The clocks have gone back and winter is here!
We've certainly noticed the nights drawing in here at the bakery, often getting to the bakery whilst its dark and leaving in the dark too!
Its also colder, meaning we've had to alter our bread making process slightly to ensure our bread mixes are ready to be shaped and baked on time.
OCTOBER
October half term saw us close our website and window for a couple of weeks to allow us a bit of breathing room; almost all of our team had some holiday booked and unfortunately one of our fulltime bakers was in hospital, which left us rather short and under pressure.
The good news is our website is now open again for ad-hoc orders and subscriptions, and our window is back open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday too!
NOVEMBER and DECEMBER
There are a few updates to note for November and December:
Novembers sourdough special is Jalapeno and Cheese - limited numbers available each Saturday so be sure to pre-order!
Ham and cheese and Mushroom and spinach croissants are now available to pre-order on a Saturday too!
Deliveries and subscriptions
We will be removing all subscriptions and doorstep deliveries from 26th November. This has not been an easy decision, as many of you have been with us since Lockdown 1.0.
There are 3 main reasons that have lead us to this decision.
1. We aren't happy with the service we are providing. In lockdown, delivery time wasn't a huge consideration as everyone was home. Now, people are making the most of the freedom they have and as such, expect a delivery of breakfast pastries and fresh bread before 11am or with a guaranteed slot. Our current set up doesn't allow us to finish baking and get out on delivery early enough to be able to deliver to everyone before 11am and we don't like to disappoint.
2. We have struggled to recruit drivers for the required shifts. This has meant our head bakers (and founders) Nathan and Sophie have spent time away from the bakery on delivery, instead of being in the bakery leading the team and creating new tasty treats.
3. The cost to us for fuel, insurance and packaging etc has increased considerably. I'm sure everyone has seen their bills rising, in particular the cost of fuel. Even after introducing a minimum order value, it isn't making financial sense to continue with our current delivery model.
We hope to revisit our doorstep delivery service in the new year, in the meantime please do visit us at the bakery in person instead. We will be adding more items to the website that you will be able to pre-order, to avoid you being disappointed when we've sold out.
Unfortunately, this does mean our subscription service will need to pause for the time being as the subscription app we currently use is not compatible for "pick up" only fulfilment (oh the joys of technology!)
Christmas orders
From the 1st December our Christmas pastries and Christmas eve hampers will be going live!
Expect to see family packs of breakfast pastries, perfect for Christmas day together, mince pies, seasonal specials and Christmas dinner essentials all ready for you to order.
Thank you for your ongoing support, hope to see you all soon!
Sophie, Nathan and Team Rise!