British Invasion Hits South Suburbs with Bakewell Bakery Opening

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Bakewell Bakery, dedicated to bang on British baked goods, proudly announces the opening of its storefront bakery at 1050 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor, Ill., on Saturday, May 7.

A long-time favorite of area farmers markets, Bakewell Bakery specializes in traditional British and European baked goods from family recipes. BakewellBakery also incorporates locally-sourced ingredients into each delicious bite. BakewellBakery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays will feature high tea service at 12 p.m. The grand opening celebration features a ribbon cutting, photos in a British red telephone box, coloring contest and more on Saturday, May 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Bakewell Bakery, visit www.BakewellBakeryInc.com or call 708-991-7462.

"My husband Alan and I started Bakewell as a way to honor his mother," said owner and head pastry chef Pat Ledsham. "She was an excellent baker, and many of the recipes we use are written in her handwriting. Together with his sister, I continue to test and develop new recipes and strive to put a twist on old English and European favorite pastries and savory items."

The May 7 Grand Opening celebration features a full day of festivities with doors opening at 6:30 a.m. and a ribbon cutting ceremony with a Village official at 8 a.m. From 9 to 11 a.m., patrons have the opportunity to receive a complimentary photo snapped in BakewellBakery's traditional red telephone box taken by Thomas Photographic Services. Co-owner Alan Ledsham will give a "History of English Teas" talk at noon. Finally, there will also be give aways, a coloring contest for kids and much more until closing at 4 p.m.

Previously an accountant, Pat Ledsham decided to utilize her creativity and love of baking by becoming a pastry chef. She attended the Joliet Junior College Culinary Program and was hired as the pastry chef at the now shuttered Jolly Posh, which used her recipe for its pork pies. She was also a pastry chef at Sweet Annie's Bakery, the former bakery in location Bakewell is now occupying.

Co-owner Alan Ledsham, originally from Liverpool, has over 25 years experience in the food industry. He was head purchaser for teas, coffee, wine and spirits with Marks and Spencer in London. He currently works with US Foods in the U.S.

Bakewell Bakery will cater to commuters, the community and the British lovers around the Chicagoland area. It is committed to locally sourced ingredients when possible. For the banger sausage, Bakewell Bakery is partnering with the Slagel Family Farm, Fairbury, Ill., to produce the sausages and meats according to Alan's family recipe. Bakewell Bakery will offer sausage rolls, cornish pasties, BW savory pies. Their Banger Sausage and Back Bacon can also be purchased frozen for home consumption. They are also locally-sourcing eggs from Locavore Farm, Grant Park, Ill., and flour from Breslin Farms, Ottawa, Ill., both within a 20-mile radius of Flossmoor.

High Tea is offered on Sundays at 12 p.m. Tea service features a variety of baked good and an extensive collection of Darvilles of Windsor fine specialty teas, which is appointed by the Queen of England and is the same tea served at Buckingham Palace. Bakewell Bakery also offers Intelligentsia Coffee, iced and fresh fruit drinks.

Bakewell Bakery's grand opening is on Saturday, May 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Sundays feature high tea service at 12 p.m. Grand opening celebration is Saturday, May 7from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Bakewell Bakery, visit www.BakewellBakeryInc.com or call 708-991-7462.