Couple, whose wedding plans were scuppered by pandemic, sink wedding dough into new bakery

Lurgan born Christopher Byrne and his fiancée Bridget Madden were devastated when their carefully planned wedding with family and friends in Croatia was cancelled.

The couple realised in April when travel was restricted indefinitely that their wedding plans, with over 50 guests, were in jeopardy.

“We were forced to cancel and help our guests search for refunds for accommodation and flights, which was a devastating blow not only for us but to our friends and family,” the couple said.

“We were determined to turn a negative into a positive and, on what would have been our wedding day (3rd July), we finally decided to take on the new bakery. This was followed by popping a bottle of Champagne bought by Bridget’s Mum and Dad,” said Chris.

Chris, born and bred in Lurgan and Bridget who is originally from the Yorkshire Dales, first met at the University of Ulster where Chris studied Theatre and Bridget studied dance.

They both have a background in media and marketing and already social media has been buzzing about the opening of ‘Born and Bread in Lurgan’ - the new name for the High Street bakery.

The couple have creative and progressive plans for Born and Bread in Lurgan, including their own Food Club with sweet treats and ready meals, soups and desserts to go.

Sadly when the Windsor Bakery closed it meant the loss of a number of jobs but Chris and Bridget plan to keep on two ‘wonderful’ staff and create two more jobs so far.

“You’ll see some familiar faces and that’s important to keep the legacy,” said Chris.

When asked how they came to takeover the Lurgan store, Chris said: “It was our financial advisor Kieran Byrne who was instrumental in helping bring this idea to life. He saw the opportunity and shared it with us. Without him this would not have happened. He wanted to help ensure that the legacy of the Windsor Bakery continues in Lurgan and help save some jobs.”

The pair have a got branding down to a fine art, with the help of some local talented comedians, including Sean Hegarty.

Chris said: “Marketing and branding is so important these days. Sean Hegarty was really incredible helping us out with our launch videos, a true advocate for positivity in Lurgan. Ryan Tracey is just so much fun willing to go further than required. He’s been a huge help!

“We know us Lurganites don’t take ourselves too seriously so it’s good to have a bit of banter,” said Chris.

The couple have been thinking outside the box on what to offer customers including some tasty ‘pupcakes’ for dogs and gluten-free and vegan treats, which will be on the menu later down the line.

Chris said: “Everybody loves dogs, so we thought why not? It’s a new idea that we are eager to try out...I hear the cat’s are jealous.