Meet the Scouser behind Liverpool’s newest bakery Pastille

Liverpool has a new bakery sensation that’s been taking the city – and social media – by storm.

Pastille, located on Gibraltar Row, has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram since opening its doors just three weeks ago, drawing in crowds with its unique and delectable offerings.

The mastermind behind Pastille is Jamie Heffy, a 32-year-old trained chef with over a decade of experience in Liverpool’s renowned restaurant scene, including stints at Bacaro and Panoramic 34.

Now, Jamie has embarked on a new culinary adventure, bringing his passion for pastry to life with Pastille. Partnering with Jamie is Ricky, the owner of the popular local eatery Rocco’s Kitchen, adding his expertise and support to this exciting new venture.

Since its grand opening on May 24, Pastille has seen queues forming daily, a testament to its rapid rise in popularity.

Speaking about the overwhelming response, Jamie said, “It’s been crazy. It’s better than I could ever have imagined. We have seen queues in other bakeries, but this is something that I just never envisioned for myself at all, it’s really humbling.”

Jamie’s journey to opening Pastille wasn’t straightforward. Originally from Croxteth, he took over the family window cleaning business during lockdown but quickly realised it wasn’t his calling.

With a growing family on the way, he knew a change was needed. “We were expecting a baby at the time, and I just knew I needed something better for us. My partner told me to start doing the cakes again because I was always happy when I was doing that, and she was right,” Jamie shared.

Determined to perfect his craft, Jamie enrolled in a course with renowned pastry chef Damien Wager in Bath.

His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he was offered a job on the spot. “It was a huge decision to make; it was an opportunity of a lifetime, but my daughter was only about two months at the time,” he explained.

Balancing family and career, Jamie eventually found a position at Pollen in Manchester, after his time in Bath, allowing him more personal time while honing his pastry skills.

When it came to naming the bakery, Jamie wanted something that paid homage to his daughter. “I knew I wanted something based around my daughter’s name, but it was so hard to come up with anything. Then one day, I just came across the word Pastille, which is French for ‘little sweet,’ and I just knew instantly that, that was it!” he said.

Pastille’s menu is a testament to Jamie’s creativity and skill, featuring innovative pastries that have quickly become local favorites.

Among the highlights are the massive Caramac Blondie Pain Au Chocolat and the whimsical Cereal Milk Cruffin.

Speaking about his creations, Jamie said: “The cereal milk Cruffin is my favourite. I wanted to make something that gives people a reaction, like when you eat it and it instantly puts a smile on your face. It’s based around when you have a bowl of cereal and then you drink the milk that’s left at the bottom.

“It took a while to perfect the recipe, but once I did, and I tasted it… I just started laughing.”

Pastille also showcases a lot of local independent products. The bakery stocks a variety of high-quality items from beloved local businesses, including hot chocolate from Table Chocolate, coffee from Crosby Coffee, honey from Eshe Honey, jam from The Liverpool Jam Company, and sourdough from The Bake Hub.

This collaboration not only supports the local economy but also ensures that customers enjoy the best of what Liverpool has to offer.

For Jamie, Pastille is more than just a business; it’s a passion project fueled by love for his craft and his family. “I have definitely found my passion now, and to see my daughter’s face light up when she walks in to visit is just everything,” he said.

Pastille is located on Gibraltar Row, Liverpool, L3 7HJ, and is open from Friday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, or until they sell out – which has been the case every day so far. For those eager to experience Jamie’s delightful creations, an early visit is highly recommended.

Make sure to add Pastille to your must-visit list and support this local gem that’s bringing a touch of sweetness to our city.

For more info on Pastille click here.

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