It’s fair to say that a few eyebrows were raised when a new shop front appeared on Church Street announcing the imminent arrival of ‘Julia’s Kitchen Cake Boutique’! After all, Ruddington already had two independent bakery outlets as well as the
supermarkets. But, as we found out when it opened its’ doors on the 10th of September, the word “boutique” turned out to be important – “a business that serves a sophisticated or specialized clientele”.
It’s the brainchild of entrepreneur Julia Towers who’s done catering since leaving school. But it was the cupcakes and birthday cakes she started making for appreciative friends at home in Clifton that led her to turn it into an online business on Facebook. “Then, a year later, with over 4000 friends, orders from all over the country, and my kitchen always upside down, I decided I’d better look for separate premises to make and decorate my cakes” says Julia, “and this shop came up in Ruddington where I can bake on site and also get passing trade. Now people stand outside the window and watch me at work, too!”
Her specialities range from cup cakes and old-fashioned school puddings to gateaux and a huge variety of cheesecakes, birthday cakes and wedding cakes made to order. “I’m really pleased how it’s taken off already – with lots of customers coming back again and again to try different things – particularly local workers and parents with young children!” But Julia says she couldn’t do it without the support of partner Leigh along with Jessica & Annette who’re often in the shop helping out during busy periods.
‘Julia’s Kitchen Cake Boutique” is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 4.30pm – but the earlier you get there the bigger the choice!
(By Graham Wright)