Long queues as twin sisters continue family tradition by opening pie shop in Wigan

Hannah and Grace Whittle became the fourth generation of their family to run a business in the same premises when Whittle’s Bakery opened on Tunstall Lane, Pemberton, on Saturday.

And customers were clearly keen to enjoy the recipes passed down through their family.

Their dad David Whittle said: “It was absolutely brilliant. They were queueing around the corner, it was unbelievable. It was far more than what we expected.

"I just hope they can keep it up now.”

The business was set up by their great-grandfather in Scholes many years ago, before moving to Tunstall Lane.

Harry Whittle – the twins’ grandfather – took over the shop and his son David – their father – ran it until around 14 years ago, when he decided to change careers.

He rented the shop to Galloway’s, but retained a unit to store his machinery in case it was needed one day.

And it was the coronavirus pandemic that led to the machinery being used again.

David said: “During lockdown, both of my daughters lost their jobs because they were working in bars in Liverpool, so they had this idea of selling pies. It started from there.”

Hannah and Grace, who are 27, initially sold pies for customers to take away, before buying a van and offering deliveries.

The business proved to be popular and they continued well after lockdown, selling pies, pasties and cakes from a wallpaper table in the unit next to Galloway’s.

Unable to expand further, a decision was made to ask Galloway’s to leave the shop so the sisters could move their business there.

They have gutted the building and carried out a full refurbishment, with the Whittle’s Bakery sign placed outside on Thursday just in time for the grand opening.

Five members of staff have been employed.

Hundreds of people commented on the shop’s Facebook page, first as they eagerly awaited it opening its doors and then welcoming its return.

David said: “It’s great that it’s coming back. There are lots of customers commenting on the page. They remember my dad and the products he sold. They are all raving about the pies being as good now as they were then.”