Sheffield Station: Forge Bakehouse moves to prime pitch as East Midlands Railway seeks more operators

A popular baker is set to establish a new home in a bigger unit at Sheffield station after becoming a hit with travellers.

Forge Bakehouse has worked with East Midlands Railway to secure a new unit at the foot of the main stairway to the bridge. When it opens next month it will give the Abbeydale-based company a prime spot in front of 10 million annual passengers.

The move comes after brownie maker Scrumptious by Lucy last year asked for - and was given - a pitch in the ticket hall and is still trading there today. Motore Cafe operates a popular coffee van outside the station.

Get a bespoke headline round-up, alongside all of the latest breaking news updates, when you sign up to The Star’s free newslette

Forge Bakehouse owner Liva Guest, who runs the business with husband Craig, said their old location by the taxi rank opposite WH Smith had proven to be a great introduction and she was excited to see how the new space would enable them to grow.

She said: "The time is now right to make this a more formal agreement in the busiest part of the concourse after we've proven to be a hit with our handmade, high-quality produce.

"Although it's compact, customers shouldn't be concerned. Our range will fit, and there will even be tables for customers who want seating instead of only takeaway.”

Simon Pready, commercial director at East Midlands Railway said: "We are delighted that Forge Bakehouse has been such a hit with our customers and its great to see a local business expand and create jobs. 

"With more than 10 million people passing through its doors each year, Sheffield station remains a very popular place to do business.”

East Midlands Railway is seeking an occupier for Forge Bakehouse’s old spot as well as what was Russell’s Bike Shed cycling shop.

Proprietor Russell Cutts said he closed the shop after a drop in cyclists using the adjacent secure bike hub due to Covid and rail strikes.

EMR says the unit, by the covered taxi pick up area, is: ‘In the charming Victorian station, immediately opposite the taxi rank, and would be perfect as a retail unit, office, or takeaway outlet’.