Established in February 1967 by Sean and Ann Agnew, Ann's Pantry was originally going to be called The Country Bakery before being named instead after its co-owner - something Ann only discovered on opening day, according to daughter and current owner, Helen Porter. Originally launched as a standalone bakery, Ann's Pantry grew to include a café, and at one point in the 1990s, the business had sites in Queen's Arcade, Carrick, and another in Larne. Ann's Pantry moved in 1985 to its current site on Main Street, winning upwards of 60 Great Taste Awards over the years. After Covid, the café reverted back to a bakery, where its traditional recipes, like Guinness wheaten and soda farls still prove popular today. Pictured above is the Main Street premises and some of the staff in the late 1980s.placeholder image
Established in February 1967 by Sean and Ann Agnew, Ann's Pantry was originally going to be called The Country Bakery before being named instead after its co-owner - something Ann only discovered on opening day, according to daughter and current owner, Helen Porter. Originally launched as a standalone bakery, Ann's Pantry grew to include a café, and at one point in the 1990s, the business had sites in Queen's Arcade, Carrick, and another in Larne. Ann's Pantry moved in 1985 to its current site on Main Street, winning upwards of 60 Great Taste Awards over the years. After Covid, the café reverted back to a bakery, where its traditional recipes, like Guinness wheaten and soda farls still prove popular today. Pictured above is the Main Street premises and some of the staff in the late 1980s.

11 of Larne's oldest businesses that have stood the test of time

By Helena McManus
Published 15th Oct 2024, 16:33 GMT
Updated 16th Oct 2024, 17:00 GMT

Larne’s retail, trade and hospitality offering is ever-changing, but some businesses have stood the test of time and lasted through the decades.

Residents previously told us how they fondly remember the establishments that have come and gone, but this time, we identified some of the Larne area’s longest-lasting businesses that are still holding their own today – are there any that we’ve missed?

Pictured here in 2008, this family-run chip shop has been trading since the 1920s, having been in the Liddle family for a number of generations.

9. The Station, Station Road

Pictured here in 2008, this family-run chip shop has been trading since the 1920s, having been in the Liddle family for a number of generations. Photo: Google

Established in 1945 on Upper Main Street by James Thompson, over the years the family-owned business branched out from electrical supplies to electrical products and household goods. The business was bought in 1993 by John McIlroy, who further developed the products on offer. Still trading under the long-established Thompsons name, the shop is currently run by Gleno couple Derek and Irene McGookin, who purchased the business from John McIlroy in December 2012.

10. Thompsons, Upper Main Street

Established in 1945 on Upper Main Street by James Thompson, over the years the family-owned business branched out from electrical supplies to electrical products and household goods. The business was bought in 1993 by John McIlroy, who further developed the products on offer. Still trading under the long-established Thompsons name, the shop is currently run by Gleno couple Derek and Irene McGookin, who purchased the business from John McIlroy in December 2012. Photo: Google

Part of the community in Larne for close to six decades, the department store has seen many changes over the years. In 2016, the retailer said it was closing a number of departments in order to concentrate on its clothing and accessories business.

11. Woodsides, Main Street

Part of the community in Larne for close to six decades, the department store has seen many changes over the years. In 2016, the retailer said it was closing a number of departments in order to concentrate on its clothing and accessories business. Photo: P. Rippon

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