This image popped up recently on social media, and resonated with me for a number of reasons.
Primarily perhaps because of the many ways in which our business has changed, adapted and expanded over the years since we opened. I can remember a time when the only sandwich on offer was the Victoria version and even Afternoon Tea was something we were more likely to enjoy on a day off than prepare ourselves!
Nowadays we offer Sandwich lunches, Panini, Afternoon Tea and Picnics along with a wide selection of Craft Beer and Wines, Baking Boxes, Frostings and Sprinkles!
But there was more to why this struck a chord than the purely practical and obvious reasons.
Someone commented recently that our communications were too frequent “after all, this is only cake…” which hit a nerve I guess. For some reason (although I am sure it wasn’t meant in this way) it felt as if they were putting down what we as a team have tried to build over the past few years, and especially the last twelve months.
Regardless of the products we sell we have tried to build something special if not unique here at The Kitchen. A sense of community perhaps, a hub where we can reach out to those in need of a helping hand, and provide a friendly face and listening ear for those who may be feeling a little lonely.
We don’t like to brag about it and we keep much of what we do between ourselves and the recipients. However you will all be aware of the way in which – thanks to your support – we were able to provide packed lunches for many children who may otherwise have gone hungry over the October half term break. We are grateful to be able to support Project Wingman who on a Monday morning collect unsold cakes from the weekend which are then enjoyed by NHS staff in their first class lounges (and again many of you are aware of this as they so generously share on social media!)
The Kitchen has been closed other than for takeaways for most of the last year. With the National Lockdown passing trade has been reduced and all our events, clubs, baby showers and hen parties have been cancelled along with our wedding cake business. Celebration cakes are so much smaller and Afternoon Teas for takeaway are typically for two or four people only.
In order to maintain our business, to keep our staff in employment, to be here for the community and enable people to enjoy snacks and treats, and celebration food and cakes, we have had to find new ways to communicate with you all. One of these ways has always been our monthly newsletter but we decided to increase its frequency during these tricky times.
With Valentines Day, Mothers Day and Easter in such quick succession you may perhaps have felt a little bombarded with news from us and if that is the case then I do apologise. Just scroll on by! But hopefully this post will go some way towards explaining why we have been reaching out to you more than we used to do.
Here at The Kitchen we definitely don’t feel that “this is only cake…” (but even if it was, is that such a bad thing?!)
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you soon. Team Kitchen xx