NEWSROOM

Owners Adam Purnell, otherwise known as the Shropshire Lad, and Tess Sharp are taking on the new venture called Baked Bean alongside Embers Cafe which they also set up in the town.

The business will sell a wide variety of locally produced artisan baked goods such as pastries and cakes, cold sandwiches and fairtrade coffees and drinks in a welcoming setting located on the ground floor of 1 Waterloo Street in Ironbridge.

Although Ironbridge already offers numerous cafes, Baked Bean will offer a different service which is unique to the town.

All bakery products will be made in-house by Head Baker Kieron Smith and the shop will be managed by Bruce Sharp who was previously the manager at Embers but has now moved to head up the shop.

Locally sourced ingredients which showcase regional producers and support the community will be used and the business has a strong partnership with Hundred House Coffee - a respected local roastery known for high-quality, fairtrade beans.

The takeaway also features a shop section selling packaged local jams, chutneys, coffee beans and Baked Bean merchandise such as mugs and tote bags.

Adam said: “Building on the success of Embers Cafe, we want to create a welcoming, modern take-away shop in the heart of Ironbridge that celebrates local craftsmanship in baking, ethical coffee, as well as providing exceptional customer experience.

“Baked Bean will combine the warmth of a traditional bakery with the style and quality of a boutique coffee house and we aim to attract both local residents and tourists visiting Ironbridge — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charm.

“We already have a thriving business, Embers, and a following of loyal customers. At Baked Bean all of the produce will be made locally and our Head Baker has a first-class degree in pastry and bread making.

“This will ensure thar our products set us apart from what is already on offer in Ironbridge. Our coffee is all fairtrade and supplied by local business – Hundred House, which will elevate our offering.”

The Pride in Our High Street start-up grant has helped Adam and Tess to fund the set-up of the new cafe space and shop, helped with painting and signage and supported the cost of a new coffee machine and till system which needed plumbing and electrics fittings.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said:

“Ironbridge has many cafes already but the unique nature of Baked Bean will hopefully bring in both locals and visitors to the area.

“We’re pleased to support Adam and Tess with this move and are sure that it will generate lots of interest in the town.”

You can find out more about the Pride in Our High Street programme here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Pride in our high street