Much-loved bakery celebrates 116 years in Northampton with family’s fourth generation now in charge
A much-loved bakery is celebrating a whopping 116 years open in Northampton this month, with the fourth and fifth generations now proudly in charge of the family-run business.
Gardners Bakery, in Harborough Road, was first established in the town in May 1910 by James Gardner – who is the great grandfather of Helen who runs the business.
Gardners is known for creating celebration cakes for all occasions and nostalgic bakes that customers pop to Kingsthorpe front for, as well as nationwide cookie deliveries being the latest string to their bow.
Helen, who is joined by her daughter Leila, spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about the impressive milestone as the longest-standing bakery in the town.
“It’s amazing,” said Helen. “People can’t believe that it’s still under the same family, and 116 is a big number. I joined the business in 2004 and took over from my mum and dad. It’s great for me to have my daughter Leila carrying it on and somebody who has the same passion.”
Although Gardners has become known for its birthday and wedding cake offering, they still create filled rolls and baked goods for customers to pop in on a daily basis and enjoy. Helen says some people do not realise this is still an integral part of the family venture.
To celebrate the milestone, the team will be bringing back a variety of nostalgic bakes throughout May – including doughnuts, vanilla slices and the renowned shortbread biscuits in the shape of ducks and traffic lights.
Their highly popular shortbread cookies will still be available, which they sell hundreds of, and there are offers available to those who sign up to the Gardners Bakery newsletter.
When asked what she believes makes Gardners unique and special, Helen said: “We’re the oldest bakery in Northampton and we’re women-run. All my staff are working mums.
“What you have to do to stay relevant is move with the times. We’ve done that but stayed true to who we are. We still make our sausage rolls, nostalgic bakes and birthday cakes in store, and we’re keeping up with current trends. Do everything in your own way.
“You’ve got to give people what they want and do your best to accommodate. Everybody should use their local shops who are working hard everyday.”
Be sure to keep an eye on Gardners Bakery’s Facebook page throughout this month, as they will also be giving away birthday cake vouchers as a celebratory goodwill gesture.
“The hope is that we carry on,” said Helen. “We appreciate all of our customers and anyone who walks in the door, it doesn’t matter how much you spend.”