The home of the iconic Bonds of Elswick has been relaunched. After nearly a year of speculation and concern about its future, the Elswick site has been lovingly restored maintaining its original charm and character which has been synonymous with the much-loved ice cream since 1947, further to a recent buy-out by serial entrepreneur Simon Rigby.
It was just under a year ago when Martin Molloy of Bonds of Elswick announced that he would soon be closing the doors. Opened in 1947 the ice cream parlour had experienced great success over the last 69 years and remains a firm family favourite today. Using a traditional recipe handed down through the family, comprising of only the best fresh ingredients for naturally delicious flavour, it is easy to understand why generation after generation have returned to Bonds for their ice cream treats for all these years. For many Bonds brings back fond memories of family days out and coach stops on the way to Blackpool, so the sad news had left many disappointed.
But at age 68 and having taken over the family business in 1993 and worked at the Elswick site since he was 14, dedicating most of his life to ice cream, Martin was ready to retire. There was talk of numerous uses for the site and even demolition, which was heart-breaking for Martin and his family.
But one year on and Simon Rigby, renowned for taking on and breathing new life in to Preston Guild Hall since its acquisition in 2014, has come to the rescue once more. Today he said: “I am pleased to be able to keep such an iconic brand alive and continue the Bonds story, welcoming customers old and new.”
As one of the biggest farming families on the Fylde Coast the Rigby’s feel an affinity with the history of Bonds, also originating from a family of farmers, Simon said: “I am proud to be associated with a company with such strong family values and traditions and will be working closely with Martin to ensure that we maintain this.”
On the take-over Martin said: “I am delighted that this is not the end of the road for Bonds and that the story can continue for many more years to come.”
