In the heart of Bolton, amidst its bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a culinary gem cherished by locals and visitors alike: Carrs Pasties. Since 1938, Carrs has been synonymous with the epitome of traditional British comfort food, serving up delectable pasties that tantalise taste buds and warm the soul. Paul Andrews spoke to Joe Carr to find out more.
Carrs Pasties has stood the test of time, rooted in a rich heritage dating back to when Grandma Nell made the first meat and potato pasties from a general store on Halliwell Road, a shop that still stands today and remains one of the retail outlets of the business.
As Joe explains, “With six children to feed, Grandma made the pasties at home to feed the family and any spare were offered to friends and a brand was born. The shop was close to a number of light industrial mills; it wasn’t long before the workers were aware that the pasties were available, and a queue would form around the block to buy them. Uncle Bernard took on the role of baker and began to build the business that we know today – and when the time was right, invited the siblings to join and help build the business.”
“Four of the six siblings, David, Veronica, Benard and my dad John worked together to build Carrs and set us on the journey that continues today,” continues Joe.
Since then, the establishment has become a beloved institution, celebrated for its commitment to quality ingredients and time-honoured recipes passed down through generations.
Today at Carrs, the pasty-making process is based as much as possible on Grandma Nell’s recipe. Keeping the ingredient list simple, making small batches and cooking from scratch every morning. Each pasty boasts a flaky, golden crust that gives way to a flavourful filling bursting with savoury delights. The production process is unique in that each pasty is filled with a hot filling straight from the pan before being blast chilled and frozen - which helps to lock in the flavour.
From the classic cheese and onion to the indulgent steak pasty, Carrs offers a diverse array of fillings to suit every palate.
But it's not just the pasties that keep patrons coming back for more; it's the sense of community and tradition that permeates every bite. Step inside Carrs HQ, and you're greeted with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pasties mingling with laughter and lively conversation. Here, locals gather to share stories, catch up on gossip, and indulge in a taste of nostalgia. This is a business steeped in community and doing business the right way. Family values are at the core and there is a long-standing, loyal workforce, many of the team having been with them for over 30 years, and a real sense of purpose, to continue to bake pasties that are filled with pride.
“Our people are part of who we are,” continues Joe, “and help us deliver quality products each and every day. Our local workforce embodies everything we stand for, with Bolton front and centre, and our team are on the journey with us and help us continue to develop and grow too.”
Beyond its charming ambiance and mouthwatering fare, Carrs Pasties remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of Bolton's history.
As one of the town's oldest businesses, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, serving as a steadfast symbol of resilience and endurance.
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