Swanage bakery goes Italian as new owners take over

The well-known Hayman’s bakery in Swanage – popular for traditional British bread, cream cakes and pasties – has been bought by a Wareham firm that specialises in Italian cuisine.

The new owners also run the popular businesses in Wareham, The Italian Kitchen and The Italian Bakery and the name of the bakery in Swanage will be changing to fit in with the brand.

Advertisement 
Haymans Bakery

Hayman’s in Swanage has new owners

The Hayman’s name will be disappearing

The Italian brand has worked well for them in Wareham and that’s why the Hayman’s name will be disappearing from Institute Road to be replaced by The Italian Caffé – yes, with two ‘f’s.

New manager Istvan Kohazi, who’s in fact Hungarian, says they will introduce new lines but promises the popular favourites will still be part of the mix.

With owner Mike Richards, he opened the Italian Kitchen on the Wareham Quayside in 2016. The Italian Bakery in North Street followed in 2018 and during the Covid lockdowns they launched Street Pizza, delivering throughout Purbeck.

The opportunity to buy the Swanage Bakery, which runs Hayman’s, gave them the perfect opportunity to expand further.

The previous owner Os Filmalter is concentrating on his successful counselling business for young people, Dorset Wellbeing.

Istvan Kohazi

New manager, Istvan Kohazi, at the bakery in Swanage

“Passionate about making quality food”

Istvan Kohazi said:

“We are passionate about making quality food that has fresh ingredients and is freshly prepared, along with excellent customer service.

“I believe if you have the right product and the right quality, and it comes with excellent customer service you can be successful.”

He’s been living in the UK for 17 years, has a Polish wife and a seven-year-old son, and firmly believes that Mediterranean cuisine is a safe but also trendy option.

Haymans Bakery

The traditional pasties and cakes that are popular with Haymans customers

“A fusion”

Istvan believes the town is ready to embrace the change, saying:

“As a businessman why would I stop selling something that is popular with the customers? But we would like to give an opportunity to Swanage to buy our quality and artisan, mostly organic, products as well.

“Yes, we will introduce Italian styled items like focaccias and nine flavours of sourdough, as well as other items from our menus, but it has to be a step-by-step transformation. It will be a fusion of the two.”

The Italian Bakery

The Italian Bakery in North Street in Wareham

The Italian Kitchen

The Italian Kitchen on the quayside in Wareham

Locals are important

He is keen to stress that they are not a ‘seasonal business’ and serving the locals 12 months of the year is as important as catering for the tourists.

The firm will be moving its bakery production to the Swanage bakery and expects to create ten to 15 new jobs, establishing a strong pastry kitchen. The firm is also keen to provide good training and qualifications.

Haymans Bakery
The Italian Bakery

The bakery will soon introduce some of its Italian range that has proved popular in Wareham

“Big changes”

Istvan said:

“I do believe the British hospitality industry is on the verge of big changes.

“There’s a growing recognition that whether it’s high-end dining or a takeaway service everyone can offer good quality food.”

Haymans Bakery

Changes are in store

“People can build a successful career”

Istvan believes that the hospitality sector can also provide proper careers.

He added:

“I am very passionate and I always say it is not just a business, it’s about the people and the team and I genuinely believe that it doesn’t have to be something you do until you ‘find a proper job’ but people can build a successful career in hospitality.”

Haymans Bakery

The Hayman name will be disappearing

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Child injured in dog attack at Swanage pub Police officers and the air ambulance were all called to help after a child was injured in an incident involving a dog in a pub garden in Swanage. 4 weeks ago Family win approval for controversial self build in Purbeck village 2 months ago Star Wars returns to Purbeck: The sequel! 1 month ago Historic Studland home goes on the market for £5 million 2 weeks ago Paddle steamer returns to Swanage after appeal keeps her afloat 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Swanage Pirate Festival welcomes record crowds to town Batten down the hatches - Swanage has been overrun by pirates again for a good natured festival, which has attracted hundreds of landlubbers into town. 13 hours ago Sun finally comes out for Swanage’s Big Help Out 2 days ago Bee friendly as swarming season suddenly arrives in Purbeck 3 days ago Second recent crash at Swanage church accident hotspot 3 days ago Green light given to request for 20mph limit in Langton Matravers 4 days ago