Hazel’s nuts about cakes

Baking's a piece of cake for Hazel and Chris

A HOBBY has turned into a business for Hazel and Chris Jenkins who have moved house to establish The Hazelnut Bakery.

The husband and wife team have moved from Hollinwood to premises in King Street, Delph, to expand their celebration cake and cupcake business. All their products are made to order.

The business started officially two years ago when demand from family, friends and friends of friends for the pair’s confectionery skills was such they decided to set up Hazelnut Bakery at their home.

Chris (27) a data analyst in Manchester, is the baker and Hazel (24) a support worker with the Together Trust charity, adds the decorating touches.

“Most of our customers are from the Oldham area although we have made cakes for an order from Birmingham.

“That came through our website,” said Chris who took time from her icing skills to talk to me in the former wine shop which doubles as their home and business.

From this weekend the bakery will open on Saturdays, 10am-4pm offering cakes and coffee.

“The dream is to be able to do this full-time, but for the moment that’s all it is and we shall both continue working,” said Hazel, who has already reduced her hours to three days a week to cope with demand for Hazelnut’s products.

Hazel doesn’t envisage leaving the charity, based in Cheadle and Shaw, in the near future. “I work with children with special needs and we have a cake group which is proving really beneficial and therapeutic and that will continue,” she told me.

As well as the vast range of cakes, the pair offer cake-decorating classes, children’s cupcake parties and other events.

“We offer a dessert table, a relaxed atmosphere and a stress-free environment for people who don’t want to do their own parties,” added Hazel.