Baker launches That Secret Ingredient to help get Leigh 'back booming'

After gaining experience in Manchester's luxury hotels, Morgan Mole launched his first start-up business 'That Secret Ingredient' out of an industrial unit at Leigh Business Park in February 2020.

Opening just weeks before lockdown, it was a tricky start for Morgan but he has been able to develop the business' reputation enough to attract celebrity clients such as former Manchester City footballer Riyad Mahrez and Love Island winners Davide and Ekin-Su.

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Behind the till at That Secret Ingredient (Image: Morgan Mole)
With an initial focus on birthday and wedding cakes, Morgan has also been training the next crop of budding bakers by offering one-to-one training sessions from the 'Academy' and workshop arm of the business.

Wishing to further expand to provide a central bakery and coffee shop, Morgan launched 'That Secret Ingredient' from a refurbished unit on Charles Street, just off Bradshawgate in Leigh town centre last month.

Items are baked fresh every day (Image: Morgan Mole)
Morgan, 25, said: "I started the bakery and academy three years ago, but although we had a lot of clients, a lot of people still didn't know about us or knew where we were.

"I know there are a few cafes in the town centre, but I felt like it was really missing a nice place for coffee and cake where people can just relax and try our products.

"We've had some really good reviews so far and one customer even said she 'can't believe we have a place like this in Leigh'."

An example of That Secret Ingredient's afternoon teas (Image: Morgan Mole)
With everything at 'That Secret Ingredient' baked fresh in-house every day, Morgan said there has been a hugely positive response to the business and its sweet treats, such as brownies, cupcakes, and lemon drizzle cakes.

Describing his offering as something "luxury but affordable", That Secret Ingredient also offers coffees, teas, and sandwiches, with baking classes and workshops taking place at the start of the week.

Inside the Charles Street coffee shop (Image: Morgan Mole)
Aiming to deliver more products in the near future, such as hot desserts and afternoon tea, Morgan hopes that he can continue growing his business' reputation in his hometown.

He added: "There are some great shops in Leigh, and I know there are people really trying to revitalise the town.

"So I really want to be a part of this and hopefully with a few more good shops we can get the town back booming."

That Secret Ingredient opens from 10am to 4pm on Thursdays to Saturdays on Charles Street.

That Secret Ingredient, on Charles Street in Leigh town centre (Image: Leigh Journal)