A couple who didn't want to cut off their kids' cake supply have reopened their 'better than the Ritz' bakery as a cafe selling New York-inspired afternoon teas.
Baking has always been a passion for Matt Price, who would regularly make sweet treats in his kitchen with wife Elaine. Originally, the couple dished up their creations to family and friends and when their children came, it became a family hobby.
But soon their family home became a 24-hour bakehouse and Matt and Elaine decided to take the plunge and open their own premises in 2009. Cuthbert's, on Mount Pleasant became hugely popular and was even hailed as "better than the Ritz".
READ MORE: Win a pair of tickets to The Coronation Street Experience
Cuthbert's manager Timiebi Ebuwei said: "It's quite unique, people love our afternoon teas - loads come in who've been to the Ritz and say ours is better. They also compare it to Bettys, they all say it's better."
Offering afternoon teas, which change each month, kept customers intrigued and the business grew. However, a difficult decision in December 2022 saw them close their doors due to continued fallout from the pandemic years, with continuing lockdowns affecting footfall and the cost of living piling on pressure.
Elaine, who now lives in New Brighton, told the ECHO: "It's crazy how much you miss something once you don’t have it. Cuthbert's Bakery has been our life for the past 15 years and our two young sons also found it difficult to re-adjust to not having a 24-hour cake supply available, we really did miss having our bakery."
After much deliberation, Matt and Elaine decided to re-open their business for the general public and open a new premises on Slater Street. Having opened this week, they say they have been embraced once again by cake lovers and have had a great response.
Running a similar style café to the original Cuthbert's, there will be plenty of home made choices on offer. Elaine said: "People think we are crazy, but I also think that a coffee and slice of cake is still an affordable indulgence when people have less disposable income."
She added: "We downsized and went back to supplying wholesalers but my husband is a self taught baker and it was our life. We missed the interaction and we wondered if we made the wrong choice by closing. You've got to have that love and passion. Matt is just amazing."
Now, their new café on Slater Street is fully open to the public they hope to get back to what they do best. With all the original staff back on the team, Cuthbert's has opened with a New York-inspired afternoon tea menu.
Elaine said: "We are right near Bold Street which is renowned for having some lovely establishments and there are some incredible businesses on Slater Street, the regeneration areas of Liverpool."
Cuthbert's will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
Win £500 to spend with Buyagift and plan your ultimate summer
