Our Story – The Original Cakes n Shakes
From as far back as I can remember, we have always chosen sweet over savoury. Dessert has never just been the best part of the meal — it was the meal. That love and passion for everything indulgent, sugary and comforting is where this journey truly began. What started as a personal love for sweet treats became a dream: to create a place where others could experience that same joy.
The Beginning – Bowesfield Lane
In January 2019, we took a leap of faith and took on our very first premises on Bowesfield Lane in Stockton-on-Tees. After months of hard work and preparation, we proudly opened our doors in June 2019.
We were one of the very first dessert shops to open in the area, bringing something new and exciting to the community. The response was overwhelming. The turnout, the queues, the messages of support — it was more than we ever imagined. We were blown away.
Like every business, we’ve faced competition along the way. But we are proud to say we are the original Cakes n Shakes. No other names. While others may try to replicate our look or follow in our footsteps, we stand firmly by who we are and what we created from day one.
From the beginning, our focus has always been quality. We pride ourselves on serving high-quality desserts, fresh in-house made gelato, and freshly prepared cakes. For us, it has never been about simply selling desserts — it’s about sharing our love for them. That’s why we will only ever offer the very best.
The Biggest Challenge
Just a few months after opening, the world changed. COVID-19 hit, and we were forced to close our doors. It was a devastating blow. After finally building our dream, it felt like it had been taken away overnight.
Although we were classed as an essential business and could have remained open, we made the difficult decision to close in order to protect our family. Family has always come first.
When we eventually reopened, the support was incredible. We were snowed under with orders. The community came back stronger than ever, and we worked tirelessly through the pandemic with our amazing A-team. Long days, late nights, and constant cleaning became the norm — but we were determined to keep going.
Growing Through Adversity
In October 2020, during one of the most uncertain times, we opened our second location in Thornaby-on-Tees. It was another huge milestone and another huge success.
Because we deliver within a three-mile radius to maintain the highest quality and freshness, we began receiving constant requests from customers in Billingham asking us to open closer to them.
We listened.
In October 2022, we proudly opened our Billingham store — and once again, the support was overwhelming.
More Than Just a Dessert Shop
What started as a love for everything sweet has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined. This isn’t just a business to us. It’s our passion. Our pride. Our family.
We’ve faced setbacks, uncertainty, competition and challenges — but through it all, we’ve stayed true to who we are: the original Cakes n Shakes, built on quality, hard work and a genuine love for desserts.
To us, it’s never just been about selling sweet treats. It’s about creating moments, memories and experiences — and making sure every single dessert that leaves our shop is something we’re proud of.
And we’re only just getting started.
