Satterthwaites Bakehouse in Crosby celebrates 10 years

Satterthwaites Bakehouse, famous for its pork pies and pastries, is celebrating ten years since it re-opened due to popular demand.

When Satterthwaites Bakehouse in Crosby closed its doors in late 2012 after more than a century of baking, it looked certain that its loyal customers would never again enjoy their tasty treats such as sausage rolls, cream meringues, Bavarians and the range of freshly-baked bread.

Customers in their dozens queued outside on the “last day” to stock up on their favourite products – all baked on site with traditional recipes and techniques.

Some customers took to social media to mourn the closure, and to share their sadness, memories and bewilderment. One posted: “Hard to believe I will never know the joy of a Satterthwaites pork pie again.”

A few weeks later, Sarah and Jon Wills, who ran a bakery in Cheshire, decided to bid for the Satterthwaites pork pie machine in an auction, and to resurrect the much-loved masterpieces. They met with one of the bakers with the idea of making pies at the back of the old shop in College Road, Crosby, but it was a bit tight.

The former owner, Roger Wilson, offered them the bakery building in Coronation Road to rent. They decided to build a shop at the front – so that customers could see and smell the products being made – and they re-employed some of the bakers and shop staff.

The public response to the new Satterthwaites was overwhelming with queues out of the door when they opned on 6 April 2013. Jon said: “Satterthwaites was welcomed back by the people of Crosby and beyond – within hours we had sold out. It was humbling to see how much Satterthwaites meant to the community, and reassuring to know that customers supported what we were trying to achieve. The Satterthwaites success story has been powered by the loyalty of customers.

“Over the last 10 years we have worked on continuing to make the traditional products like the pork pie and sausage roll as well as making more modern ones like Blondies and Cookie Sandwiches. We are continously looking to develop the business while preserving its century-old traditions, and maintaining the high quality Satterthwaites is renowned for.”

As well as selling their products in their shop they also supply to a number of cafes and pubs in Maghull, Lydiate, Hightown, Formby, Aughton and also in Liverpool city centre, including pubs.

Sarah added: “Ten years on, we have survived the pandemic thanks to our loyal customers and staff, and we are now facing a huge increase in costs but focusing on areas where we think we can grow the business to further success – offering customers what they want.

“In the last six months, for example, we’ve been developing our breakfast range including Nutella and Biscoff croissants, Danish pastries, bacon barms and coffee. We have redecorated and modernised the shop and customers are enjoying sitting inside and outside for a coffee and breakfast or lunch.

“I enjoy the variety as no two days are the same. I enjoy the creativity, challenge of making new products and am learning new things all the time. I like to work on products when everyone has gone home – and it’s so nice to see if they sell.”