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.
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.
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.
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 in North Street in Wareham
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.
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.”
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.”
The Hayman name will be disappearing
