Midsommar Bakery in Newcastle's Grainger Market has announced it will close, with owners citing challenges they "cannot overcome sustainably." The bakery opened in November last year and quickly became popular, selling out on its first day.
Closure Announcement
Owners Nathalie Stern and Ben Dickenson opened Midsommar after selling Nordic-inspired treats at pop-up markets, aiming to introduce the Swedish concept of 'fika' to Newcastle. In a post on Instagram, they said the decision has "broken their hearts" after becoming part of a community that "welcomed them with open arms."
"When we opened Midsommar Bakery we wanted to create a place where people could slow down, connect and enjoy a small treat," the statement read. "Unfortunately, times are tough for small businesses and we've faced challenges we simply can't overcome sustainably."
Community Impact
The bakery's final day will be Saturday, August 8, with a live gig planned to thank customers. Midsommar had a 4.9-star rating from 22 Google reviews, with one customer calling it an "absolutely amazing bakery." The owners said the hardest part of closing will be saying goodbye to staff.
Midsommar is the third business in the grade I listed Grainger Market to close this year, following Analog Vintage in March and frozen yoghurt shop Yummie in February. A £9 million revamp of the market was completed in March.
