07/06/2026
The BBC Article, Cake Sheds & The Cake Cupboard 💙
I’ve been sent this BBC article by quite a few people this week, and I know it’s caused some concern amongst cake shed owners across the country.
When stories like this first started making the news, I wanted to make sure I understood exactly where The Cake Cupboard stood. What many people don’t know is that I was dealing with all of this whilst spending weeks in Southampton Hospital with Lucas. Between hospital stays, tests, oxygen, and everything else that was going on, I was also trying to navigate the licensing questions and make sure everything was being done correctly.
It was an added pressure at a time when life was already incredibly challenging, but I felt it was important to get the facts rather than rely on rumours or speculation.
After speaking directly with Somerset Council, I received written confirmation that, because The Cake Cupboard is situated on private property and is not considered a movable structure, a street trading licence is not currently required.
What many people don’t realise is that a cake cupboard doesn’t simply appear overnight. There is a huge amount of work behind the scenes. We have to register with the council, undergo environmental health inspections, maintain food hygiene standards, keep paperwork and records up to date, ensure allergen compliance, hold the correct insurance, and make sure everything is operated safely and legally. All of those things come with both responsibility and ongoing costs.
Of course, regulations can change in the future, and if they ever do, we’ll deal with them when the time comes. If additional licences or fees were ever introduced, then we’d simply adapt and continue. The Cake Cupboard has overcome far bigger challenges than paperwork, and thanks to all of you, it continues to thrive.
This July marks The Cake Cupboard’s first birthday, and I honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come. What started as a small honesty cupboard has grown into the walk-in cake shed that so many of you now visit every week. The support, encouragement, shares, recommendations and purchases have helped turn a little idea into something far bigger than I ever imagined.
Most importantly, I’d love people to remember that this isn’t about competition. It’s about community. One cake cupboard doing well doesn’t take anything away from another. There is room for all of us, and I genuinely love seeing local bakers and small businesses succeed.
So if you follow The Cake Cupboard, why not take a moment to support another local cupboard, baker, maker or independent business too? Small businesses thrive when communities come together.
Thank you for every share, recommendation, purchase and kind word over the last year. The Cake Cupboard wouldn’t be what it is without you, and I can’t wait to celebrate our first birthday with you all this July. 🎂💙
Community over competition. Always.
