Suffolk-based bakery The Two Magpies has introduced an online ordering system to help tackle the Christmas rush.

The business, which has stores in Aldeburgh, Southwold and Darsham, is hoping to reach a wider audience through the use on an online ordering system using Squarespace software.

“This year we have decided to go online for the first time ever for our Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve bread ordering,” explained Rebecca Bishop, who runs the bakery business with her husband Steve Magnall.

“Christmas is an incredibly busy time for us, so we’re hoping the new online ordering system will allow us to serve more customers and make things a little smoother running.”

The Two Magpies has also increased its festive retail range in response to customer feedback, and introduced vegan amaretti biscuits, rose petal and cardamom granola, marzipan stollen, and chocolate and fig panettone.

The business will be staying open late this coming Saturday (30 November) in Southwold and on 7 December in Aldeburgh as the Christmas lights are switched on.

“As a very community-driven business, we do our best to support local events as much as possible. What makes these high streets so special is all the independent businesses that work together,” said Bishop.

“We’ll be staying open later as a way of promoting truly independent shops and to encourage people to shop in them over the festive season.”

Christmas crisp breads