Friends open doors to their jacket potato business Jacket Required in Hayling Island

Maddison Kimber, along with her sister Abbie, and Ellie Langton, their brother Liam’s girlfriend, have opened Jacket Required in Elm Grove.

The trio decided to start their own business last year during lockdown, and they set up a filled jacket potato delivery service.

As this took off, they started to look for a base, eventually getting the keys to a former pharmacy at 18b Elm Grove.

Then they juggled their jobs at a supermarket, with their studies to fit in their new business and renovating the unit.

Last week, the trio were delighted to finally open the doors.

Maddison, 22, said: ‘It has been really good. Last week when we opened it was so busy.

‘This week it’s been the Easter break so we have been supplying Activ8 with food for their kids holiday sessions at the local school.

‘It’s been busy but it’s definitely a lot easier doing it all from our own place.'

The girls have painstakingly renovated the shop, spending weeks doing long shifts to get it looking just right, including installing a stylish flower wall.

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Maddison said: ‘It was hard work but we wanted to push to get it open. There were a few midnight finishes in the nights before we opened.

‘It has been manic, but it’s definitely paid off, we are really pleased with it, and so our our customers as we have had so many great reviews too.’

Ellie, 22, said: ‘It has been busy but we are really enjoying it. The reaction has been really good. We have been getting friendly faces walking by, everyone pops their head in and says hi, everyone is really friendly.

‘It’s really great to be in Hayling Island.’

The girls are serving up a variety of fillings, such as chilli, cheese, coleslaw, prawns, tuna mayo, beans and paprika chicken.

Maddison said their best seller has been the barbecue chicken.

They also sell platters, salads, meal deals and sweet treats, such as brownies and cookies.

For more go to jacketrequiredhayling.com or call 023 9246 2901.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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