THE BAKERS

People like to feel valued and feel important instead of being simply a number in a supermarket where you can walk around and not engage with anyone at all CHRISTOPHER FREEMAN CHAIRMAN OF 200-YEAR-OLD FAMILY FIRM DUNN’S BAKERY

When it comes to carrying on a family tradition, Christopher Freeman knows he’s got a lot of history on his side.

He may have spent 45 years as chairman of Dunn’s Bakery but the whole family have certainly done their time since it started with his great-great-grandfather in 1820.

His father came into the business in 1946, with Christopher taking over in 1973.

And his grandson Lewis, 26, is continuing the tradition by being managing director.

Based in Crouch End, North London, Christopher and the shop are valued parts of the local community.

He says: “I think the high street is vital to so many local communities.

“Not everyone has time to go and do huge shopping, lots of people want to shop locally and have a good relationship with

traders and shopkeepers. It’s just a nicer way of life.”

Christopher says he has seen many changes since he started running the bakery and feels shops and customers want to move back into the high street, rather than shopping centres.

He says: “You can give people personal service to choose what items they want, you can make bespoke things.

“People like to feel valued and feel important instead of simply a number in a supermarket where you can walk around and not engage with anyone at all.

“A high street contributes to the local economy. A pound spent locally stays local – it benefits everyone.”

The most popular items Christopher sells include sausage rolls, doughnuts, breakfast rolls and Danish pastries.