Anfield’s award-winning bakery Homebaked has opened a cafe in Liverpool city centre - and we couldn’t help but check it out.
Homebaked, which opened in 2013, has set up shop in St George’s Hall to bring its award-winning pies to the city centre.
Since opening, Homebaked has become renowned not only for its tasty treats, but also for its commitment to giving something back to the community.
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I took a trip to the newly opened cafe this year to see if Homebaked really lived up to the hype - and I just know I’ll be a regular from now on.
I’ll admit, I’ve never actually tried a Homebaked pie before, so I was looking forward to giving one a go - I’m officially hooked.
I made the trip on a rainy Saturday and while the cafe is a little tricky to find due to the ongoing road works on Lime Street, the welcome you receive on arrival is more than enough to make up for it.
Tucked away in a small corner of the iconic St George’s Hall, Homebaked feels like a separate entity altogether. Quiet, cosy and warm, the cafe is the perfect retreat from the bad weather.
The space is small, with just a few tables and two small couches tucked away against the wall, but inviting nonetheless.
We snagged a table before heading up to the counter to see just what was on offer, and I couldn’t quite believe the range of products available.
From Homebaked’s classic Scouse and Shankly pies to cakes, hot drinks, jacket potatoes, wraps, sandwiches and more, we were spoilt for choice.
I opted for a Scouse pie and a slice of carrot cake, while my sister went for a cheese and ham focaccia sandwich and a slice of ginger cake. We each got a cheesy garlic and bacon knot too - we couldn’t resist!
The service was impeccable; quick, kind and made us feel right at home.
Our food arrived quickly and before we knew it we were sitting with a Homebaked feast surrounding us.
The cheesy garlic and bacon knot, which I’d expected to be served warm but actually wasn’t, was flavourful and soft, with just the perfect amount of garlic to not be too much.
The ham and cheese focaccia was soft and moreish - and freshly made to order.
The carrot and ginger cakes - which we split because we couldn’t just try one, of course - were delightful. The carrot cake was light, perfectly spiced and topped with smooth, creamy icing, while the ginger cake was sticky and sweet, without being too heavy.
The winner of the lot though was undoubtedly Homebaked’s Scouse pie. The pie is renowned among LFC fans and has been praised since it launched - and this weekend I found out why.
Surrounded by delicious, perfectly baked pastry is a Scouse that rivals my mum’s, and that’s saying something.
The pie was never dry but the serving was so large I could barely get through it. But I’ll definitely be back for more.
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