Happy Pancake Day! Our Ayr store colleague Tom Findlay has 50 years’ experience as a baker – and his pancakes are a big hit with customers like brother and sister Nathan and Ellie Kinniburgh.
Grandad Tom, who's 70, has worked as a baker since starting as an apprentice when he was 15 and has been with us for 13 years.
He said: "I normally make 90 packets of the smaller pancakes every day and 70 to 80 packets of the larger pancakes, with more at the weekend. This time of year I obviously make more. I set up the hot plate and make pancakes on there which attracts the customers.
"We make chocolate pancakes and fruit pancakes, and the chocolate ones are particularly popular. I do like pancakes – my favourites are the plain ones. After spending all these years in a bakery I don't really have a sweet tooth any more!
"I get some really nice comments from customers. The older customers say the pancakes are just like the ones they used to get years ago – they really like them. When I can, I like to have a chat and a catch up with the regulars when they're getting their pancakes.
"I don't really have a secret; it's the same mix most people use. Maybe it's the amount of time they spend on the hot plate. I've got a lot of experience so that helps – I've made quite a few pancakes in my day!"
Tom has always lived in Ayr and he's been married to Marilyn for more than 40 years. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.
He said: "All the colleagues are very nice to me, and the customers are too. I enjoy it here – it keeps me active and it's one of the best jobs I've ever had."
The store's community champion Karen Fulton said: "Tom is a lovely guy. He's really well-liked by all of our colleagues and customers. His pancakes are fantastic!
"When I'm out in the community people are always stopping me to say they've tried Tom's pancakes and they're the best."
