A multi award-winning baker, who has starred in a hit Channel 4 baking series, says the opening weekend of her East Lancashire cake shop was a roaring success.
Molly Robbins opened her very first shop, Molly’s, in her hometown of Rawtenstall at the weekend.
Molly said she received an “absolutely incredible reception” with hundreds attending.
She said: “I didn’t know what to expect.
"The mayor and mayoress of Rossendale opened the shop and did a really lovely speech, I couldn’t believe how many people turned up to support me.”
Molly, who starred in four seasons of Channel 4 Extreme Cake Makers, said the shop was “packed” and estimated more than 500 people came through the door on Saturday, June 18.
Cupcakes were flying off the shelves and were the weekend’s best sellers.
She said: “I made a range of eight gourmet flavoured cupcakes and sold them individually or in boxes.
“The salted caramel and mint chocolate were the best sellers. We had to put the oven on halfway through the day to bake more. Overall we sold over 700 cupcakes.”
The Bank Street shop itself is hard to miss with pink and purple signage and a giant animal themed birthday cake in the window.
Molly, who is the daughter of actor and comedian Ted Robbins, best known for portraying Den Perry in Phoenix Nights, added: “I wanted to have a shop that appealed to kids and big kids alike.
“I love anything really bright and over the top and wanted to reflect this.
“The interiors were done by a local decorator called Chris Hoyle, who does fantastic work, and the sign was painted by Harry Mytton who does traditional signwriting.
“I wanted something that was fun and eye-catching, timeless but still in keeping with the original shop front.”
While she has only just opened her shop, Molly is already looking forward to the future and “can’t wait” to get involved with local events.
She said: “Next month we are entering the Britain in Bloom competition so I'm going to try and find the time to do a cake themed flower display.
“Plus we will create some seasonal cupcakes and treats for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and anything in between.”
Molly describes her business as “a little bit different”, selling both “cakes and cute stuff”.
As well as custom cakes, seasonal cupcakes and character cakes, the shop sells a range of range of other interesting items such as baking kits.
“I am keen to do more baking kits too such as the cookie pizza kit, which contains everything you need to make and decorate a giant cookie that looks like a pizza,” Molly said.
Molly wants to thank the people of Rawtenstall for coming out and supporting the business on opening weekend.
She said: “I am really grateful to my local community for supporting me, and hope that people can come and see the shop and visit all the other amazing small businesses here in Rawtenstall.”
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