Bakery chain eyes Shrewsbury site for new launch by the end of this year

A bakery chain is planning to open a new site in Shrewsbury town centre.

Cornish Bakery has applied to Shropshire Council to put new signage on the unit at 2 Pride Hill currently occupied by Pret a Manger.

It is not clear yet whether the renowned chain of sandwich shops is relocating elsewhere within Shrewsbury town centre or closing down altogether; the company could not clarify this when contacted for comment.

Last month, Somerset-based Cornish Bakery announced that it planned to open four new locations across England by the end of this year.

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The new site in Shrewsbury, which is due to launch by the end of this year, will join other planned openings in Somerset, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Founded in 1994 in the harbour town of Mevagissey, Cornish Bakery sells pasties, pastries, coffee and other snacks.

It has more than 70 sites across the UK, including in Hereford, Worcester and Solihull, but the Shrewsbury venue would be the first in Shropshire.

Founder Steve Grocutt has adopted what he calls an "anti-brand strategy" whereby each new bakery is designed for its own particular location rather than following a fixed template.

Managing director Mat Finch said last month: "We're incredibly excited to be bringing Cornish Bakery to four more outstanding locations over the next six months.

"Each of these places has its own distinct character, thriving high street and strong sense of community, making them exactly the kind of locations where our bakeries can flourish.

"We firmly believe that bakeries have an important role to play in the continued rejuvenation of the high street and, as we continue to grow, we're committed to investing in remarkable buildings, creating beautiful spaces and becoming a long-term part of the towns we join."

Cornish Bakery did not respond to a request for further comment on the launch in Shrewsbury.