When one of the world's biggest Greggs opened in Cornmarket

The popular bakery chain converted the former Moss Bros store near Carfax and 66 seats upstairs it is be one of the largest branches in the country.

But it was only a couple of weeks before Health Secretary Matt Hancock ordered lockdown one restrictions as the coronavirus pandemic took hold and the new bakery was forced to close its seated areas.

Now, under Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown three, all non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen on April 12.

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Regional manager Steve Russell said after the opening the bakery would operate seven days a week.

Staff serve Greggs on the opening day in 2020 Picture: Andy Ffrench

Mr Russell said a year ago: “We are thrilled to be opening here in Cornmarket right in the heart of the city centre, with about 30 staff - some of them have been recruited locally.

“Customers have been trying to get in here all day but we have had to tell them to come back.

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“With 66 seats upstairs this will be one of the biggest Greggs in the country - there are only a handful this size.”

Customers queue up to be served

Mr Russell said contractors tried to retain as many of the building’s original features and decorated the walls with pictures showing local scenes.

He added: “Oxford is a great tourist destination and we know we are guaranteed plenty of footfall here in Cornmarket - I’m sure it’s going to be very busy.

“The Westgate Centre is great but it’s Cornmarket that is the traditional centre.

The seated cafe area upstairs at Greggs in Cornmarket

“The whole Greggs range will be on sale here including our vegan sausage rolls.”

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Jessie Felman, one of the new staff members, said: “I was working for Greggs in Cowley and now I’m going to be working here - I’m really looking forward to it."

Gary Stevens, 41, who works in venture capital in London, was disappointed the branch was not yet open.

He said: “It’s reasonably priced so it’s a shame it wasn’t open yet - I usually go for the pastries and the cakes.

Staff member Jessie Felman outside Greggs in Cornmarket in March 2020

“My girlfriend prefers Pret but that’s a bit too healthy for me.”

The month before opening in Cornmarket, the chain, which launched in the North East 82 years ago, announced that 19,000 employees who have been with the firm since before March 31, 2019 would get a £300 bonus each, while the remaining 6,000 staff members will be paid £75 per quarter they have worked for the baker.

Shoppers walk past Greggs in Cornmarket in 2020

This came on the back of sales of vegan sausage rolls and vegan steak bakes.

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