Bakery’s makeover leaves some feeling blue

The iconic wooden frontage of Busby’s Bakery in South Street, Worthing, has been given a lick of blue paint in a bid to make it more appealing to customers.

Gareth Busby, the bakery’s owner, said he noticed the shop became quieter when it was sunny and needed to find a solution.

He said: “We looked outside and we didn’t look inviting. As beautiful as the wood is it doesn’t look inviting and doesn’t appeal to someone to come in for the first time.”

Because the building is on the West side of the street it spends the afternoon on sunny days in the shade.

“We get customers saying it’s brilliant in here but we didn’t know you were here,” said Mr Busby.

“A lot of people suggested knocking the wood down but we didn’t want to because we love it.

“The reason we did it was to make a feature of the building not to destroy it. We want it to be enjoyed.

“I did expect some negativity but I didn’t expect the amount of positivity we have received. It’s fantastic. It’s made a massive difference to my confidence in doing it.”

Comments on Facebook range from words of support for the independent business, which will soon need to compete with Starbucks directly opposite, to strong criticism.

Sharon Clarke, manager of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said she had not received any complaints from other businesses or members of the public.