WHEN you have a sweet tooth it seems only natural to go into the cake making business.
And that’s exactly what Lyndsey Parr has done.
She launched The Brownie Shack just last year baking tasty treats like cookie pies, millionaire shortbread and cheesecakes as well as brownies and old school sponge cake.
Lyndsey’s delicious desserts have won her our latest Best of 2024 award – St Helens’ Best for Desserts – proving she was right to follow her dream and do something she loves.
In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 11 awards.
Best for Hair - At Gems
Best for Pies - Burchall's
Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
Best for Breakfast - Shakey J's
Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
Voting for St Helens’ Best for Kids is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Pets.
Vote for St Helens’ Best for Kids 2024
Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Pets 2024
Seven delicious dessert destinations in St Helens made the shortlist for our latest Best of 2024 award and The Brownie Shack took this year’s coveted crown.
The Brownie Shack owner Lyndsey Parr
Lyndsey Parr opened the business last year on Broadway in Grange Park, St Helens.
The Brownie Shack is a small family-run business creating desserts and special occasion cakes.
Lyndsey, who is 34, said: “I have a big sweet tooth and love to be creative in the kitchen making treats.
“I started off baking for family and friends under the name Cakearella alongside working as a nursery nurse at Rathlee Nursery School.
“When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I wasn’t able to work and I decided to get my bake on in the kitchen.
“I made different treats and would send them to my family to taste test them and get feedback.
“They were my guinea pigs!
“I realised how much I enjoyed making desserts more than celebration cakes, so I decided to leave my job as a nursery nurse and become full time at The Brownie Shack.”
Delicious brownies
Lyndsey has always enjoyed baking as hobby which led to her making desserts and she finds it therapeutic.
Lyndsey said: “I pride myself in creating homemade products, which are generous sizes and use high quality ingredients.
“My menu changes each week to keep things fresh.
“I love creating new products and I try to do as many new ideas as possible.
“Brownies are on the menu each week but I also mix it up creating cheesecakes and millionaire shortbread, cake jars and brownie jars, as well as old school sponge cake and cookie pies.
“I also do the famous Matilda Bruce cake, which is a chocolate cake to rival the one in the book and film Matilda.
“My most popular dessert by far is the brownie although cookie pies are a big seller.
“The Kinder cookie pie is my personal favourite thing to eat - you can enjoy it hot or cold and either way it is amazing.”
The Matilda Bruce chocolate cake
What do customers think of The Brownie Shack? Why did they want the business to win our latest Best of 2024 award?
One review on their Facebook page said: “The best brownies around.
“They have a lovely texture and they melt in your mouth.
“I'd definitely recommend the galaxy caramel ones or the kinder sauce ones as they’re so creamy.”
Lyndsey said: “I interact with my customers and always do polls or ask for feedback, so I know what they want to see on the menu.
“I try my best to cater for each customer’s needs from personalisation to staying up for late night collections.
“I try my best to give back to the community by hosting free giveaways, helping with fundraisers and also giving away free boxes at Halloween and Christmas.
“My customer base is the best - the support they give me is exceptional and I am forever grateful for each and every one of my customers, whether they’re liking or sharing a post or buying a product.
“I notice it and appreciate it all.”
Tastebud tempting cookie pie
Lyndsey has three children and The Brownie Shack works around her family’s needs while enabling the busy mum to do something she loves.
She said: “It doesn’t feel like work when you do what you love.
“Customers have become friends and I love to have a chat when people come to collect their cakes.”
When Lyndsey heard that The Brownie Shack had been shortlisted for St Helens’ Best for Dessert 2024 she was shocked but grateful to her customers for nominating the business.
She said: “To be nominated was great but to win was something else!
“I didn’t think in a million years that I would win as everyone nominated ss amazing.
“I’m thrilled to win.
“A massive thank you to each and every person who voted for me.
“I honestly cannot thank everyone enough for supporting my small business!
“I will be forever grateful.”
A celebration cake fit for a chocolate lover
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