Hunter’s Bakery North Shields holds a special place in local memory. I have always known my family had links with William Hunter’s bakery and grocer’s on Stephenson Street. My Great Aunt Margaret was the secretary of the business for many years…
A Taste of Shields History
I have always known my family had links with William Hunter’s bakery and grocer’s in North Shields. My Great Aunt Margaret was the secretary of the whole business for many years, as well as managing the Roselyn Hall function room above the shop on Stephenson Street, where several memorable family parties were held.
My Aunt, Ann Walton (née McGeorge), had a Saturday job at Hunter’s and shared with me her recollections of a business that brought pleasure to so many in North Shields.
From Tailor’s Shop to Bakery Legacy
My Great Aunt Margaret started her working life at Isaac Black’s tailor’s shop on the corner of Saville Street and Bedford Street. Black later became Mayor of Tynemouth, contributing much to the community — including the building of Tynemouth High School and setting up a boot and shoe fund to help poorer children of the borough.
His son, J. Wallace Black, was the editor of the Shields Hustler newspaper, and my Aunt Ann still has a copy of the charmingly flattering article he wrote (pictured) about his friend William Hunter’s business. It includes a beautifully detailed description of the Roselyn Hall ballroom, praising the North Shields tradesmen who contributed to its construction and decoration.
Aunt Margaret and Life at Hunter’s Bakery
Margaret made friends with her colleague at Black’s shop, Gertie Watson. Gertie eventually went on to work at Walkers (The House of Quality), a department store on the corner of Stanley Street and Borough Road, while Margaret moved on to Hunter’s Bakery, where she remained for the rest of her career.
Known as a Jack of all trades, Margaret could be seen sitting at her desk through the front window of the premises on Stephenson Street, staying long into the night to order stock, organise functions, manage the books, and hand-write itemised bills for groceries delivered across Shields.
The Rise of Hunter’s Bakery, North Shields
William Hunter acquired what had been Yeeles Building Shop and Yard on Stephenson Street when his bakery business outgrew its humble beginnings. He started baking bread and tea cakes in a small kitchen oven on Lawson Street in the 1930s before opening his first grocer’s and confectionery shop.
As detailed in Black’s article, Hunter’s “good quality bread and appetising selection of dainty confections” became renowned across town. With a fleet of four delivery vans, no order was too small:
“He would even come down with just one loaf and pop it in if you needed it,” my aunt recalls.
Shields’ Favourite Bakery Expands
The business flourished, with branches on Lawson Street, Stephenson Street, Coburg Street, Charlotte Street, Queen Alexandra Road, West Percy Street, Spence Terrace, Verne Road and Preston Road — the latter being home to Keel Row Books in later years.
My Aunt Ann’s mother, Winnie, worked in the Coburg Street branch. My Great Aunt Elsie and her husband, Jack, lived above the shop on Verne Road, managed by Margaret Woodhouse (née Proffit).
According to The Shields Hustler, the pinnacle of Hunter’s success was the completion of the Roselyn Hall ballroom — designed by William Stockdale, built by the Ball Brothers, and decorated by Fleming & Co:
“The decorative scheme of pea green and silver is most dignified and charming… The curtains are of orange velvet with silver bands.”
Life Above the Bakery — Roselyn Hall Memories
Aunt Ann has fond memories from her Saturday job on Stephenson Street:
“Two ladies used to come in with their tea towels to wrap the teacakes in.”
She worked in the grocer’s shop in the morning, sometimes with Mr. Hunter’s daughter, another Margaret. Then came lunch with staff in the finishing room of Roselyn Hall, before waiting on at functions in smart black dresses and white aprons.
Commonly served dishes included ham and tongue salad and Hunter’s Bakery North Shields famous trifle. When Laughton Hunter teamed up with confectioner Mr. Fairbairn, their creations — like sweet cauliflowers, mushroom cakes, and softies — became legendary across town.
Parties, Weddings, and Shields Traditions
By the time her sister Jean had her 21st birthday party at Roselyn Hall, Ann had moved away for teacher training but was given special permission to return home.
Local estate agent Gerry Carr acted as compère, playing records and hosting games like Trip to Mars (a twist on pass-the-parcel). It was an unforgettable night of food, laughter, and one dramatic moment — when her gran cut her hand during a game and had to go to hospital!
Roselyn Hall later hosted countless wedding receptions, including those of Ann and Jean, and even Auntie Vivien from her mother’s side of the family.
The End of an Era
Although best known to many as a teacher at Priory Primary School, Aunt Ann was often recognised by former Hunter’s customers who fondly remembered her from the bakery.
In September 2023, Hunter’s was featured in the Gannin’ Shoppin’ in Shields exhibition by Remembering the Past at St Columba’s Church, Northumberland Square. I was thrilled to spot my Great Aunt Margaret in a team photo of the bakery staff — standing proudly alongside Lizzie Baine, Edith Banks, Mrs. Scorfield, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Harrison, Mabel, Shelagh, Joan, Mrs. Hunter, and the delivery driver Mr. Liddle.
Legacy of a Beloved North Shields Bakery
Great Aunt Margaret worked at Hunter’s Bakery North Shields until retirement, marked by a small farewell gathering in the Stephenson Street shop. Soon after, supermarkets began to dominate, making it impossible for small local grocers to compete.
In a last effort to adapt, Hunter refurbished the Roselyn Hall into a coffee lounge — removing chairs and adding round tables for casual visitors — but the venture struggled. Eventually, the premises became home to the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (“Buffs Club”).
Recently, the property was sold again and is undergoing extensive refurbishment. The current owner plans to name the venue “The Bakery” in tribute to its roots — complete with a new reproduction sign inspired by old photographs. It’s a beautiful nod to Shields’ past and a story sure to stir sweet memories for many locals.
You can read more reminiscences on the Remembering the Past website:
👉 https://www.rememberingthepast.co.uk/projects/gannin-shoppin-in-shields-project/
Do You Remember Hunter’s Bakery?
Do you have any old photographs or stories from Hunter’s Bakery North Shields or Roselyn Hall?
We’d love to hear from you — share your memories in the comments or message us at I Love North Shields!
