New Hoylake cake shop sells out on opening day

Abba Cakes based on Market Street in Hoylake opened to the public on Saturday, November 26 to coincide with the Hoylake Christmas lights switch on.

However, the opening day did not go as expected after the shop completely sold out of cakes one and a half hours before the switch-on despite baking three batches throughout the day.

Owner of Abba Cakes, Laura Alejandra, told the Globe: “I didn’t know what to expect I just knew I wanted to open the same time as the Christmas light switch on.

“We didn’t know how much to make, I had planned to stay open late, but everything was gone by 4pm that afternoon.”

Customers queuing outside Abba Cakes in Hoylake on day of opening (Image: Newsquest)

Laura, who is originally from Colombia but has lived in Hoylake for three years, had planned to keep the shop open the following day, but due to demand, she had to sell all her remaining stock.

She said: “It was so amazing to see how much the locals loved it. People have been really nice and kind with their responses since I opened. It's such a great feeling getting involved in the community.”

The 30-year-old began making cakes in Colombia 12 years ago before she moved to Gran Canaria in Spain where she studied business administration and was taught by Spanish chefs.

Laura said: “All my life I’ve worked for other people but opening my own cake shop was always my dream.

Customers inside Abba Cakes in Hoylake on day of opening (Image: Newsquest)

“I’ve never been able to do it in previous countries that I’ve lived so to be able to finally do it here in Hoylake feels amazing.

“I’ve always wanted to open my own shop and now I’ve finally been given the opportunity to. It’s surreal to see all my ideas come to life.”

Since opening, Laura has been met by floods of customers desperate to sample her sweet treats.

She said: “Locals love it. I offer something different every time because I was taught by Spanish chefs, so my bakes are Mediterranean-inspired and also use a mix of Latin, English, and American ingredients.

“I try to make it really special for my customers.”

Laura with last cake sold on day of opening (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the success of the business, Laura says she had some concerns before taking the leap.

She said: “Everyone was telling me not to open it because of the current cost-of-living crisis and people struggling with money but I also believed there was a space in the market for it.

“I was very determined and was working 13 hours a day to make sure everything was ready and working properly before opening because I didn’t want to open something that was half finished.

“I want to give a little bit of hope to people who are thinking of starting new businesses or have an idea or a dream and tell  them that they can make it happen.”