Oldest bakery in Saintfield closes for final time

Oldest bakery in Saintfield closes for final time

5 March 2025

THE ovens were switched off for the last time at Saintfield’s oldest bakery on Saturday.

Jim and Karen Campbell, owners of the Saintfield Griddle Home Bakery in Saintfield Main Street, have decided it is time to hang up their aprons after 20 years in business.

Queues of loyal customers were seen lining up outside the popular bakery on Saturday waiting to wish the couple a happy retirement.

Closing up their shop, Jim and Karen shared their gratitude to their loyal customers first and foremost.

“We would like to express a special heartfelt thanks to Saintfield and the surrounding community of Co Down and beyond for their support and tremendous send off. It has been a privilege to have served you,” they said.

Originally from East Belfast, Jim became an apprentice baker at the age of 17.

With the full support of his former employer, Colin McArthur, Jim left Ashers Baking Company in 2004 to start his own bakery by taking over the Griddle in Saintfield, which initially included a bakery in Crossgar.

The Main Street bakery goes back 60 years when it was owned by Miss Alice Coulter, with the bakers at the time being Sadie Crothers, Annie Ringland and Maisie Ross. 

Alice Coulter retired in 1972 and sold the business to Austin Fitzsimons, who kept on the name Coulter’s Home Bakery until the late 1970s, when the name then changed to Saintfield Griddle Home Bakery. Austin sold his Saintfield and Crossgar premises to the Campbells in 2004.

Local councillor Callum Bowsie, who visited the closing bakery on Friday, wished Karen and Jim a happy retirement.

“It is one of the best bakeries around, with customers coming from far and wide,” he said.

“I used to treat myself here after school. Their friendly service and quality baked goods will be greatly missed on the Main Street.”

He added: “Baking is not an easy job – it is physically demanding and requires early mornings. After a lifetime of baking for the local community, Jim and Karen deserve a well-earned rest.”