Watch: This Aussie-inspired Chorley bakery has embarked on a £70,000 transformation

The Australian-inspired artisan bakery Outpost is located on The Green at Eccleston, near Chorley, and is investing in its premises, production facilities and team. The renovation is underway and, when completed, will transform both the front and back of the bakery to enhance customer experience and increase production capacity. A garden out front will allow customers to enjoy the summer, pastry in hand.

Heading up the project is Katrina Bozikovic, Outpost's head baker and co-owner, who will lead the expansion alongside husband Felix Stenhouse and the existing Outpost team. Originally from Fremantle in Western Australia, Katrina trained in pastry at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London before honing her craft at some of the UK's most renowned establishments. She worked for Marcus Wareing across his three restaurants, including the two-starred Marcus, gained further experience at The Snapery, an artisanal bakery, and refined her skills under Adam Byatt at Trinity. A brief but invaluable stint at Mark Birchall’s now three Michelin starred Moor Hall added another layer to her culinary expertise

Meanwhile Felix honed his craft at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Moor Hall under Mark Birchall, Trinity with Adam Byatt, Hide By Ollie Dabbous, and Marcus Wareing’s restaurants, Felix has developed a refined approach to cooking that emphasises local, seasonal ingredients and sustainable sourcing. Now, Felix is bringing this ethos to life in the world of baking.

Outpost aims to showcase Australian baking traditions while using the very best local ingredients from Lancashire, blending Katrina’s passion for baking and expertise with a commitment to quality and seasonal produce.

Katrina said: “There will be a lovely new garden area so customers can enjoy the sun in the summer.” And she said offerings would include a ‘cinnamon scroll’ - which is a laminated baguette , French pastries with an Australian twist and seasonal Danishes, as well as their artisanal sourdough and other tasty treats.

Katrina and Felix added: “ "Reaching our first anniversary feels like a real moment to reflect, and to look forward. Our artisanal bakery remains the heart of everything we do. Craft, patience and respect for ingredients are our foundation, and this investment is about giving our team the space and tools to do what they do best, while creating something really special for our customers and community."

Central to the plans is a restructuring of production that will see all bread-making move to a purpose-built back bakery, freeing up the front space to focus on elevating the standard of pastry and viennoiserie. The additional capacity will allow the team to push the boundaries of their craft and meet growing customer demand.

Outside, the front seating area will be given a complete makeover, with beautiful new planting and fresh furniture, creating an inviting space to enjoy. During the warmer months, guests can look forward to something a little different, with the team planning to introduce Australian-style steak sandwich grills and soft serve ice cream, bringing a relaxed, seasonal street-food feel to the Eccleston setting.

To the rear, the covered courtyard will be retained and repurposed as an events space, with wine tastings and a programme of community and cultural events planned throughout the year.

To support the expansion, Outpost Bakery is currently recruiting experienced bakers to join the team. Those passionate about craft baking and looking to be part of an ambitious and growing independent business are encouraged to get in touch. The investment encompasses the full build and landscaping, new planting, equipment and additional staffing.