An artisan bakery established during the COVID-19 pandemic has won praise of Rishi Sunak as it prepares to open a new shop.
Koselig Bakeri is opening a new shop on Stokesley High Street, and the Richmond and Northallerton MP visited the premises ahead of its official opening.
During his visit, Mr Sunak met founders David McAnaney and Emily Grocott, who run the bakery alongside David’s partner and Emily’s sister, Megan.
The bakery was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic after the trio left careers in the public sector to pursue a passion for artisan baking.
Mr Sunak said: "It was fantastic to visit Koselig ahead of its opening in Stokesley and to meet the team behind such an inspiring local success story.
"Starting a business during the pandemic took courage and growing it into three locations is a remarkable achievement.
"Independent businesses like this bring energy and character to our high streets, create local jobs, and strengthen community life.
"I wish David, Megan, Emily and the whole team every success as they begin this exciting new chapter in Stokesley."
Named after a Norwegian-inspired concept loosely translating to “cosy,” Koselig Bakeri has grown from its bold beginnings to a three-store business.
The company already has locations in Guisborough and Saltburn-by-the-Sea, with a central bakery in Guisborough supplying fresh baked goods daily to each shop.
In addition to its breads and pastries, Koselig has built a strong community following through projects like its PinDropClub – a silent book club that attracts more than 60 people each week for evenings of quiet reading and connection.
David McAnaney, co-founder of Koselig, said: "The opening weekend in Stokesley was a huge moment for us.
"Seeing the bakery full and meeting so many people who value local produce and community perfectly summed up what Koselig is about.
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"We’re proud to be growing in North Yorkshire and building neighbourhood bakeries people genuinely want to return to.
"We were also very grateful to Rishi for taking the time to visit and support us as we begin this next stage of our journey."
During his visit, Mr Sunak met staff, heard about the journey from start-up to multi-site operation, and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing independent high street businesses.
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