A beloved vegan bakery in Glasgow, known for its scrumptious Empire biscuits, has recently announced the closure of its West End and city center shops. Plant Blonde, the bakery in question, shared the heartbreaking news on their Instagram account, expressing gratitude to their loyal community for their support throughout the years. While the exact reasons for the closure and the official closing dates remain undisclosed, the West End location is already marked as “temporarily closed” on Google.
The minds behind Plant Blonde, Jennifer Walls, and Marc Sorbie, have assured their customers that this is not the end of their journey. In fact, they are in the final stages of completing a new studio and bakery where they will continue to craft their delectable plant-based clean cakes using only the finest seasonal ingredients. This new chapter will see them focusing on catering for weddings and events, ensuring that their culinary creations reach even more eager taste buds.
A Look Back: The Rise of Plant Blonde
Plant Blonde’s story began in 2022 when they opened their first store on Hyndland Street, quickly capturing the hearts and taste buds of the locals. The bakery’s fame skyrocketed when former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared their Empire biscuit as the best she had ever tasted during her visit. This endorsement only fueled the bakery’s success, leading to the opening of their second location inside the Lush flagship store on Buchanan Street in December 2023.
Reflecting on the origins of their business, Jennifer Walls shared a glimpse into the bakery’s humble beginnings. The idea to start Plant Blonde struck her during the lockdown, a time when many were seeking comfort and solace in familiar treats. Unable to sit idly by, Jennifer decided to create a vegan version of the iconic Empire biscuit, a challenge that eventually blossomed into a thriving business venture. Her passion for coffee and a gap in the market for vegan options laid the foundation for what would become a beloved bakery in the heart of Glasgow.
Farewell to Familiar Delights
As news of Plant Blonde’s closure spread, fans of the bakery took to social media to express their sentiments. Many shared fond memories of popping into the bakery for a quick treat or indulging in their favorite Empire biscuits. While bidding farewell to the shop was bittersweet, well-wishers flooded the comments section with messages of luck and support for Jennifer and Marc’s upcoming endeavors.
In a time where small businesses face numerous challenges, the closure of Plant Blonde serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and creativity required to thrive in the culinary world. The legacy of their delectable Empire biscuits and plant-based treats will undoubtedly live on in the memories of their loyal customers, serving as a testament to the power of passion and innovation in the face of adversity.
As Plant Blonde prepares to embark on a new chapter with their upcoming studio and bakery, the Glasgow community eagerly anticipates the continuation of their culinary delights. While the closure of their West End and city center shops marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of a fresh journey filled with endless possibilities and delectable creations. So, as we bid adieu to the familiar storefronts that once housed Plant Blonde, we eagerly await the next chapter in their flavorful story.
