Having started up as a small enterprise with a staff of just two, Tan Lan Bakery celebrates 20 years in business this year with two stores now open, a team of 18, and a glittering reputation for tasty treats across Conwy.
Set up by Dean Geldart, originally from Llanrwst, in 2003, an assortment of the bakery’s fresh and delicious sweet and savoury snacks can be found in both Colwyn Bay and Conwy.
Based at the Llandudno Junction Industrial Estate, it also bakes artisan bread, white, brown and granary loaves, and cakes to hotels, cafes, restaurants, tourist attractions and its own shops.
Dean said: “I’ve been at it since I was 18; I went away to work in London, and then came back and started the bakery.
“We’ll have been trading for 20 years this November – I’m thinking of putting something together to mark it!
“I put a twist on everything I do; it’s all made from scratch. I like to change the variety of cakes quite a lot.
“You might see something in a shop which you then won’t see again, because I don’t want customers to walk in, look at the counter, and know exactly what cakes are there.
“We’re constantly turning over ‘everyday cakes,’ as I call them – vanilla slices, flapjacks, Malteser shortbreads - they’re very popular, and probably my bestsellers.”
READ MORE:
Colwyn Bay café re-opens just 13 days after ‘devastating’ vandalism
Abergele pub closes following ‘emotional’ last weekend of business
Also supplying to all of the “Zip World” attractions in the North Wales area, the bakery’s Conwy base has been open for 12 years, before Dean also set up shop in Colwyn Bay in 2021.
And though trade has remained steady amid the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, he admits he feels privileged to be keeping his business afloat.
He added: “Colwyn Bay is steady throughout the year. Conwy is quiet at this time of year, but throughout the year, there’s not a lot of difference in the takings.
“The costs of materials and ingredients have absolutely soared, and are still going through the roof. We’re still tied in with our electricity until the middle of the year, so we’ll obviously feel the pinch then.
“A lot of stuff has tripled in price. You can put your prices up, but there’s only so much customers are prepared to pay, so you have to keep that in mind.
“For the next couple of years now, if we can just look at getting by, make sure the bills are paid, and keep the business going… we’re not expecting to make big bucks.”
Tan Lan Bakery, 2 Lower Gate Street, Conwy, LL32 8AL / 75 Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7PH.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here