Just In Cakes Co review - 'just what Kirkham needed'

Surely you’ve seen that soppy film on Netflix?

Except there’s nothing scripted about this charming story, because in the historic Lancashire village of Kirkham, you can find the real deal.

'This is exactly what Kirkham needed' (Image: Findlay Brown)

Emma Gribben and Taylor Colgan met during their time as Detective Constables before taking on a life that could not be more corporate if they tried, working in administrative roles at Aldi and Amazon.

A 9–5 which prompted enough daydreaming and scratching at the windows that they decided to take a leap of faith into the turbulent world of hospitality.

The result so far has been nothing short of spectacular. Located at 10B Station Road, the aesthetically pleasing exterior is a lovely soft pink — out of place in all the right ways.

Inside, a narrow corridor forms the space between a raised counter for those who wish to grab a seat and an array of stunning baked goods on the other side.

Biscoff-stuffed cookies, a gluten-free sticky toffee, and a Nutella cake are among Emma’s concoctions. Her previous side hustle of making cakes is now paying dividends, as the shop’s door hinges are put to work.

Customers trickle in at a rate that shouldn’t be the case for a Wednesday morning. But such is its popularity that, having only opened the previous Saturday, it was forced to close the following day after selling out completely.

The customers are of mixed ages: some come in for the sweet treats, whilst others are in for the focaccia and sourdough, laboriously prepared by Taylor in the back.

Coffees here are relatively inexpensive and well made. I had a cappuccino for £3.30 which, having spent much time in London, feels like I’m taking money out of their pocket.

But when I try the Nutella cake, I have well and truly taken the shirts off their backs. It’s an incredibly rich and flavourful — not to mention gorgeous — ensemble, dense enough that I bring some home for my friend to finish.

A Nutella cake and a cappuccino - 10/10 (Image: Findlay Brown)

Neither he nor I would describe ourselves as wordsmiths, but his reaction to the cake is worth more than any review.

"Oof," he exhales. The look in his eyes betrays the question he is about to ask: "Where did you get this?" — as if what I have brought him is a rare amulet.

Just in Cakes Co is not a brilliant café simply because the cakes, the coffees, and the owners are as lovely as each other. Instead, part of its appeal is what it brings to the town.

This Fylde gem is a charming place, and there is a feeling it is on the cusp of something rather special, with new restaurants bringing some much-needed flavour to the food scene.

As one local puts it: "This is exactly what Kirkham needed."

I could not agree more.