Cake Corner at Hillside

The best cakes in Town

“Leanne Prescott spent most her teenage life playing in different football academies across the North West from Manchester United to Everton. After starting baking for family and friends, she soon started to pick up a clientele. After just three years Leanne, along with her mum, Petula, and dad, Peter, the outhouse at their home was soon transformed into a workshop….” 

Southport Insider had the privilege of experiencing the home-made sweet treats at Leanne’s “dream shop” for Cake Corner, located in Hillside! And it was nothing less than a dream come true for us in absolute cookie heaven. 

They're also open at Southport Market and Ormskirk Market!

From delicious brownies to decadent blondies to cupcakes, flapjacks, rocky roads, luxurious cookie pies, and divine dipping platters… you can expect to have every craving satisfied… and then some… ice-cream! 

To be honest, we wanted to taste it all because, evident from the pictures, each incredible bake has clearly been executed to make your mouth water. The Galaxy Caramel and baby Jammy Dodger cupcakes are currently living rent free in my mind.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the biscoff milkshake? And the smoothness of the Italian coffee? This place is more than just cakes and bakes… 

No wonder it’s attracted Hollywood Stars, such as Will Ferrel - the A-lister, who munched a Cake Corner, kinder millionaire shortbread; yum, yum! 

As heartwarming as the bakes, was the welcome from staff running the shop. We were greeted with smiles, sugar and lots of tasty treats to snap and snack on; the perfect afternoon. 

If you are yet to experience Cake Corner… put it in your diary, right this instant. You can also order for delivery… online… yes, please!

Visit

Cake Corner 5 Crown Buildings, Liverpool Road Southport PR8 3BY

Wednesday - Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00

Small Plates at Botanic Road Kitchen

A beautiful gem in Churchtown

An exquisite independently owned restaurant in Churchtown, with a small group of staff who honestly could not have made us feel anymore welcome and relaxed. It was perfect. And we don’t use that phrase lightly.

While we waited (with anticipation!) for the Chef, Andrew to choose and prepare our food, we decided to taste the Fried Pickles with Botanic Burger Sauce (GF) (VE). With the first dip and bite, we shared a knowing look – sensational; impeccable crunch, totally moreish. The Gordal Olives with Sea Salt and Olive Oil (also GF, VE!) accompanied. Our tastebuds were tickled and ready for the firework of flavours to follow…

Alex, our waitress, has clearly mastered a seamless balance between professional and friendly, as she provided extra context on the dishes. Amid so much choice, as mentioned, we left our fate to the man who knows best; Andrew, the chef, who has worked at Botanic Road Kitchen for three years - coming to town with a world of experience (spices, zings and zests!) having worked in the French Alps, Australia and Amsterdam, to say the least…

Here are the SMALL PLATES we were lucky enough to devour. And can we just take a moment to highlight how many unexpected gluten free (and vegan!) options there were!

1.        Tempura Prawn Tacos Mango Salas (surprisingly GF!) tasted super fresh; delicate, juicy, crisp, matched with the sweet tropical fruit, crunchy salad and soft taco… yes, please.

2.        Aromatic Duck Spring Rolls with a Hoisin Sauce Dip I could’ve drank, it was so good; the rolls were succulent, crisp and bursting with flavour.

3.        Herb Crusted Cod with Bubble & Squeak Potato Cake, Spinach Cream, was a rich and comforting dish… the cod flaked on my fork and the herby crust added sophistication and of course extra scrumptiousness.  

4.        King Prawn and Chorizo Alle Oglio Spaghetti (GF!) Hello garlic, chilli and oil married with plump king prawns and spicy chorizo; the latter certainly not overpowering the sweetness of the seafood… this dish was dreamily paired and lush!

5.        Charred Corn, Satay Sauce, spiced Peanuts, Spring Onion (GF, VE, again!) – we absolutely loved the unforeseen saccharinity of this; bit of unexpected sweetness goes a long way! I couldn’t get enough of the tasty nuts and spring onion too. Confession… I started to mix this dish in with some of the others because the flavour created was so scrummy…

6.        Roasted Red Pepper and Goats Cheese Gnocci? Yes, please. Creamy, flavoursome and satisfying. My mouth is watering just remembering how beautiful this dish was as the forkful melted in my mouth; heavenly! Plus… once more… GF!

7.        Zucchini Fritte Lemon Aioli (GF) (VE) A blissful sensation of flavours and texture (no word of a lie!) This dish caught me off guard to be honest. We probably wouldn’t have selected it but so glad we got to try it. And would most definitely order again!

8.        Patatas Bravas… crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with a comforting delectable smoky bravas sauce and some aioli to tame the heat! The ideal side dish to complement the small plates!

The beauty of SMALL PLATES is there is (often!) no food wasted and an opportunity to chat as the ‘wonders’ arrive to the table. But, more than this, along with the flavours, was the added ambience of Botanical Road Kitchen and their staff who truly made the venue so tranquil, pleasurable and enjoyable.

We washed this heavenly preparation down with a glass of fruity Rioja and a citrusy beer. At the end of this experience, it was a “Wow!” from Southport Insider.

Book a Table

Botanic Road Kitchen 98 Botanic Road Southport PR9 7NE

Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00

Brunch at The Tea Rooms

A staple of Birkdale Village

The Tea Rooms is a staple in the community at Birkdale Village. We’ve been visiting there for many years and still enjoy it every time. Just stones throw from Birkdale station, there is no excuse not to stop by here next time you’re passing through.

Our favourite feature at The Tea Rooms is the covered outdoor seating area. In the Summer, it’s great to sit outside on a warm evening with a cocktail, soaking up the atmosphere in the village. When it gets to Winter, they bring the heaters out and you can cozy up with a coffee on a cold, frosty morning. You can’t beat it!

Inside is beautifully decorated with modern, classy designs, a stunning bar area and huge, comfy sofa areas. It has something for everyone at the Tea Rooms and it is clear why it is a Birkdale favourite.

On our most recent visit, we tried a couple of dishes from their brunch menu. We ordered the chorizo poached eggs which came with bacon, cherry tomatoes, spring onion, sourdough roasted and chilli jam. The eggs were poached perfectly, the chorizo gave the breakfast a bit of a kick and the chilli jam was an unreal addition. 

We also tried the pancakes, served with berry compote, vanilla mascarpone and strawberries. A brunch menu isn’t complete without pancakes and these did not disappoint. Soaked in syrup and berry compote, this sweet stack of pancakes is second to none.

Given that it was an early Wednesday afternoon, we stuck with coffees. However there are brunch cocktails on the menu which we will definitely be back to try!

There is always a buzz at the Tea Rooms whether you come on a Wednesday afternoon or a Saturday night. We loved a relaxed brunch, sitting outside and enjoying a coffee right on the high street . However if we came back on a Saturday evening, we’d be sure to enjoy an array of cocktails, live music from their DJ and a fun, friendly crowd! You might even catch Tera’s run club there on a Sunday morning.

The lovely Caroline helped us today, part of a team of brilliant staff. Every time we’ve visited here, staff are happy to chat, deliver an excellent service and contribute to the wonderful Tea Rooms atmosphere.

Book a Table

The Tea Rooms 10-12 Liverpool Road Birkdale PR8 4AR

Sunday-Thursday: 09:00-23:00 Friday-Saturday: 09:00-00:00