Chef Gary Usher smashes crowdfunding target to take Usher’s Bakehouse into wholesale

Chef Gary Usher has raised more than £50,000 to support the growth of his bakery, Usher’s Bakehouse.

The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign started earlier this month with the aim of launching a wholesale arm for the business, which dates back to 1968.

Usher’s grandfather Gordon founded the original Usher’s Bakehouse and at its peak had three bakeries in its portfolio.

Since relaunching the bakery in Chester last year, the chef revealed ambitions to take the business back to its prime by investing in equipment that would allow the Bakehouse to supply everything from taprooms to hotels.

Donations from over 430 backers will now go towards installing a purpose-built bread oven, larger mixers, baking frames and even a temperature-controlled pastry room, should budgets allow.

Commenting on the campaign, Usher said: “Never too sure what to say? Thank you. Thank you for believing in our vision for Usher’s Bakehouse. And thank you for reminding me that giving up when times are sh*t is never the right answer. We get knocked down but we f**king get back up don’t we. Onwards we go.”

Usher has been open about the challenges facing the industry and earlier this year closed restaurant Burnt Truffle in the Wirral after 10 years of trading.

The chef has successfully led eight crowdfunding campaigns to date and raised over £900,000 through Kickstarters with the support of 8,000 backers.