“Prestbury was ready for us. Really ready for us. After a few empty years, the building housing the former Prestbury Post Office and Newsagent in the High Street has found a new use. This is Penny Blacks Bakery and Cafe.
And it’s off to a good start, with a busy opening week. Manager Maddy Kennedy said: “It’s going well. Opening weekend was really manic. I can say that the people of Prestbury were ready for us.
“And this place was really perfect for us. Owner Ryan lives nearby and knows the area and knew the building was empty.”
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“And it was already painted our color, a deep navy blue. So that was a good sign from the start.
And Maddy said she hopes the store will become a real go-to for locals and those further afield: ‘We want to be both the village bakery where you come to get your bread in the morning, and somehow on another you come for a coffee and a cake or lunch.
Bread and pastries come from St George’s Park Bakery in Cheltenham. And the rest of the menu will offer local and seasonal products.
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(Photo: Aled Thomas)
Maddy said: ‘We will always have a few things on the menu like mashed avocado, smoked bacon and poached eggs on toasted sourdough. It’s so popular. But Ella, the chef, will make seasonal dishes throughout the year.
“She brought some really good ideas to the cafe. The characteristic cooking style is a bit Italian, Mediterranean, but there will always be favorites and other things will change. We will also seek to use local producers and also produce on our menu.
With the Cheltenham Festival approaching, Maddy said she and her team would be looking to do something for the hungry (and thirsty) racing fans: “We will do something, but we have just gotten over a week of pretty manic opening, so we’re going to bed come in and think about it.
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(Photo: Aled Thomas)
Just a quick note about the apostrophe: the sign above the door doesn’t use one, so we don’t have one either.
But what does Maddy think of the apostrophe problem? “I think he should have one, I have to admit. But most of all, I’m just delighted we’re open and would like to say a big thank you to the people of Prestbury for all the support they’ve given us so far.
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