Popular North Shields bakery Pia’s is opening a new shop in Cullercoats, expanding their successful business in mid-March.
Pia’s is connected to another bakery, Eli’s Bakery. Sylvester Spinelli and Ana Ribeiro own both places. Eli’s started in their home kitchen during the coronavirus lockdowns and they named it after their son, Eli.
After restrictions ended, they moved Eli’s to Killingworth. Eli’s moved again in early 2023 and is now on Mandale Park Industrial Estate. They still make their bread and pastries there.
Syl worked as a chef before opening Eli’s, wanting a new challenge after several years. He worked in kitchens in London and Newcastle. Ana’s family in Portugal had baking secrets, and these were shared recipes and techniques that were helpful for Syl and Ana.
Now, their bakeries are popular, and people enjoy sourdough and pastel de nata. Syl likes that people in the North East are friendly and they welcomed Pia’s in North Shields. Pia’s is doing well, so they want to expand it.
Pia’s is “kitsch” while Eli’s has a business focus, however both bakeries sell similar items. Pia’s gets more walk-in customers. Eli’s is in an industrial area and sells breakfast bagels and sandwiches, which attract construction workers.
Syl and Ana feel nervous but excited about opening a shop in Cullercoats. They are hoping for success and want to open Pia’s on Farringdon Road in mid-March.