AFTER more than four decades, thousands of customers and millions of tasty treats, the Ferioli family are saying goodbye.

The Master Baker in Harestock has closed its doors for good and the building will be either leased or sold.

But it wasn't an easy decision for the family, who have run it since 1972.

Liz Ferioli-Brown told the Chronicle: "We had to close the shop due to coronavirus and we had known for a while that dad needed to retire.

"He had been working long hours whilst not in the best of health. After trying to reopen when given the Government go-ahead, it was hard to get back into it.

"Dad felt almost obligated to carry on and it wasn't an easy decision – we had to practically drag him out of the shop."

Liz's father Giuseppe, now 75, moved to Hampshire from Italy when he was 10 years old.

After training in his teens, he worked in Portsmouth at another shop called The Master Baker, owned by a Mr Lindon.

In 1972, Mr Lindon opened up the Harestock store.

Since then, Giuseppe has worked with his wife Teresa and son, Donato. His daughter Liz also worked there before moving to London.

"The Master Baker wasn't just a bakery," she continued.

"It was a hub for the community – somewhere to gossip, somewhere to talk. Our family has seen so many local people grow into adults. "Lots of people have said they are so sorry to see us go. We are so grateful for all of the support and we know we wouldn't have survived without a fantastic base of loyal customers.

"We will miss our talks. A couple of families would even travel a couple of miles to buy from us, just to stock up their freezers."

Giuseppe now plans to write a book, which will include some of his popular recipes.