Hi everyone,
As someone who loves to write, and tries to keep this blog up to date, I was so surprised to see that the last entry was in September. Since then we’ve enjoyed a successful Spooky Season and of course the Christmas Festivities. We are already well into 2026 so it feels a little late to be wishing you Happy New Year. I do however hope that this year has been and continues to be kind to you. There’s a lot of stuff going on which can make the world feel like a dark place at times, our aim – in our very small way – is to bring a little light into all our lives with good food, friendship, and fun!
The end of 2025 saw us fighting hard for a reduction in VAT with the hospitality & retail sectors. We asked the government to listen in particular to micro businesses, many owner operated, for whom things are very difficult indeed. I was asked by the BBC to appear on Breakfast TV, Sunday with Laura Kuenssburg, BBC News & more. I spoke on Heart & 5 Live Radio and featured in a lot of local media.
When it came to the budget, when no mention was made of any of the things we were begging the government to listen to and support us in, I felt like I had done ten rounds with (enter name of current world champion boxer) and suffered a devastating defeat – probably a knockout in fact.
This inevitably cast a shadow over the following weeks & months as we have been working on our own budget for 2026 – and it hasn’t been easy.
We’d already said farewell to two staff members and do not have the means to replace them. We have reduced our opening hours and inevitably some prices have risen – albeit very slightly as we know times are not easy for anyone. For the time being at least we are unable to offer the beautiful bespoke cakes from the Studio at The Kitchen. The cost of producing a spectacular bespoke cake to your design has risen exponentially, in ingredients & necessities such as boards & boxes, but also in the cost of the time they take to create.
We’re focussing instead on deliciously fabulous cakes similar to those we already sell in the tearoom. Choose your favourite, and with a few days notice we can turn it into a beautiful occasion cake – perhaps with themed toppers – that will still be the centre 
of your occasion but for less than half the cost (on average).
Our other focus is our Afternoon Tea. With literally hundreds of five star reviews this is not to be missed. We considered increasing the price – and may still need to – but for now we want everyone to be able to experience this delectable treat! Why not begin with our Valentines Tea – you can save your place simply by clicking here and then speaking to one of our friendly team.
I promise to try and keep you up to date with changes & events in the coming weeks. I have missed being in The Kitchen recently, seeing and chatting to you all. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Linda x