Introducing The Free From Cake Shed

My Mum has been coeliac my whole life, so I am no stranger to seeing her trying to make a sandwich with bread that falls apart the moment you touch it or trying to cook pasta that sticks together constantly!

Going out for a meal as a family was never easy for my Mum – many restaurants had limited options and often resorted to a plain salad or a side of chips (and never any dessert options!).

I used to love to bake as a child and always made sure everything I made was gluten-free (my speciality was lemon drizzle cake and my sisters was brownies!) – I was sick and tired of my Mum having to eat dry and flavourless cakes from the supermarket for her birthday.

Despite there now being a wider range of gluten-free options available, they often never compare to the flavour of a homemade sweet treat!

I discovered that there was going to be a gluten free cake shed opening and rushed to tell my Mum – the thought of having a selection of delicious, homemade cakes to choose from was unheard of to her!

I took a visit to the cake shed on opening weekend and was blown away by the abundance of treats available (I could have taken one of everything!) – the time, care and love poured into each bake was evident.

I recently caught up with Sophie, the Founder of The Free From Cake Shed (based in Norfolk, NR15), to discover the success of the cake shed so far, the inspiration behind her bakes and her plans for the year!

What inspired you to open The Free From Cake Shed?

I wanted to create a place where people with dietary requirements could enjoy proper, indulgent cakes without feeling limited.

Baking has an incredible power to bring people together and create comfort.

What have the response been like since launching the cake shed?

The response has been really positive.

Customers have been supportive and many have become regulars, which has been lovely to see.

How do you manage stock levels effectively?

I bake in small, frequent batches and plan around demand, weather, and customer trends to keep everything fresh and reduce waste.

The biggest challenge I faced when launching The Free From Cake Shed was balancing demand with keeping everything fresh. By improving planning and timing, this became easier!

How important is it to offer a wide variety of options?

Very important. It means people who can’t or choose not to eat gluten still have plenty of choice and don’t feel restricted.

How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

I stay organised, plan ahead, and try to set boundaries where I can, making sure I also take time with my children and husband.

Where do you get inspiration for new bakes?

Online, customer ideas, and classic flavours from school or home!

How did it feel to get a 5-star food hygiene rating?

It felt like a huge achievement and gave real reassurance that standards are high.

What makes The Free From Cake Shed unique?

The Free From Cake Shed is fully focused on tasty, homemade free-from bakes that don’t feel like a compromise.

What do you love most about running The Free From Cake Shed?

I love knowing customers enjoy the cakes, especially those who usually struggle to find suitable treats.

What do you hope to achieve in 2026?

To grow the business, introduce new bakes, and reach more customers while keeping the quality high (I have already upgraded my shed to a bigger and taller one!).

To keep up to date with the delicious work of The Free From Cake Shed, you can head to their Instagram (@freefrom_cakesh3d)!