New Ferry, England — A woman is determined to honor her father’s legacy by reviving his beloved bakery, which was devastated in a gas explosion that rocked the community in 2017. Fiona Griffiths, whose father ran Griffiths Bakery, is resolute in her mission to restore the family business and bring back its famed offerings.
The explosion, sparked by a local furniture store owner seeking to commit insurance fraud, injured more than 80 people and caused significant damage to over 60 properties. Pascal Blasio was later sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in the incident. Fiona, who worked alongside her father in the bakery, faced the heartbreaking loss of her father earlier this year at the age of 82. “I want to do my dad proud and keep his memory alive through this bakery,” she said.
Established as a staple in the community, Griffiths Bakery was known for its savory chicken and ham pies as well as its popular Manchester tarts. Fiona reflects on how the bakery attracted customers from all over Wirral. “People used to travel from far and wide just to get their hands on our pies,” she noted, recalling the deep connection her father had with the locals.
After her father’s passing, Fiona made it her mission to safeguard his treasured recipes, which she plans to use as she embarks on the bakery’s revival. “I always kept them locked away because I was the one who prepared those pies,” she explained. With the support of her business partner, Ritchie Hyland, she feels hopeful about the journey ahead. “It’s exciting to think we can bring back something that meant so much to so many,” she added.
Hyland shared his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the bakery’s role in the community prior to the tragedy. “Before the explosion, Griffiths Bakery was a well-loved institution. People have fond memories, and they are eager to see it return,” he said.
The new location will be situated close to the original site, and plans are currently underway for a reopening in June. As Fiona and her team prepare for this new chapter, they are filled with emotions and a shared determination to provide a beloved gathering place once again.
This revival not only symbolizes a return to normalcy for the community but also acts as a tribute to a legacy that continues to resonate deeply with local residents. Fiona is committed to ensuring her father’s vision lives on, bringing joy and comfort back to the hearts of those who cherished the bakery’s offerings.