Grange Bakery offers an array of cooked and cold breakfast and lunch items to go. They also serve homemade cookies, cakes and proper coffee. Meanwhile, Grange News sells papers, magazines, traditional sweets, greeting cards and mobile phone top-ups. They also have three busy vans that cater for the breakfast and lunchtime trades around the city and beyond, and also provide outside catering at a good price.
Ruddington has recently drawn in new an array of exciting new businesses. However, in this “Meet the…” article, we wanted to talk to a business that’s stood the test of time to find out what their secret is.
The Grange Bakery and Grange News have been serving our community for 12 years, although locals will have noticed a few changes recently.
Thomas Alton now runs both family businesses from one unit, moving the bakery from the High Street into his newsagents at 4-6 Church Street. But it doesn’t stop there as Thomas is moving his business with the times too.
Q. Why did you move?
A. It made sense for lots of reasons. Our customers want a newspaper with their breakfast or lunch. The bakery grew out of the High Street premises very quickly and the newsagents had lots of space, so we’ve installed two brand new kitchens. I’m mid-way through the re-design to bring our interior up-to date.
Q. What is your secret?
A. Our staff. We’re only as good as them and we have a good bunch. Because of that we keep our loyal customers.
Q. What’s the most popular thing on your menu?
A. Obviously, you can’t go wrong with a bacon cob! But honestly, we cater for all tastes. Our salad boxes are very popular and our free mince pie with a hot drink is a total winner.
Q. What time do you open?
A. Officially at 7am, but we’re here from 5am and our early morning regulars are here by 5.45am for their breakfast. Soon, we’ll start opening both businesses 7 days a week.
Q. What are your thoughts on the “shop local” campaign?
A. We’re completely behind it. Our locals can make a big difference by doing the smallest of things, like buying their newspaper from an independent shop like ours. This allows us to stay open and keep our delivery service running. Our older customers completely rely on this service. We’re also looking out for more paper-boys and girls, so please pop in if you’d like a round. (age 13 and over).
Q. Why are you based in Ruddington?
A. This is home, where else would we want to be?
For catering or paper delivery enquiries, please call 0115 984 4117.
Sarah Godfrey