Alex Gooch’s bakery becomes the latest addition to the area, joining a host of independent businesses being supported by local shoppers
RESIDENTS have welcomed multi-award-winning baker Alex Gooch onto their high street as he joins a host of independent businesses going strong after Coronavirus.
With over 50 people queuing around the block on opening day, Mr Gooch caught a glimpse of the support he is likely to receive.
“There is a really nice community feel here, and I think people want nice things produced locally without having to go miles away. It’s definitely an up and coming area, and it’s an area I’ve wanted to set up in.
“The high street pavement never looks that busy, but we’ve been keeping an eye on Waterloo Tea which opened recently and looking every day and it’s been absolutely rammed, which was encouraging,” said Mr Gooch, who was the 2015 Baker of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards.
Locals can expect a range of sourdough loaves, pastries, pizza slices, focaccia and other goods warm out of the oven in a canteen style cafe where they can eat in or grab something to go.
The new bakery will run alongside Mr Gooch’s wholesale bread production which supplies bread for many outlets, including Waterloo Tea, another recent addition to the high street.
Cardiff local and Waterloo Tea chain owner Kasim Ali, has been delighted with the support people have given since they opened the latest addition in September this year.
“The last few years have highlighted the importance of buying local and also supporting local businesses – as the profits remain in the community and are reinvested there,” said Mr Ali, 45, of Penylan.
Other businesses are also benefiting from the “buy local” approach from shoppers on Whitchurch Road.
Ed Daw’s Cardiff Record Exchange originally opened in December 2020, after Mr Daw’s friend, Trevor McCabe, relocated his Pop ‘n’ Hops next door.
Mr Daw is enjoying good business after the lockdowns of the last 18 months and is optimistic of a busy Christmas period.
Gabalfa Councillor Ashley Wood, said: “Whilst the pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, for many it has made us appreciate and recognise the value of businesses in our local area more than ever.
It is great to see the community continue to support both existing and new business on Whitchurch Road as we recover from Covid.”
Local resident Nicki Kindersley, 36, said: “Lots of us wanted to support local businesses and not see the possibilities of the road die.”
A Mutual Aid group was set up during the height of the pandemic, now containing 2,600 members, showing the strength of support the community offers each other.
