Sutton Coldfield’s beloved Silver Tree Bakery is set to open its third outlet at the historic Thorpe Estate near Tamworth, marking another milestone in the bakery’s rapid growth.
Founded by siblings Kirk Bick and Kirsty Cosgrave, Silver Tree Bakery emerged from the challenges of the 2020 Covid pandemic, when their catering business faced sudden cancellations. The duo quickly pivoted, selling baked goods and food parcels directly to customers, eventually establishing a charming Scandinavia-style chalet bakery near their home in Minworth, on Sutton Coldfield’s outskirts. This initial success often drew queues of eager customers, demonstrating strong local demand.
Building on this momentum, Silver Tree expanded into Sutton town centre. The journey began with a popular pop-up at the former Ernest Jones jewellery store before securing a permanent space at the Gracechurch Centre, where they now operate a spacious bakery and are developing a shared working area upstairs to foster community collaboration.
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Now, Silver Tree Bakery is preparing to open its third location within the private, 2,500-acre Thorpe Estate in the Lichfield district, near Thorpe Hall—a stunning Georgian country mansion. This new bakery is being established in a restored heritage agricultural building, thanks to a £50,000 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The funding supports crucial renovations including roof repairs, new windows and doors, and thermal insulation, ensuring the building’s preservation and energy efficiency.
Silver Tree aims to create a vibrant food and drink destination on the estate that serves both local residents and visitors, showcasing their artisanal baked goods while contributing to the estate’s commitment to sustainability and rural revitalization.
Looking ahead to their opening on Good Friday, April 3, Kirk expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re incredibly grateful to Lichfield District Council for their support through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, and to Thorpe Estate for welcoming us into such a special setting. This project perfectly aligns with our values around craftsmanship, sustainability and community. We’re excited to make Silver Tree Bakery a part of Thorpe Estate’s future.”
Tristan Lillingston, director at Thorpe Estate, highlighted the importance of the funding, saying, “This grant has been a catalyst for our vision, allowing us to invest in high-quality, sustainable materials that honor the estate’s history while preparing us for a greener future. We look forward to welcoming the wider community starting April 2026.”
The REPF is a government initiative aimed at supporting micro and small rural businesses, promoting greener farming, and enabling the adaptive reuse of agricultural buildings for commercial purposes. This aligns with Lichfield District Council’s broader 2050 strategy that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth to build resilient rural communities.
Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield’s visitor chief, welcomed the project: “We’re thrilled to provide this Rural England Prosperity Fund grant, which breathes new life into a historic building focused on heritage and sustainability. This development will create jobs and drive economic growth in our rural areas. We wish Silver Tree Bakery the very best of success.”
Silver Tree Bakery’s arrival at Thorpe Estate signals an exciting chapter, blending traditional craftsmanship with rural heritage to serve fresh, quality bakes in a distinctive setting.