Newmarket: Single dad dreams of opening a pie and mash shop

Wayne Jensen, 41, moved to Six Mile Bottom with his two children, Rosie, 8, and Tommy, 3, in March last year.

Mr Jensen says that he'd like to bring something different to Newmarket to help spruce up the town and is fundraising to open a new pie and mash shop.

"For such a lovely place, it looks so run down," he said.

"Every time time I drive through, it just hasn't got the wow factor"

Wayne Jensen, 41, with his daughter Rosie, 8. (Image: Wayne Jensen)

After posting on Facebook to gauge interest in his pie and mash concept, Mr Jensen was overwhelmed by the number of people who supported his vision.

"I did not expect that reaction," he said.

"I think a lot of people in Newmarket have moved to Suffolk from London, so pies are a very traditional thing."

Describing himself as "London born and bred," Mr Jensen's father's side of the family lived in the capital, with his great grandfather being the first person to open a cab firm in the City of London.

Mr Jensen said he spoke with his father about opening business, but sadly lost him to cancer seven years ago and also lost his mother two years ago.

Mr Jensen moved to Six Mile Bottom with his two children in March last year. Credit: Wayne Jensen. (Image: Wayne Jensen)

"It's just me and my kids," he said.

"I've been on Universal Credit since the lockdown, but I want to make a fresh break."

His children love the concept of opening a pie and mash shop and they've even come up with a possible name - 'Spud's Pie and Mash,' incorporating Tommy's nickname, Spud.

"It would be a very proud moment for me if I can open my own business," said Mr Jensen.

"There's nothing worse than having to rely on Universal Credit to make end meet, so it would mean everything if we could open the shop."