shortly after the £18 million building opened in November last year.

At first, the bakery opened just three days a week as part of the “Pop-up Pantry” scheme, which gives stallholders the chance to try out a pitch for just £30 a day before committing to a permanent arrangement.

But Seven Hills’ artisan loaves, cakes and flatbreads were so popular with shoppers that the business was able to extend from three days to four days’ opening in the New Year, before then expanding again to a permanent stall open Monday to Saturday.

Michael Walsh, who runs the stall on behalf of Seven Hills’ owners Laura Bullock and Matina Mitchell, said: “It’s working out really well. I’m also really excited about the fact that we’ve teamed up with the Porter Brook Deli to be able to offer a selection of their oils, relishes and – from next week – cheeses.

“Now that we’re a permanent fixture in the market, I hope that I will be able to meet with customers more often, talk to them, pass on my love of food and find out more about what they want.

“The next plans are to start selling deli-style sandwiches, so that people can come for a full lunch and enjoy our produce there and then, rather than having to take their bread home with them.”

Seven Hills Bakery’s first home in Sharrowvale Road opened in November 2011 and has expanded since then from a simple bakery into a successful café.

The bakery also provides breads, cakes and pastries to a select group of carefully-chosen cafes and restaurants within Sheffield, who share their love of ethically-produced goods made from the finest ingredients.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Sheffield City Council’s cabinet member for business, skills and development, said that Seven Hills Bakery’s success proves that the Moor Market offers a real opportunity for new retail businesses looking to set up.

He added: “I am delighted that a successful local business has found a new customer base at the Moor Market and hope that many other local food producers will follow in their footsteps.

“The Moor Market is a fantastic place to buy the sort of locally-sourced, top-quality produce that Sheffield and Yorkshire are famous for, and Seven Hills Bakery’s popularity demonstrates the real hunger that there is in this city for good food.”

Andy Ward, head of markets at Sheffield City Council, added: “Our Pop-up Pantry scheme is a perfect way for local businesses to dip a foot into trading at the Moor Market without making a commitment from the start.

“As Seven Hills Bakery has proved, it can also be a gateway to bigger and better things within a relatively short space of time.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .