Darlington mum to launch new self-serve bakery shed
Chloe Howie-Hurst, 28, from Darlington, founded HH Cakes and Bakes in April 2023, originally specialising in celebration cakes for special occasions and building up a loyal client base.
After a busy festive period, Chloe decided to take her business in a new direction to allow for greater flexibility around family life.
In January, the mum of three, began putting plans in place for a new venture and, with a five star hygiene rating secured, she is now preparing to launch this Saturday, March 7.
The new bakery shed, called The Porch Pantry, will operate from her front garden at the bottom of Jedburgh Drive in Cockerton, Darlington and offer a changing menu of baked goods each weekend.
Every Saturday from 11am to 5pm, customers will be able to choose from a different selection of treats including brownies, cupcakes and cookies. On Sundays, between 11am and 3pm, the focus will shift to traybake-style favourites.
The business will run on an honesty box model, with money bags available for cash to be posted through the letterbox.
Bank details will also be provided for those wishing to pay electronically, and cameras will be in place for security.
Chloe said: “I am looking forward to the flexibility this can bring us whilst also bringing an income in, as my life was sort of put on hold as two of my three children are disabled. Everything will be done properly and compliant, such as there is a fridge available for cheesecakes so they will be stored correctly.
“I plan on baking everything fresh and restock things throughout the day if it is needed. I am putting my trust in the community with this model as I think it works well for a lot of reasons.
“I am quite a socially anxious person and sometimes find bakery’s overwhelming so this way people can take their time and do what they want and it works for them whilst getting a nice treat.
“It will be great for the flexibility as it is hard working full time or anything like that with my two disabled children’s needs and I am really looking forward to bringing this new type of business to the community.”
The first Saturday menu will feature bakes including a milkybar chunky cookie, Biscoff brownies, Kinder cupcakes and tiger bread loaves.
Sundayβs offering will include old school sponge cakes and cornflake tart cakes.
Chloe hopes the new model will not only provide balance for her family life but also offer something different for customers in the Cockerton area.