The Whisk Bakehouse, a new bakery located in the Castle Place shopping centre, welcomed its first customers on Saturday, April 4.
This innovative bakery specializes in a completely gluten-free selection of baked goods, making it a safe choice for those with celiac disease. Additionally, it offers dairy-free options and choices suitable for diabetic customers.
The 22-year-old founder, Caitlyn Newble, expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming support she received during the opening.
Caitlyn reported that her initial batch sold out in just 46 minutes. Shortly after a brief restock, the shop quickly sold out again.
The grand opening attracted hundreds of people, with images from the day capturing long lines of eager customers waiting to indulge in the latest culinary offerings. Caitlyn noted that approximately 300 visitors attended and that “well over 600 bakes” were sold throughout the day.
In a heartfelt message sent to this publication following the event, Caitlyn shared, “I’m shocked by how many people showed up. I asked for help, and it was received. I cannot thank the people of Trowbridge and those who donated enough for helping make my dream come true.”
“The support, the love, and the shared excitement have made this whole journey worth every second.”
Caitlyn has a long history of working with food, having spent much of her life in restaurants and bars. Most recently, she showcased her baked goods at pop-up stalls.
Her passion for baking and a desire to join the local business community motivated Caitlyn to establish The Whisk Bakehouse in Castle Place.
Earlier in the year, she shared with this publication, “I have always baked. I’ve always made bread and brownies, and I love cooking from scratch. After losing my last job, I thought, what do I have to lose?”
Following the grand opening, Caitlyn announced on Sunday, April 5, that the bakery would temporarily close until the Wednesday after, to replace a sink that had been “lost” during the busy opening day. She eagerly looked forward to what the future would bring.
The bakery’s launch followed several weeks of anticipation, during which other businesses also opened in the microshops at Castle Place.
The Whisk Bakehouse’s grand opening occurred almost exactly a month after Gemma Williamson inaugurated Gemma’s Tasty Bakes in an adjacent unit within the Castle Place microshops.
During Gemma’s opening, Trowbridge’s mayor, Stephen Cooper, cut the ribbon and posed for photos with Gemma amidst a lively crowd eager to sample the delightful treats on offer.
Gemma reported that her baked goods sold out within hours, describing the opening day as “absolutely phenomenal.”
The success of the microshop units has been attributed to the Starry Eyes Performance Foundation, led by Sally Boyle and Alison Urch, who sought out businesses and promoted spots along Castle Place’s street-level floor earlier this year.
In a public statement following Gemma’s Tasty Bakes’ opening in early March, Mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper remarked, “It is truly wonderful to see this shopping centre coming back to life. The existing tenants, alongside the support and endorsement of the centre’s owner, Mr. Tahir Ali, are effectively revitalizing all units for start-ups, micro-shops, and community enterprises.”
