Fitzbillies re-opens - with some help from Cheffins

When a much-loved Cambridge institution, Fitzbillies restaurant and cake shop, suddenly closed earlier this year there was nationwide consternation. The actor Stephen Fry was one of many expressing dismay, and a "Save Fitzbillies" Facebook petition was launched.

Now, though, it has re-opened under new ownership with Cheffins Commercial team playing a crucial role.

Pembroke College owns the property and the Bursar, Chris Blencowe, explained that the property is acknowledged locally as an important Cambridge location and because of this the college had a three part objective - to maintain the shop as a Cambridge enterprise, rather than a national retailer; continue the Fitzbillies' tradition as far as possible; and make it work as a business.

He added: "Cheffins clearly understood our aspirations and rapidly achieved them. Alison Wright, in turn, convinced us that she had the best business plan, vision and commitment to carry forward the Fitzbillies' historic concept."

Cheffins' Director Simon Lewis was instructed to find a new tenant and, if possible, save the Fitzbillies' name. Simon said: "There were plenty of businesses wanting to take on the premises but the challenge was to find the right person to re-create the iconic bakery and to ensure the name and goodwill could be acquired by liaising initially with the administrators and then the Official Receiver.

"It was an exciting campaign and drew on our wide experience of handling complex property situations and working with tenants, insolvency prac-titioners and other professional advisers. It culminated in a series of presentations by four shortlisted applicants. Alison Wright and her food writer husband Tim Hayward convinced us all that they could bring Fitzbillies back to life. Now the customers can judge the result."

The new tenant Alison Wright said: "Cheffins was very helpful and Simon Lewis guided us with lots of advice on how to bring it all together, dealing with the Official Receiver and vetting our plans."

Alison has also recruited the former head baker, Gill Abbs and a former restaurant manager - so the famous Fitzbillies' Chelsea buns are back on the shelves.