The legacy of an almost 160-year-old Oldham bakery has been saved from its planned closure this Christmas after its owners announced a new family will take the reigns.

Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery, which is considered Greater Manchester's oldest family-run craft bakery, has been passed down and run in the same family for six generations since its inception in 1864.

In 1968, the bakery moved to its Failsworth home on Ashton Road East where it has stood ever since.

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But earlier this year, owner David Robinson revealed the family made a tough decision to put the shop up for sale and as of September, planned on closing up for good before Christmas on Friday, December 16.

The Robinsons cited the "struggles of 2023" being "too much" as a leading factor behind the shock decision, with the "ever-increasing cost of energy, utilities and never-ending spiralling cost of ingredients".

The family said they had weathered the storm of two world wars, two recessions, a great depression, the pandemic and "multiple supermarket and fast food chains opening closer and closer", but it was the cost-of-living crisis that proved too difficult to overcome.

That and David said he was looking forward to retirement while his daughter, Grace, decided to pursue other passions outside baking.

However, in a shock announcement on Tuesday (December 5) this week, the family revealed not all is lost as the premises will continue to operate as a bakery with a new family steering the ship.

In a post on social media, the Robinsons said they have been in discussion with Martins Family Bakery who will take over the shop "just in time for Christmas".

The Robinsons continued: "We believe it is great news that another bakery will be continuing to trade from here so our customers can still get their freshly baked goods.

"We are now pleased to be working with the Martin family to make some of our favourite recipes - which we think is a great link to our baking heritage."

Some of the 'top' Robinsons recipes that will be relaunched into Martins Family Bakery include its multiseed bread, Lancashire Parkin, jam slice, flapjack, Viennese biscuits and a Robinsons-recipe classic, Manchester Tarts.

The Martin family, made up of Neil, his daughter, Jenny, and son-in-law Toby, were also delighted to keep the legacy alive.

Martin's Bakers and Sandwich Makers has several stores across Greater Manchester already, including one in Failsworth on Lord Lane.

Neil added: "Customers will not have a choice of two Martins shops in Failsworth.

"Robinsons make some great cakes and bakes and we are pleased to be able to work with Grace and David to launch some new products and help keep the Robinsons baking history alive in Manchester."

Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery has been approached for comment. 

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