A KEIGHLEY cafe and bakery business which originally opened barely a day before the first pandemic lockdown began is thriving.

And The Endless Kettle, which has just moved into new premises in North Street, is hoping to double its workforce by the end of the year.

Poland-born founder and owner Michael Bawol, who is also head chef and artisan baker, moved to England in 2007.

He had a number of different jobs over the years, before deciding to refocus.

“In late 2019 I took a six-month sabbatical to decide what was next,” says Michael.

“I wasn’t keen on returning to an office or a manufacturing role. I wanted to explore other avenues, including the possibility of running my own business.

“That’s how the idea of opening a small cafe/bakery was born. I’ve always been interested in cooking and diving into different cuisines to learn new skills and recipes. Also, I trained in artisanal baking in France.

“As with many new business ideas and start-ups, there were some delays, but I finally settled on March 22, 2020 – my mum’s birthday – for the opening. However, the first UK lockdown was introduced the very next day! I thought this would be a nail in the coffin, but we managed to survive – thanks to our amazing local customers supporting the bakery part of our business, which was allowed to stay open because it was classed as essential.

“Throughout the periods of lockdown, we managed to offer freshly-baked goods, which we also delivered to the doorsteps of our self-isolating customers. That accounted for nearly the first 20 months of our business.”

When dining-in was allowed again after the third lockdown, the business relocated to High Street.

But Michael was soon seeking larger premises.

“We decided to look for somewhere that would offer a larger space where we could express ourselves and let our creativity flow,” he says.

“We signed a lease for 61 North Street and spent over three months renovating the amazing place and restoring it to its former glory.

“I hope people will appreciate its stunning looks, but also its role in creating a community.

“I believe that as a small independent business, we are not just serving the local communities, but rather creating them and helping to shape the cultural future of the town.”

The Endless Kettle currently has a team of around five, but hopes to double that.