Legendary Lancaster pie shop to close

Friday, 27 September 2024 09:43

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Potts Deli N Pies on Bowerham Road in Lancaster

A legendary pie shop which has served customers of the Lancaster and Morecambe area for more than 50 years will be closing.

Potts Pies will shut this weekend after being in business since 1973.

Owner Donna Crossley made the announcement on the Bowerham, Lancaster shop's Facebook page:

"Did not ever think I would be writing this.

"It's time to hang my apron up.

"I would like to thank each and every one of you for your custom, it's had its ups and downs mainly ups.

"I would like to thank all my staff over the years for your continued support.

"It's not been easy over the last few years as some of you know.

"I will leave here with my head held high and be proud of what I have done.

"I would like to wish the new owner all the best and good luck for what you turn it into.

"Good luck to you all...have a good life and stay safe.

"Onwards and upwards."

Potts Pies was launched by Joe and Vena Potts in 1973, then was bought by the Walsh family in 1988 with Russell Walsh running it from 1999 until Donna, who has worked for the firm for more than 30 years, took over in 2018.

At one point Potts Pies had shops in Morecambe, Bare, Torrisholme and Bolton-le-Sands, as well as the outlet in Bowerham.

Donna, pictured below, first began working for Potts Pies in 1992.

She said she'd enjoyed "meeting nice people, and I loved making pies".

"It's been my second home," she said.

One of her favourite memories came when The Hairy Bikers visited the Bowerham shop in 2012 to film for their TV programme.

Donna, who is from Lancaster and lives in Morecambe, said that during the '80s and '90s the shops were "making hundreds of pies with seven members of staff" but in recent years this had reduced to two staff making pies two days a week.

She said the lease has been sold to a new owner and there is no information yet on what the shop will be used for in future.

Donna said she now hopes to get another job three days a week and also spend time with her granddaughter.

Potts Pies will be open tomorrow (September 28) for the last time.