Darsham’s newest addition – Two Magpies Bakery, Baking School and Café
Fenn Wright have completed the sale of former Darsham Hamper to Steve Magnall, owner of Two Magpies Bakery in Southwold and Aldeburgh. Steve and his wife Rebecca who own and run the businesses, finalised the contract just before Christmas. They are looking forward to re-connecting people with good food at their new premises in Darsham, Suffolk.
The deal, managed by Alistair Mitchell, Partner at Fenn Wright, will enable Two Magpies Bakery to open a brand-new fully-fledged bakery, pastry kitchen, baking school and café within the 2,310 sq. ft building.
The property occupies a high-profile position on the A12, and the former East of England Darsham Hamper site will offer an exciting development opportunity and expansion for the unique artisan business, becoming the third bakery to open under the Two Magpies brand.
For the cake lovers among us, we asked new owner Steve Magnall a few questions about what he has planned for the Darsham business, and when it is likely we can have a taste of their new mouth-watering cake and bake concepts.
Q: When are you planning the grand opening of Two Magpies Bakery Darsham?
A: “We completed the purchase on the 21st December 2018 and started work on site the 9th January. The plan is to move the bakery from our premises in Southwold to Darsham, plus pastry kitchen and a baking school.
“We anticipate sometime between early to mid-March 2019 giving us time to complete everything and open our doors.”
Q: Is your business model going to be based on your award-winning bakeries in Southwold and Aldeburgh?
A: “We bought Chopping’s Hill bakery in Aldeburgh in September 2018 and rebranded as Two Magpies Aldeburgh, so the plan is for our central bakery at Darsham to supply Aldeburgh and Southwold, as well as a small café with approximately 24 covers at Darsham. This site will be Two Magpies Bakery, Baking School and Cafe, Darsham.”
Q: Will you have full involvement in the management and operations of the new business?
A: “My wife Rebecca and I are fully involved in the day-to-day running of all the businesses, so we will be designing the layout and look of the Darsham property and getting it off the ground. This will become our main Two Magpies Bakery headquarters.”
Q: What made you choose these premises?
A: “It’s a brilliant location. Equal distance to Southwold and Aldeburgh, plus there is plenty of passing traffic. It is also of a good size for our expansion plans and we have a large car park making it easy and convenient to visit.”
Q: Are you looking to continue with your pop-up supper club?
A: “Yes, definitely plus more classes. A pizza masterclass, bread and Viennoiserie are very much in our plans.”
Q: Will you be looking to recruit new team members for Darsham?
A: “The team has been growing over the past few months so we could move into Darsham, but we will still be recruiting for front of house staff and lunch and pastry chefs.”
Q: Do you have any new ideas in the offering?
A: “We have pizza nights planned on Fridays so people can order in advance when travelling for a weekend away or just for a treat. Rebecca is working on new ideas right now… so watch this space.”
Q: Your final thoughts?
A: “We are extremely excited about creating the Two Magpies at Darsham. We look forward to this next stage of our development. Feedback from customers has been superb and we wish to thank everyone for their support and look forward to welcoming customers to Darsham when the doors open in March. Thanks also to Alistair who was our main point of contact at Fenn Wright. He was always very helpful and supportive throughout the purchase.”