A growing artisan Bolton pasty and pie business is to close its 'hatch' to the the public as it continues to expand.
HM Pasties will no longer sell directly to the public from its premises on Norris Street from the hatch to concentrate on its wholesale business.
But it says customers should not be disappointed because their popular pasties and pies will be available to buy from artisan markets.
It was just under a year ago the business opened the hatch on weekends, after successfully operating during the week from 11.30am to 2pm.
The business often employs those who have been in trouble with the law in order to give them a new start in life.
The business has seen its wholesale and private catering side of the business grow.
Owner, Lee Wakeham, said: “We have a wholesale business which has really taken off so we are focusing on that, but it’s also the area.
“It’s not a very nice place for people to come and visit because there’s drugs and fly tipping, so we decided to close it down.”
He said: “It’s been incredible to be here and John Hunt have supported us a lot and really looked after us during Covid as well.”
A statement published on social media, revealed that customers now wishing to taste a HM pasty will have to attend an artisan market.
Lee said in the statement: “Our online orders will no longer be available.
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“We have made the big decision due to the large increase in our wholesale and private catering orders which we are now receiving we unfortunately do not have the capacity to also run our online shop, our little bakery is at maximum capacity.
“Don’t worry you will still be able to purchase our delicious pies and pasties at all the artisan markets which we attend.
“We will soon be listing on our website where and when we will be so you can add the dates to your diary.”
In March last year, HM Pasties won an award for their chickpea curry pasty at the British Pie Awards and plan to enter again this year.
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