Exciting things are happening at The Flora Bakery in Ellesmere Port as the popular Whitby Village bakery expands into the unit next door.
The expansion will create more seating, space for events, a brand-new savoury kitchen, a customer toilet with baby changing facilities, and even more job opportunities for the local community.
On Tuesday, Maggie and I had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at what’s been happening. We spoke to founder and owner, Laura Higginbottom, who originally started the business 11 years ago under the name Laura’s Cakes & Cupcakes.
In February 2024, the business rebranded and became what we now know as The Flora Bakery. Open under its new name for just over a year, the bakery has already gained significant attention, with forty-one five-star reviews and only three one-star reviews - a fantastic achievement.
Laura said:
“We’re really happy in Whitby Village and have established ourselves within a lovely, welcoming community.”
"We’re really happy in Whitby Village and have established ourselves within a lovely, welcoming community.”
Laura Higginbottom
Savoury Menu Launching in March
Laura and Jake shared that the new savoury menu will launch on 10th March, beginning with a limited selection before expanding. That same weekend, they’ll be offering a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea.
Before the savoury menu officially launches, Laura is also celebrating a personal milestone - her baby shower will take place in the new space on Sunday 8th March.
“It’s only fair that I get to celebrate a big milestone in the space first!”
Laura Higginbottom
Opening Seven Days a Week
Even more exciting news - the bakery is hoping to begin opening on Mondays at some point in March. This would mean The Flora Bakery will be open seven days a week, fantastic news for local cake lovers.
New Facilities for Families and Events
The newly expanded space will include:
A customer toilet
Baby changing facilities
Additional seating for a cosier experience
A new area for events and venue hire
The addition of baby changing facilities will allow the team to introduce mum-and-baby mornings, baby yoga sessions and other welcoming activities for new parents.
The wall currently separating the two units will soon be removed, creating one larger, open and inviting space.
More Community Events Coming Soon
Laura is particularly excited about hosting more events in the future, including:
“Decorate Your Own Bento Cake” classes
Local book clubs
Dementia lunches
Private venue hire for meetings and gatherings
One common issue for Ellesmere Port residents is the lack of flexible venue space for meet-ups and commercial gatherings. Many people currently travel outside of the town to find suitable spaces. Soon, that won’t be necessary.
The Flora Bakery, located just a couple of minutes’ walk from the town centre, will offer venue hire - providing a much-needed space for the local community.
The people of Ellesmere Port are excited to see what’s next for The Flora Bakery as it continues to grow and thrive within the community.
