A FEATURE on a St Helens business still going strong after 81 years has had hundreds of responses - highlighting its admiration and respect in the community.
Earlier this week, the Star published a story on Blackburns the Bakers which has been a feature along Cambridge Road in Newtown since 1942.
Dedicated to providing the highest quality pies, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, the business has been passed down from Mike Blackburn's grandmother, to his father, and now himself.
Residents remember other Blackburns bakeries in Thatto Heath and the town centre, but none have been quite so popular as the original Cambridge Road unit, where customers have flocked for the past eight decades.
READ > Passionate butcher battling with supermarkets to offer top-quality products
At Blackburns, Mike said that the team "buy the best to make the best" and an investment into top-of-the-range facilities and extending the building has allowed the business to evolve and meet the growing demand of customers.
Although the team doesn't shout about themselves very often, Mike also suggested that they "know [they're] doing something right" as queues still form outside the door after all this time.
With generation after generation returning to Blackburn's bakery, Sintelliners evidently agree with Mike's assessment, which can be seen from a selection of Star comments here:
A comment on the Star website reads: "All hail Blackburns! The best selection of freshly made pastries and cakes in town, and proper cooked meats - not like the plastic meat in supermarkets! You can't beat freshly made food. Long may they continue!"
On Facebook, Lyndsey May said: "I will forever be in your queue… have fond memories of getting Nans pies for her and I think of her every time I eat your meat and potato pies and vanilla slice. Plus your buffet service is also outstanding!"
Danielle Olivia wrote: "The best bakery around - Everything they bake is absolutely delicious."
Sharon Davies said: "Simply the best!"
Michael Lee Giggy commented: "I go every week it's worth going from one side of town to the other."
Chris Ashton wrote: "Best pie's I've ever tasted, lovely sandwiches and great staff."
Barry Stanley said: "Love Blackburns, best bakery in St Helens. Wish [they] had a shop in the town centre."
Lynn Hindle said: "Best bakery ever, we live out of town but pop in regularly, absolutely love the meat and potato pies hubby is steak pies & pork pies, not forgetting the gorgeous cake variety."
John Hamilton said: "Lovely to see independents doing well. Best bakers in St Helens."
Ian Arnold said: "Worth every second of the queue, best pie shop in St Helens, plus it's probably half the price of Waterfields or Galloways."
Ta-rita Gore wrote: "I've been going this shop for 40 years, always went on my way home from St Theresa's for a jelly and cream, and now 48 [I] still go - best ever and good memories of being a little girl."
Julie Gerrard commented: "God bless Blackburns! I have been going here for years and it's still by far the best bakery in St Helens! Home baked on the premises!"
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