Hello and welcome back to this week’s SPOTLIGHT segment. Today we are shining a light on a business that I am sure is familiar to most Putney residents, Harvey’s Bakehouse!
To those who don’t, Harvey’s Bakehouse is an independent bakery on the Upper Richmond Road that bakes everything on site everyday – a true rarity nowadays. Its barrage of repeat customers and daily regulars speaks to the warm and friendly environment as well as the quality of the products.
When it closed for its refurbishment in January, Putney was missing its baked goods but its re-opening proved the loyalty of its customers as the first day back was met with much relief from bread hungry locals. I have also had the privilege of working there over the past four months and have grown close with all the staff, it really did feel like a family.
The owner Chris Carey kindly took the time to answer questions for this week’s edition, which having seen firsthand how busy and hands on with the business he is – is truly a privilege that he gave such detailed answers.
What inspired you to start your bakery business and what sets your bakery aside for the others in the area?
In my 20s I had many jobs working in restaurants in SW London and as far “up West” as the Hard Rock Cafe, briefly opening two of my own, one in Fulham and one in Barnes. I loved that period in my life so when I decided to end my long term career in entertainment, I was looking for something to do. I’ve been in Putney since 1991, so in 2011 what could have been better than to take over a small local bakery at the center of the community I love – all roads of a community lead to the comfort of fresh bread from a local bakery.
We refurbished the building, enlarged the baking space, provided seats inside, upstairs and outside and began baking sourdough in March 2017. The Bakehouse as a place for the people was born. It took no effort to work 1000s of hours – it was all fun.
What differentiates us is that we make everything we sell in our own building which is very rare but not unique. From the beginning I have tried to always hire people who everyone loves to see and share my love of our place in the fabric of the community.
Has the Putney community been supportive in your business?
There is no business without the support of the community. Since the very first loaf of bread we have forged a special relationship with the Puntey neighborhood. We work our hardest everyday to provide the best quality and range everyday, people come and thank us by shopping with us. Through thick and thin, rain or shine and covid, they have come like a religion.
If I could I would go door to door to thank every household for their support that allows us to do what we do. But even that would never be gratitude enough. Build it and they will come – and they did and still do!
Have you got any advice for people who want to start a locally run business?
- No one ever wrote a business plan that lost money – be brutal so you really learn what is needed to succeed
- People only come back to you for one reason – they like you
- There is no such thing as too much effort for the customer
- Whatever you do, do it well – anyone can do something badly
- When you have put all you have in – find 10 per cent more
- LOVE ALL SERVE ALL (Hard Rock Cafe)
I am sure you can tell from these answers, the community is at the forefront of the Bakery’s ethos. This is also evident in their 10 per cent discount for those working for local Putney businesses – so next time you are thinking, shall I go to Pret or Costa, pop down to Harvey’s and exercise this generous gesture of community.
I guarantee that if you walk in any time it is open, the staff will be chatting away to a customer like they are an old friend, and soon you will be a regular too!
