Two independent, family-run Cardiff businesses have announced that they are joining forces, in a move that will strengthen the city’s booming artisan bakery scene.
Pettigrew Bakeries – one of the city’s best-loved craft bakeries based in Victoria Park – will be merging with another artisan bakery business, Friends in Knead; both have attracted their own cult followings over the last 6/7 years.
Staff from both businesses will continue under the Pettigrew name, offering the best of both bakeries – but now solely from the Pettigrew Bakeries brand. Friends in Knead founder, Ceri Bower, will also be joining the team in a new role when she returns from maternity leave next year.
Siôn Tudur and the team at Loosemores Solicitors acted on behalf of Pettigrew Bakeries to complete the deal.
As part of the merger, Friends in Knead outlets on Moy Road in Roath, and at Newport Market, will slowly switch over to Pettigrew branding; over the coming weeks and months customers will see an increase in the range of bakes available, with more choice than ever before.
Meanwhile, the current Friends in Knead unit in Castle Arcade will become a stand-alone showcase for Pettigrew’s growing range of patisserie, and their artisan entremet collection. This offering has become a core part of the bakery business since Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 winner Michael Coggan joined the team last year.
Pettigrew founder David Le Masurier said “We are so excited to welcome the Friends in Knead team into the Pettigrew family, and for what this means for all of our staff. We have an opportunity to share skills, increase our product range, and expand the business in ways we didn’t think possible until now.”
As one of the pioneers of craft baking in Cardiff – opening long before the now numerous artisan bakeries found around the city – the merge will increase Pettigrew’s capacity considerably and allow them to extend their offering to wholesale customers around the city.
David continued, “We have always been passionate about Real Bread, made from scratch every day – and now we have found a way to create the capacity we need to start offering our Cardiff-made, specialist products to other independent cafes, restaurants and delis around the city.
“We know how much care our local chefs put into their food, and now they’ll be able to get the quality bread to match.”
Back in February, David had announced his plans to put Pettigrew Tearooms, his original business which started the whole Pettigrew journey, up for sale. But by taking on the Friends in Knead team, he says that he no longer feels as if he has to choose between the tearoom and the bakery.
He explained, “I had reached a point where I knew we needed to grow the bakery business, but I just couldn’t find the time to make it happen – and that’s why I felt I would have to step away from the tearoom, just so that I could focus on one thing at a time.
“Being able to take on Ceri’s team of bakers has taken that obstacle away, and I am really pleased to say that the Pettigrew Tea Rooms will absolutely be staying as part of the Pettigrew family.”
Ceri added, “Dave & I have been friends for years, leaning on each other for support through all the ups and downs of running your own business. It is invaluable having a sounding board who uniquely understands the pressures of being a baker whilst also running a busy, fully independent artisan bakery.
We are both really excited for what comes next!”
