Sutton Cookies Bakery: From Lockdown Hobby to Winter Wonderland Sensation
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals found themselves exploring new hobbies and passions to pass the time and cope with the uncertainty of the world around them. For Lewis West and his wife Yasmin, this period of lockdown led to the birth of a thriving business that has taken them from baking cookies in their one-bedroom flat to securing a spot at this year’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Lewis and Yasmin, who were working in recruitment and sales respectively before the pandemic, found themselves at a crossroads when their industries were thrown into disarray. With more time on their hands and a desire to explore new interests, the couple delved into the world of baking, despite having limited experience in the kitchen beyond enjoying home-cooked meals.
Their journey into baking began with simple creations like banana bread and strawberry cream cake, but it was a playful debate over the nature of Maryland cookies that sparked the idea for their own cookie venture. While Lewis argued that Maryland cookies were merely shortbread with chocolate chips, Yasmin insisted they were true cookies. To settle the dispute, Lewis proposed creating their own unique cookie recipe, leading to the inception of West Bakes.
The couple’s cookies quickly gained popularity among their neighbors, prompting them to expand their reach by selling their creations on Etsy. Their first major order for 10,000 cookies initially seemed like a scam, but it turned out to be a genuine request that propelled Lewis and Yasmin into a frenzy of baking and shipping cookies across the UK from their makeshift bakery in their flat.
As demand for their cookies grew, West Bakes found a more permanent home at the St Nicholas Centre in Sutton, where they now supply cookies to 170 stores nationwide. Their success caught the attention of organizers at Winter Wonderland, who have invited West Bakes to participate in this year’s event, marking a significant milestone for the couple.
Lewis expressed his excitement about the opportunity to showcase their cookies at Winter Wonderland, envisioning a delightful combination of cookies and hot chocolate for visitors to enjoy. He reflected on the journey that has led them to this point, highlighting the upcoming sale of their millionth cookie as a significant achievement for their business.
Looking ahead, Lewis shared his ambitious plans to expand West Bakes to Dubai and open a central London store by September 2025. He revealed that their most popular cookie, the Kinder Bueno, has captured the hearts of their customers, while his personal favorite, the triple chocolate and Oreo cookie, continues to be a standout choice.
In addition to their signature cookies, West Bakes offers a unique twist with their cookie pies, featuring a hazelnut spread inside a pie format. Lewis emphasized the distinctive size of their cookies, weighing in at five ounces each, which sets them apart from traditional offerings and leaves customers intrigued by their baking techniques.
With operating hours from 12pm to 5pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays, and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays, West Bakes continues to delight cookie lovers with their innovative creations and commitment to quality. As they prepare to make their mark at Winter Wonderland and expand their reach beyond the UK, Lewis and Yasmin are poised to take their lockdown hobby to new heights of success.