THE owners of an independent bakery have opened their second shop as they look to take on giants like Greggs for a slice of the pie. 

Bake Essex, which opened on the Ridgeway in Chalkwell last February has quickly expanded to a new site in Manners Way, Prittlewell. 

It serves up freshly baked cakes, pastries, and bread, along with sandwiches made using ingredients largely from Essex-based suppliers.

Echo: A lot of the bakery's bread and pastries are prepared on-site. A lot of the bakery's bread and pastries are prepared on-site. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

The bakery is co-owned by qualified chef Ross Devonshire and businessman Mehmet Hassan, who also owns Baboush in Westcliff and the Dining Room in Leigh.

Ross, 30, has worked in restaurants all over London and even at Arsenal’s football ground, the Emirates Stadium.

He said: “This is my next step. Independent bakeries like this are reassuringly traditional.

“Trying to compete with chains like Greggs is very hard, but I’m confident we’re up to the challenge.

“We’re offering different stuff to other bakers, like huge Spanish doughnuts, giant Polish croissants, and Greek-made cream cakes. 

“You’ve never tasted anything like it.”

Echo: Bake Essex offers 'giant' Polish croissants, pastry twists, and different types of doughnuts.Bake Essex offers 'giant' Polish croissants, pastry twists, and different types of doughnuts. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Ross eventually plans to introduce new and original items “which customers won’t find elsewhere”.

He added: “We’ve got a lot more freedom because we haven’t got to follow a standard menu like bakery giants tend to. We’re also using small suppliers instead of relying on big companies.

“We’re hoping to catch residents and passers-by as we’re on a busy road just off the A127, on the way to the airport.”

Sheniz Erdil, 22, joined the company four weeks ago but says she quickly felt part of the team.

She said: “It’s great. I got comfortable very quickly. It probably only took me an hour to settle in.

“I live in East London, so I drive down every morning. But I just like it here. London is so hectic, but Prittlewell is nice and friendly. People are more at ease.”

Herman, a Manners Way resident, said: “We definitely need something like this round here. It’s good for if you feel too lazy to make a snack, as you can just come and buy a freshly-made sandwich.”

The new branch, open from 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, has indoor seating for up to ten people, with outdoor dining furniture set to be delivered this week.