One of Ballymena’s oldest bakeries is set to undergo a transformation that promises bigger and better
One of Ballymena’s oldest bakery shops is set to undergo the biggest transformation in its 60-year history with work planned to begin by the end of this month.
Irons Home Bakery is a family-run business that has been at the heart of the Harryville community since it was established in the 1960s. Founded by William John Irons, fondly known to all as ‘Billy’, the bakery shop has remained in the same premises at 55 Larne Street since it opened.
Billy built a business that put bread on the table in many homes across the town, and of course, his own.
Sadly, the well-known and much-respected Ballymena baker passed away in December 2014. Safe in the hands of daughter Peggy Eaton, and Billy’s grandaughter Rachel Smith (Peggy’s daughter) Irons Home Bakery continues to go from strength to strength and remains a favourite across generations.
Work on the transformation of Irons Home Bakery is due to commence on Monday 24 July and includes partial demolition of a rear and side section, with an extension built to the rear which will provide a link between the current premises and those next door. To the front, the new singular premises will benefit from a facelift and the fitting of a new awning.
Beyond the physical changes, Peggy and Rachel are planning along with their team to bring you an expanded range of goodies in the shop as well as coffee, salad boxes and an increased selection of sandwiches!
Preparing for the next chapter in the history of the family business Peggy Eaton told Love Ballymena:
“My father started the business almost 60 years ago. He served his time training as a baker in Belfast, before coming back to Ballymena to work in Morton & Simpson’s bakery. The opportunity arose for him to start out on his own, and he bravely embraced it.
“Myself, and my daughter Rachel, have had the privilege to build on what he started since then.”
Rachel added:
“We have been working on the plans for the extension for over 18 months now, along with Scott at Slemish Design Studios.
“We have a fantastic team of staff behind us – from our dedicated bakers who make all our delicious produce, to our friendly shop staff.
“We have teamed up with a brilliant builder, and we are hopeful that disruption to our normal business over the coming period will be minimal.”
“We are so excited about this! We have a massive thank you to say to our loyal customers past and present for keeping us in business. My Granda would be amazed and delighted to see how the wee bakery he took the risk to start all those years ago, is still thriving in the heart of Harryville.”
Renowned locally for its famous sausage rolls and iced coconut cream fingers, the little bakery shop whose popularity has been bigger than the premises, has set and secured itself to supply beautiful bakes and sweet treats for many years to come.
Irons will be open until Saturday 8 July, before the team enjoy their usual two-week holiday until 22nd July. The bakery will then reopen on Monday 24 July with work getting started alongside ‘business as normal’.
It is hoped the transformation will be complete by Christmastime, with Peggy and Rachel looking forward to welcoming you into their new premises at 57 Larne Street – right next door to their current shop.