Hythe: Tilley's Bakery could shut after key staff move on

Tilley's is a thriving, family-run business in the centre of Hythe, but one of the bakers is retiring and another is preparing to start another job nearer his home.

It comes as the owners, Wayne and Joanne FitzGerald, look to sell the award-winning bakery and spend more time doing other things.

Wayne, 51, said: "It's a lovely business which is at the heart of the local community. For many of our customers, coming here is a daily pilgrimage.

"It would be a real shame to see it go.

"There's a great opportunity for a baker or two to either join the Tilley’s team or take it on with our full support. It would make a very lucrative venture for a baker and his wife."

Joanne and Wayne FitzGerald have run Tilley's Bakery at Hythe since 2017 (Image: Newsquest.)

During the pandemic Tilley's proved a lifeline for many Hythe residents by delivering bread and other items to elderly and vulnerable people.

Wayne and Joanne have been running the business since 2017, when they spent £60,000 on refurbishing the premises.

They won an award for excellent customer service and also achieved a 5-star food and hygiene rating.

Tilley's was even short-listed by Daily Echo readers for a Best Business in Southampton award last year, making it through to the top three.

Tilley's Bakery in Marsh Parade, Hythe, sells a wide range of mouth-watering treats (Image: Tilley's Bakery)

It sells a wide range of freshly baked bread, cakes, and pasties and also boasts a popular sandwich bar, with many customers visiting every day to buy their lunch.

Bespoke celebration cakes are made on request, and deliveries are still made once a week to vulnerable members of the community.

The business, which attracts customers from as far afield as Romsey, has earned rave reviews on social media.

One person posted: "Tilley's Bakery is the best. Delicious sweet and savoury goods served with a smile." Another added: "I love Tilley's. Their cakes are out of this world."

Many customers make a 'daily pilgrimage' to Tilley's Bakery in Marsh Parade, Hythe (Image: Tilley's Bakery)

Joanne and Wayne describe the staff as exceptional, saying they work "incredibly hard in a busy environment" and have a great rapport with customers.

Joanne said: "We really want Tilley’s to continue being part of Hythe and I'm sure our customers do as well. The centre of Hythe has a real 'village' atmosphere, with plenty of events taking place."

Tilley's was opened in 1988 by Alan Richards and named after his wife Heather, who was known as Tilley.