Much-loved Market Harborough cake shop has moved - and here are some of their amazing cakes!

The new shop is just a few feet away from their old place
Lots of cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERLots of cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Lots of cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

The owners of a much-loved Market Harborough cake shop have moved into a swish new shop – just feet away from their old place.

Gardners Cakery threw a special launch party as they opened in 28 Church Street on Tuesday after enjoying eight successful years at 8b Church Street.

Thrilled Amber Lucas, 27, who runs the shop with younger sister Leila Gardner, 22, said: “We are delighted to be moving into a bigger new shop in Market Harborough town centre.

Amber Lucas, Helen Gardener and Leila Gardener during the opening of Gardeners Cakery new shop.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERAmber Lucas, Helen Gardener and Leila Gardener during the opening of Gardeners Cakery new shop.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Amber Lucas, Helen Gardener and Leila Gardener during the opening of Gardeners Cakery new shop. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“Our business has really taken off and thrived here since my mum Helen Gardner opened it back in 2012.

“We love it here and we are very excited about taking over new premises which have more space and multiple levels.”

She said they have been plotting the move just a few doors away since re-opening on June 16 after the shattering Covid-19 lockdown.

“We are back up to trading at about 60-70 per cent of our pre-lockdown levels.

Harry Potter cakes.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERHarry Potter cakes.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Harry Potter cakes. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“We still want to see Church Street and Adam and Eve Street totally re-opened to traffic to help kickstart more footfall here.

“But we have been lucky in that people are starting more and more to hold birthday parties and are buying our cakes to help them go with a swing.

“They are also buying cakes to celebrate special occasions such as students doing well in their exams now that small gatherings are going ahead again,” said Amber, whose bakery in Northampton employs about 12 workers.

“We are expanding as we set up a new wedding cake section and gallery on the second floor here.

Birthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERBirthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Birthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“So people will be able to book an appointment and come along to have a look.

“Couples are coming in with everything booked for their Big Days next year.

“So fingers crossed we won’t see a second Covid-19 wave and get a second lockdown.”

The ambitious entrepreneur thanked their army of “loyal local customers” for standing by them through this extraordinary year.

Birthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERBirthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Birthday cake ideas at Gardeners Cakery. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“They have been fantastic.

“We are also winning a lot of new customers, too, so it’s onwards and upwards.

“As well as our delicious cakes, we are starting to sell sweets and treats such as popcorn and rocky road.

“We are also making angel cake, a mouth-watering birthday cake, in special tubs to take away,” smiled Amber.

“It’s a pink and white sponge with jam and cream in the middle – and it’s flying out of the shop!”