Cake is having its moment.
Across the UK, coffee shops are levelling up their counters – blending creativity, culture, and connection in ways that go far beyond the classic coffee-and-slice setup. From visually stunning, “Instagrammable” bakes to high-end patisserie-style creations, café culture has never looked (or tasted) better.
At Cake Club, we’re proud to be part of this new wave. We’re here for the independents who care about quality, creativity, and community. Because good coffee deserves great cake. Always.
The rise of cake culture
Café and cake culture today is shaped by more than just what’s on the menu – it’s about the experience. Social media has turned the humble cake counter into a marketing masterpiece, where the right bake can spark hundreds of shares and bring new customers through the door. Cafés are designing bakes to be photographed as much as eaten – glossy glazes, bold colours, elegant toppings. It’s all part of the story.
But this shift isn’t just about looks. It’s about creating spaces where people want to linger – to chat, create, and connect. Coffee shops have become social hubs, hosting everything from run clubs to journaling sessions, live music to craft nights. Cake and coffee are now the anchors for something bigger. They offer a sense of belonging.
What’s trending in café & cake culture
Here’s what’s shaping the scene right now:
- Social media magic – Think dramatic layers, indulgent drizzles, and toppings just asking to be snapped. Cafés are using social media to showcase their creations and drive real-world footfall.
- Community & connection – The modern café is more than a caffeine stop. It’s a place for bringing people together and turning everyday visits into memorable experiences from live performances to sip and sketch nights or themed tasting events.
- Premium & artisanal offerings – There’s a growing appetite for high-end patisserie and gourmet coffee. The rise of places like the Parisian-inspired Cake & Culture in Birmingham shows how customers are seeking craftsmanship, authenticity, and a touch of luxury.
- Seasonal & limited editions – Regular menu refreshes keep things exciting. Customers are heading to cafés that surprise them with small-batch, seasonal flavours and limited-edition bakes.
It’s a world that celebrates creativity, community, and quality – which happens to be exactly what Cake Club was built on.
Why Cake Club exists: life’s too short for meh cake
Cake Club started with one simple truth: life’s too short for average cake.
Back in the day, our Founder, Marco was happily brewing coffees and building communities in independent cafés. But while the coffee was top notch, the cakes were not. They were either overpriced, identical to the chain-store offerings, or just plain underwhelming.
So Marco teamed up with Lize – a Michelin-trained chef with a big heart and an even bigger love of cake – to bake something better. Together, they dreamt up a range of bakes that could make any counter a talking point.
From a shared kitchen to a cake revolution
Those early days were hands-on and full of hustle – a small Battersea kitchen, late-night deliveries, and endless rounds of taste-testing (all in the name of research, of course). But great cake travels fast.
Soon, word spread, and Cake Club grew – helping independents across the UK serve cakes that were easy to manage, great to look at, and even better to eat. Today, Lize leads innovation from the Cake Club kitchen, while Nicci and our other brilliant Cakesecutives bring the sweet stuff to coffee shops far and wide.
Where we fit in
We’re not chasing trends for the sake of it, we’re baking with purpose.
Cake Club exists to help independent coffee shops thrive in a changing world. Our cakes tick every box that modern cafés care about:
- Visually irresistible – Pre-cut and presentation-ready, our cakes look stunning on the counter (and on camera).
- Easy to manage – Frozen fresh for maximum flexibility and minimum waste.
- Chef-crafted – Designed by experts, made with care, and tested to deliver on flavour every time.
- On your side – We support independents with advice, top-notch service, and a friendly ear at the end of the phone.
We make life easier for coffee shops – and sweeter for their customers.
Looking ahead: The future of cake culture
As cafés continue to blend creativity and community, cake will keep taking centre stage. Expect to see:
- More experimentation with global flavours and textures.
- Nostalgic bakes reimagined for modern tastes.
- A continued push for quality, authenticity, and storytelling.
And Cake Club will be right there, mixing things up, trying new ideas, and helping our coffee shop partners stand out for all the right reasons.
Because this isn’t just about selling cake. It’s about the experience, the connection, and the magic of a really good bake.
Join the Club
Explore our range, stay ahead of the trends, and keep your counter looking amazing.
