Toatilly in The Old Dairy, Little Blakenham, to open bakery

Toatilly, which is run and owned by Suffolk partners Rachel and Sam Dalton-Thorpe, has been turning over more than 150 kilos of granola since they moved into The Old Dairy in Little Blakenham near Ipswich in 2023. 

Now, the business will open a new front-of-house store on April 1, where customers can enter and buy freshly baked granola and grab a coffee. 

Sam and Rachel Dalton-Thorpe opened the business in 2019, initially under the name Good To Go. (Image: Contributed) Rachel Dalton-Thorpe said: "It has been a long road to this point, so we are really excited about this next stage and to welcome people into the bakery. 

"I have been inspired by my Mum, June Thorpe, who is 91 now and made sales of over a million pounds with Pippa Dee in the seventies. 

Rachel Dalton-Thorpe with her range of Toatilly products at one of their pop-up shops. (Image: Contributed) "I want to take that entrepreneurial spirit and make this business as successful as possible.

"As John Irving once said: 'If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.'"

A marketing award for a million sales by Rachel's mother, June Thorpe, has been hung in the bakery. (Image: Contributed) The female-run business, which also sells porridge, muesli and Gogo Bites, has been running since 2019 - previously under the name Good To Go. 

They have a keen focus on sustainability with their products being made out of all gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free produce. 

Products can be ordered to customers doors for next day delivery, with a variety of subscriptions available offering freshly baked oats. 

Sam Dalton-Thorpe is excited to bring her and her partner's business to the next level. (Image: Contributed) Ms Dalton Thorpe said: "Latest NHS reports show that obesity levels are increasing and are putting a major strain on our healthcare system.

"It is fast becoming the major contributor to most diseases and illnesses.

"Trying to find something that is healthy and nutritious on the go is incredibly hard, so this has formed the foundation of the Toatilly dream."

The couple have a focus on sustainability and health and hope to grow the business across Suffolk and the rest of the UK. (Image: Contributed)

The couple say around £20,000 has been invested into the new walk-in bakery, with half of the sum coming from a small business fun from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council. 

Ms Dalton Thorpe added: "They have been extremely supportive and helped make this possible.

"It's just about knowing these options are there. 

"If you can show you are supporting local business and sustainability, then you have a good chance."