Lockdown has got many launching new businesses and getting creative, and that’s certainly the case for Barrow’s Joe Purdy.
The entrepreneur is launching Purdy’s Bakehouse this week with the trial of Father’s Day goodies.
Joe who is also the owner of Joseph Purdy Productions has been faced with uncertainty following the impact COVID-19 has had on theatres.
The 28-year-old said: “It’s been a whirlwind few years for me. I left my nine to five job back in October 2017 to open a bakery whilst producing small scale theatre shows on the side, as I was only very ‘up and coming’.
The producer hasn’t been immune to the effects of the virus and like many other businesses it has taken a toll, Joe has also seen his production company expand in recent times.
“I quickly realised producing was starting to take over and within 6 months of leaving my job I was producing shows that were visiting multiple venues across the country, this went on to grow rather rapidly and by January 2020 I was producing UK wide 30 plus date theatre tours and baking was placed on the back burner, and then theatre came crashing down in March 2020 when COVID hit.
“With so much uncertainty still around the theatre sector and with no set date for when venues could re-open it is proving difficult, taking into account the time it takes to prepare, plan and market, leaving me with no other option I have had to postpone all my shows for at least 12 months.
However, even with all these troubles he has remained positive and used this time to better his skills for the community to enjoy his new goodies, which are already proving a hit on social media.
“I’ve always been a creative person and after spending a lot more time in the kitchen my tricks, tips and recipes quickly came back and after learning how long it was going to be until I could even consider returning to theatre, I decided to start looking at shops in my hometown of Barrow-in-Furness to bring ‘Purdy’s Bakehouse’ to fruition.
After 2 months of market research and shop viewing, Joe had an offer accepted on 212 Dalton Road, Barrow.
He’s now busy planning the big shop opening which he hopes will be bank holiday August and he is aiming to launch e-commerce later this month.
The shop will offer a menu that changes daily and will stock a huge variety of sweet treats and baked goods all baked fresh onsite.
The Bakehouse will be primed each day with local produce including cupcakes, cake by the slice, biscuits, cake jars, edible cookie dough (and a pick and mix cookie dough station), traybakes, doughnuts, ice creams, waffles and so much more.
Joe hopes the shop will become a destination for sweet treats people want to travel for.
“I can’t wait to welcome everyone to our little shop, and I'm excited about the future of the Purdy brands.”
You can follow the Backhouse’s journey and sneak peeks of goodies on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @purdysbakehouse