MERRY Hill has welcomed family-owned bakery, The Brownie Box, to the mall.

The company, which serves up freshly baked and handcrafted brownies, blondies and cookies, was developed during the first lockdown as its founder Gemma Farquhar wanted to provide her local community with sweet treats throughout the pandemic.

Now, two years on, the business has chosen Merry Hill to open its fifth store.

Gemma and Ross Farquhar, directors at The Brownie Box, said: “After launching during lockdown in 2020, our mission was to create a brand that elevated the humble brownie and offered moments of joy during a period of uncertainty.

“Since then, we have grown exponentially and are delighted to offer our unapologetically sweet treats to the people of Dudley.”

Six new jobs have been created as a result of the opening of the store, located opposite H&M on the upper mall, which offers treats including Kinder and Terry’s Chocolate Orange brownies, Biscoff and Cadbury’s Flake blondies and Creme Egg and Milkybar cookies, plus a vegan Oreo brookie - a brownie base with a cookie on top.

Jonathan Poole, Merry Hill's centre manager, said: “We’re thrilled that The Brownie Box has chosen Merry Hill for its latest opening.

"The combination of delicious daily bakes, excellent service and seasonal specials will prove a huge hit with our visitors.”