IN a world dominated by large chain bakeries and fast-food outlets, a beloved independent bakery is preparing to celebrate its third birthday.

The award-winning Victoria Yum bakery relocated from Hackney, east London, to Red Lion Yard, Colchester, during the Covid lockdown.

And while the economy continues to burn a hole in our pockets, head baker Kiersten George is determined to not let the cost-of-living crisis eat the business up.

The family-run bakery has announced a partnership with Colchester-based florist The Flower Collective to offer locally grown and beautifully arranged flowers alongside Kiersten’s delightful baked treats.

Gazette: Delicious - a peanut butter brownie and fruit layer cake from Victoria YumDelicious - a peanut butter brownie and fruit layer cake from Victoria Yum (Image: Victoria Yum)

Other exciting additions to the business include a retail space offering a carefully selected range of products from Colchester creatives, an eco-friendly delivery service, and additional dates for its cupcake workshops.

Kiersten, whose cakes and bakes have graced the counters of upmarket department stores like Harrods and Selfridges, said: “Our mission is to bake food that makes people feel special.

“We want everyone to leave Victoria Yum feeling a little sweeter than when they walked in.”

Gazette: Head baker - Kiersten GeorgeHead baker - Kiersten George (Image: Newsquest)

Since opening its doors in 2020, Victoria Yum has been named Colchester’s best new business and best enterprising business at the Colchester Business Awards, but Kiersten says the icing on the cake was being named the city’s businesswoman of the year.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre boss Martin Leatherdale said it’s an “absolute treat to have Victoria Yum in Red Lion Yard”.

He added: “This has been a story of heart, passion, and soul. These are the most delicious cakes around and you can taste it in every bite.

“Come and help Kiersten celebrate her third anniversary when, unbelievably, the opening was in lockdown.”

Gazette: Bakery - Victoria Yum, in Red Lion Yard, ColchesterBakery - Victoria Yum, in Red Lion Yard, Colchester (Image: Victoria Yum)

Sam Good, who is the manager of the Our Colchester business improvement district, said he was looking forward to celebrating many more years of Victoria Yum.

Praising the business, he continued: "Kiersten and her well-oiled team get the basics right every time, from smiles on arrival to a wide array of handmade products on offer, and this is what successful city centre's need.

“Victoria Yum was a leap of faith from their previous venue in London to move to Colchester and we are very glad they have done so.”