By Bobby Tait
An independent Farsley cake designer has won an ‘I Do Wedding’ award for ‘Best Cakes in Yorkshire’ voted for by newlywed couples, as small businesses aim to bounce back with a bang following lockdown.
The Candied Peel Cake Company has recently suffered similar issues to many, as a number of small businesses attempt to revitalise their operation after the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Held in Sheffield City Hall, the award ceremony has celebrated the best cakes in the wedding industry for seven years and had given out 28 prestigious awards ranging from best bridal wear in Yorkshire to best independent venue.
The Town Street-based shop had to fight off hundreds of applicants to be shortlisted for the final. The organisers and cake designers also raised £1,720 in support of the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The yearly award came as a happy surprise to Steven Newbatt, the owner and manager of the Candied Peel Cake company, which receives orders from as far away as the United States and Australia for friends and relatives who live near the shop.
He said: “It’s such a honour to receive an award, voted for by the public. It’s been a difficult two years during the pandemic but it’s good to see local business thriving again.”
However, the designers do not exclusively design wedding cakes. They also provide birthday cakes, special event cakes and cupcake batches to tailor to their customers needs. The company also don’t charge for tasting and trying out the cakes so the customers can be happy with their purchase before any big orders.
When asked how business was during the lockdown, Mr Newbatt told West Leeds Dispatch: “We still bake in the shop. Everything is here. But you’ll find that without parties with many in attendance, we generally got smaller cake orders and less frequently.”
He added: “Since restrictions eased we have been ‘chocka’ with orders. We now have work booked up till 2025, but we aim to always honour old bookings and never turn a cake away. We’ll try and do anything for our customers and the community.”
The store itself also allows local artists and craft-makers to sell their products at no extra cost, adding further significance to their role in the local community.
Managing director of event organisers I Do Magazines, Heather Tiffany, added: “It was so wonderful to see the wedding industry back together for a well-deserved celebration of everyone’s hard work.”