Historic Belford shop thrives as local baker celebrates busy first month
A Northumberland baker is celebrating a successful first month after giving a new lease of life to a historic village shop.
Hannah Pringle has been running Hanmadebakes from her home in Belford for the past two years – supplying freshly baked treats to businesses as well as trading at local markets.
Earlier this year, Hannah decided to take on Belford Village Shop where she has continued to sell her delicious bakes alongside a range of essential items and food.
Hannah officially reopened the shop on March 5 and described a busy first few weeks.
“I was looking back of the history of the shop and it was built in the 1700s and has always been a shop so it’s nice to keep that going,” Hannah said.
“It’s been really good so far and really busy. People were really excited about it and they said it’s just what the village needs.
"I am all systems go at the minute. I go in and stock the counter up and by about 12pm, it’s all nearly empty so it is very late night and very early mornings.”
Hannah has made it her mission to prioritise local produce, using suppliers such as The Herd butchers in Seahouses, James Ford and Son bakers in Berwick and Glendale Fruit and Veg.
She added: “I have been trying to get as much local produce in as possible. I have also been shining a spotlight on each of the local businesses we support on Facebook which people are really enjoying.”