I don’t know about you, but I’m eating more treats than ever in lockdown (which I didn’t think was possible). I’ve lost count of the number of family share bags I’ve got through whilst binge watching Netflix and I think I might be single-handedly keeping Nestle in business. If, like me, you are a lover of all things sweet, why not get your sugar fix by supporting an independent bakery instead of raiding Tesco Express for snacks every other night? I’ve put together a list of some of my favourites below, bringing sweet treats straight to your door.
A little shop with rainbow interiors just off the centre of Harrogate, Doe serves up stuffed to the brim donuts and bakes that almost look too good to eat. Think Biscoff Rocky Road, giant Twix bars and Cookie ‘Doe’ pots. Founder Evie is currently a one-woman band and the shop’s closed for a refurb but check out @doeharrogate for updates on the next postal drop across the UK. She’s also hosting fab bake-a-longs on her Instagram for those who can’t wait for their next Doe fix.
Mum and daughter duo Fran and Jane setup Little Blonde Bakes in 2017 from their home kitchen, opening their very first shop in August last year. Based in Bury, the pair are currently offering postal blondie boxes to addresses across the UK, with flavours including Biscoff and White Choc, Chocolate Orange and Sticky Toffee. Lucky locals within four miles can also order mixed boxes, which include ‘old school cake’ (sponge traybake with white icing and sprinkles – you know the one) and cornflake tarts. Head over to @littleblondebakes for more info.
I’m pretty sure Gooey almost broke the internet with pictures of their melt-in-the-middle cookies and super-stuffed donuts back in February, and now they’re back with a postal service, delivering mouth-watering bakes to the people of Manchester. Offering donut boxes, cookie boxes and a mixed box for those who couldn’t possibly decide between the two, find flavours such as raspberry jam, vanilla custard and lemon meringue, and cookies packed with milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate chips. I say chips, they’re more like huge, melty chunks of heaven. If you’re not in Manchester, keep an eye on their Insta @gooeyco – they’re launching a nationwide delivery service soon.
Owned by twins Lauren and Rachel, Great Harwood based Finch Bakery has been keeping us all entertained through lockdown with their Instagram content – think adorable babies and hilarious lives. Although they’re not currently offering postal boxes (fingers crossed we’ll be able to buy their amazing brownies soon), the pair are selling their own scrapers online at www.finchbakery.com, with piping nozzles coming soon. So, if you fancy teaching yourself a new skill during lockdown, head over to their page @finchbakery for some inspo and get baking (if you’ve been lucky enough to bag some flour, that is).
TWENTY TWENTY 