Behind the scenes of the 'Cake Witchery' - former cafe owner opens South Shields bakery after success of lockdown afternoon tea deliveries

A former cafe owner has launched her own bakery following the success of her lockdown delivery service.
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Dee Clayton has opened business ‘Cake Witchery’ on Marlborough Street North, South Shields after seeing a huge demand for her home delivery cakes during the pandemic.

The 58-year-old, who owned the Little Café in the dementia unit of Haven Court care home, launched her cake business after the cafe closed at the start of the Covid pandemic last year.

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In that time Dee has delivered afternoon teas to thousands of people across the region and now she is expanding with the launch of her own bakery shop selling sandwiches, cakes, scones and savoury bakes, as well as gifts.

Conjuring up culinary magic at the Cake WitcheryConjuring up culinary magic at the Cake Witchery
Conjuring up culinary magic at the Cake Witchery

Dee, who also used to own Mac 'N 'Alli Cafe in Westoe Crown Village, said: “I am over the moon.

"It has been an absolute privilege to meet the people that I have met while delivering to people who have not seen their families [because of the pandemic].

"People all over the country have been ordering afternoon teas and I have been delivering them to their relatives who have been isolating.

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"I have delivered to people who have had their wedding cancelled, as well as baby showers and quite a few businesses who have had zoom parties while working from home.

Cake Witchery owner Dee Clayton at her new business on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.Cake Witchery owner Dee Clayton at her new business on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.
Cake Witchery owner Dee Clayton at her new business on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.

"It has been lovely and a privilege to be a part of that."

The bakery is open from 9am to 2pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday. Dee will continue to deliver cakes and afternoon teas to customers in the afternoons.

The business owner has also seen success with the cake stand she designed to transport her afternoon teas, with many customers using it to take their goods to the likes of parks to celebrate occasions during lockdown.

She is one of a number of new businesses setting up in South Tyneside during lockdown, after enterprising minds came up with new ways to serve customers under restrictions, and delivery and takeaway services saw an uptick.

Gifts on sale inside the new Cake Witchery shop on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.Gifts on sale inside the new Cake Witchery shop on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.
Gifts on sale inside the new Cake Witchery shop on Marlborough Street North, South Shields.
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"I think a lot of people have adapted and changed the way they do things born out of Covid,” said Dee.

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