Freshly baked slice of creamy Basque cheesecake at L of a Bake community café in Blyth
If you’d told me a few years ago that my love of cake would lead to creating a whole community café in Blyth, Northumberland, I would’ve probably laughed (with a mouthful of cake, obviously). But here we are — and honestly, it’s turned out better than I ever imagined.
Baking has always been in my blood.
I grew up in a house where the smell of freshly baked cakes was just… normal. None of that artificial nonsense either — proper ingredients, proper flavour.
Even as a kid, I knew what good cake was meant to taste like. No weird preservatives, no stale slices pretending to be “homemade.” Just real, honest bakes that hit differently.
As I got older, baking became my thing. I baked for friends, coffee mornings, theatre events — basically any excuse to whip out the mixing bowls. And I’ll be honest, it became a bit of an obsession. I wanted my cakes to be perfect.
I got stuck into the science behind baking — experimenting with textures, flavours, tweaks — until everything tasted just right (and yes, taste-testing is still my favourite part). My brownie recipe took over 10 years to absolutely nail!!!! Im THAT person!
And then there were the coffee shop trips. You know the ones. You pay for a slice of cake that looks good but tastes like cardboard. Dry, stale, weird aftertaste — I could spot a bad bake a mile off. I’d sit there thinking, I could do better than this with my eyes shut.
Turns out, that thought was planting seeds. 🌱
Fast forward a few years — life threw me a curveball. My son got very poorly in the summer before Covid hit, and I had to close my childcare business as he was in and out of hospital so much. Then lockdown arrived, and like everyone else, I suddenly had a lot of time. So I baked. A lot! I perfected recipes. Tried bakes I’d dreamed about for years.
Basically turned my kitchen into Bake Off (minus the fancy tent and Paul Hollywood judging me).
And somewhere in all that whisking and stress-baking, L of a Bake was born.
But here’s the thing — L of a Bake was never just about the cake (even though, let’s be real, the cake is ridiculously good).
Because alongside my love of baking, there’s another big part of my life — being part of the SEN (Special Educational Needs) community. My boy is a massive part of who I am. Having worked in SEN my entire career up until this point, I have always been so passionate about supporting families like mine.
My own journey made me realise just how isolating it can be sometimes — and how important it is to have spaces where you feel welcome, without judgment, without having to explain yourself.
Because when you’ve walked the SEN journey yourself, you know how important it is to find somewhere you can just… breathe.
No judgment. No side-eyes. Just a friendly smile, a good coffee, a slice of proper homemade cake, and a moment to feel normal.
Whether you’re a mam sneaking in for a break while your little one naps, an elderly customer needing a good natter, or a parent who’s been through it and needs a place to just sit — you’re welcome here. It’s about community, connection, and creating a safe space, an inclusive space, especially for SEN (Special Educational Needs) families like mine.
One of my proudest moments?
Seeing SEN families supporting each other in the café — without me even stepping in.
Strangers overhearing conversations and offering empathy, advice, and a bit of solidarity.
L of a Bake has become more than a café — it’s a little family.
A place where visiting feels like meeting friends you just haven’t met yet.
And honestly?
Im only just getting started.
Because yes, the cake and good coffee (we use Tynemouth Coffee Company for our coffee beans) will always be the star of the show (priorities, right?), but L of a Bake is growing into a real community space for all. I’m working on so much behind the scenes it’s an exciting time!
I don’t want SEN parents to just survive. I want them to thrive.
So yeah, it started with a love of cake.
It turned into a community.
And it’s only getting bigger from here.
If you’re near Blyth, Northumberland and fancy popping in for a slice, a smile, and a bit of sanctuary — L of a Bake is ready for you.
But L of a Bake was never just about the cake (even though, let’s be real, the cake is ridiculously good).
Because alongside my love of baking, there’s another big part of my life — being part of the SEN (Special Educational Needs) community. My boy is a massive part of who I am. Having working in SEN my entire career up until this point, I am so passionate about supporting families like mine.
My own journey made me realise just how isolating it can be sometimes — and how important it is to have spaces where you feel welcome, without judgment, without having to explain yourself.
So I decided that if I was going to open a café, it wasn’t just going to be a “pop in for a coffee” place. It was going to feel like home.
Whether you’re a mam with a sleeping baby and tired eyes, an elderly customer who just wants a natter, or a parent who’s been through the wars and needs somewhere to just be — you’re welcome here. No side-eyes, no raised eyebrows, just a cuppa, a slice of cake, and a space where you can breathe. And if you want or need a chat there is always someone to chat too. If staff have time they are encouraged to take 5 minutes with people, or we encourage people to join each other and share tables and share conversation.
One of the things that makes me the proudest (and maybe a little emotional, not gonna lie… if you know me you know I wear my heart on my sleeve!!!) is seeing SEN families supporting each other without me even stepping in.
People overhearing conversations and offering advice, empathy, a shoulder to lean on.
It’s not just a café anymore — it’s a little family.
Visiting L of a Bake feels like visiting friends you just haven’t met yet.
And we’re only getting started.
Because yes, the cake will always be the star of the show (priorities), but L of a Bake is becoming something even bigger.
I’m working on creating a full “toolbox” of support for SEN families — real, practical help. Courses delivered by professionals, tackling the stuff nobody warns you about. Like what to do when you’re facing child-on-adult violence.
Because SEN families deserve more than just survival — they deserve to thrive.
So yeah.
It might have started with cake.
But it’s growing into something that even I couldn’t have imagined.
And if you haven’t popped by yet… what are you waiting for?
There’s a slice of something amazing (and maybe a cheeky brew) waiting for you.
