A GRUMPY baker can now be found at Bolton Market - who can provide you with all the cakes you need for special celebrations.

Professional baker and pastry chef John Jones, who lives in Horwich, moved to the market last month after a lack of footfall in his old premises opposite Victoria Hall in Bolton town centre.

He said: “If I can bake it, I will make it.

“I do everything from brownies to celebration cakes, and I supply restaurants with chocolates, desserts and macaroons.”

The Cardiff native caters for all occasions from weddings to birthdays and baby showers.

He has also tried his hand with some experimental recipes over the years, including Guinness and crisp flavoured bakes.

He said: “The first week I was here was absolutely fantastic, but footfall seems to be fluctuating at the moment.

“When the Bolton cases shot up, the trade tailed off. It started picking up last week again and I’m optimistic to see what happens over the summer.”

John says he ‘loves’ his new premises in the market, and says all the small business owners are supportive of each other’s ventures.

He added: “The best thing about being here is that if I run out of something, I can go and get it from one of the other traders - and it’s putting some money in their pockets. We’re just waiting for restrictions to ease so we can take full advantage of being here.”

John also enjoys making his own jam, bread and chutneys - including a smoked bacon and maple syrup flavoured jam.

Asked where the inspiration came for his stall's name, he added: “I’m known as Grumpy John to a lot of my wife’s mates. If I’m not smiling when a customer comes up, then it’s almost an excuse given the name of my brand.”

In the near future, John will be organising free demos at the market once a month on decorating cupcakes and modern patisserie techniques.