Two Magpies raises dough for Ukraine

Two Magpies is donated all funds raised from bread sales across its outlets on 12 March. The business operates seven bakery cafes across Norfolk and Suffolk, and said sourdough bread is its most popular purchase.

It managed to raise £2,100 for the Ukraine Crisis, which will be used to help save lives, protect the vulnerable and tackle the growing humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.

“We’ve all watched the news and seen the growing state of emergency both in Ukraine and for its residents who are fleeing the state and we wanted to do something to help,”​ said Carl Stock, MD of Two Magpies Bakery.

“Bread is one of our biggest sellers so we knew we could raise a great deal of funds in a short space of time to go to this incredibly worthy cause. We all have to do our bit to support our European neighbours.”​

Destination spot

Meanwhile, the independent group has reopened its Norwich cafe after investing £50,000 in a refurbishment programme to bring it in line with its other branches.

It said the Norwich site – located in the centre of the city – is a hot spot for social get togethers and business meetings, so seating space was upped by an additional 20 covers and a swathe of electrical points installed for laptops and other meeting-on-the-go mobile devises. The changes meant the kitchen was moved to the rear of the building.

“We want to become a destination for business meetings and for relaxed lunches,”​ said Carl Stock, Two Magpies Bakery Group MD.

“Overall, the cost of the refurbishment was around £50,000, [factoring in] the loss of business while we completed the works. However, the overall benefits of these changes far outweigh the costs.​

“It is extremely important for us to make sure we give the best customer experience, which is why we have decided to undergo this refurbishment. It will make the Norwich site a real destination in the city.”​