A popular Ballymena bakery has confirmed the opening date for its new Belfast city centre outlet.

Dougies Goodies was founded by Dougie Coulter in the Co Antrim town in 1983 and is now stocked in dozens of stores around Northern Ireland.

The bakery has now confirmed its new store on Belfast’s Fountain Street will open on Friday, October 11, from 10am to 3pm.

Over the past year, Dougies Goodies has been expanding its Northern Irish presence, opening their new cake factory in Ballymena as well as appearing on the shelves of local shops across the region.

The flagship bakery at 51-53 Fountain Street has promised to “provide a unique bakery experience for sweet treat lovers”.

Speaking about the opening, Dougies Goodies ‘chief cake tester’ Frank Warwick said: “Every day we have customers travelling from Belfast to pick up their celebration cakes or sample our Goodies, so we simply had to bring Dougies Goodies to Belfast.

“We’re excited to announce after months of hard work that we will be opening our Fountain Street doors on Friday, October 11.

“We’re excited to set up shop in one of the most vibrant, fun-loving cities in the world.”

The launch event is promising a “huge celebration, with giveaways, treats, and few more surprises”.

“And, of course, there will be cake,” said Dougies Goodies. “Lots and lots of cake.”