The New Old Bakehouse in Broadstairs High Street has marked one year under the ownership of former university campus chef Maria Goldfinch.
The Ramsgate mum-of-one worked for 23 years at the Canterbury Christ Church University campuses in Broadstairs and then Canterbury before taking a job at the bakehouse under then owner Gary Gould.
She was then given the opportunity by Gary to take the helm and became the new owner and manager on May 15, 2023.
Maria says that since then says she has been overwhelmed by the support she had received from customers.
Maria says the transition to front of house has been a challenge but rewarding. The 43-year-old said: “I come from a chef background so I have always been behind the scenes. To go front of house was quite challenging but I have learnt a lot and the business is growing.”
Maria has 15 staff, five full-time, and provides outside catering to firms such as Blaze as well as day to day operations in the town. The business also caters for events from weddings and parties to business meetings.
She added: “The business is such an integral part of the community and is going from strength to strength.
“The New Old Bake House team is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of our customers, with many of them visiting daily or weekly. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming environment for all of our customers, including those with four legs!”
Customer favourites include handmade speciality spelt bread, handmade cream teas and daily specials of pastries and coffees.
Other options include sandwiches, rolls or baguettes, lunches, breakfasts from Full English to Continental, and avocado on toast, cakes and much more.
Maria says decorating the venue is also fun and “brightens up the High Street.”
She added: “We enjoy decorating the shop for the season. The Christmas decorations were a huge success, it really helped to create that festive vibe.
“The Spring decorations were also very popular, it lifts the spirits and is a sign Spring and Summer is most definitely on its way.
“During Folk Week we have our very own singer which is a big hit with the customers. We stay open later and serve alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as well as our full menu.”
Taking on the business is a full on job with Maria often getting up at 3am to get ready for the day’s trade and even spending her day off doing deliveries.
There are also challenges for all businesses with the rise in minimum wage to be covered and the issue of parking fees sometimes prompting people to drive to out of town stores but Maria says she is determined to “get people through the doors” with good service, good food and good vibes and is “eagerly anticipating the year ahead.”
The New Old Bakehouse is at 15 High Street, Broadstairs.
