My Story: From Nanny Florence's Kitchen to the Secret Garden

My passion for baking began many years ago, watching my nanny, Florence, work her magic in the kitchen. She never weighed a single thing, she could tell exactly how much of each ingredient she needed just by looking. To a small child, it felt like pure wizardry.

As I grew, my mum brought me into her kitchen, teaching me the fundamental principles of baking. Together, she and Nanny Florence shared their cherished secret recipes with me, recipes that I still hold incredibly close to my heart today.

Love, Travel, and a New Purpose

Eventually, life took me on a wonderful detour when I fell in love with a Geordie man and we welcomed our twin boys. It was during their childhood that baking truly found its way back to the centre of my life.

One of my twins had a sensitivity to dairy, and a few years later, developed a severe nut allergy. Back then, delicious free-from options were incredibly hard to find. Determined that he shouldn't miss out, I rolled up my sleeves and returned to the kitchen, dedicating myself to creating safe, decadent treats he could enjoy without compromise.

Having a wheat sensitivity myself, I deeply understand the anxiety, and the disappointment, of limited dietary options. It is why I am so passionate about offering exquisite gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan bakes. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to experience something wonderful.

ℹ️ Important Allergen & Kitchen Notice

While I take dietary needs very seriously and lovingly offer bakes made with gluten-alternative ingredients, my kitchen handles ingredients containing gluten, wheat, nuts, and dairy.

Between batches, a full allergen clean-down and deep sanitisation process is carried out. However, because gluten is present in my environment, I cannot guarantee a 100% cross-contamination-free kitchen. As a result, my bakes are suitable for those with dietary sensitivities or lifestyle choices, but are unfortunately not suitable for individuals with severe allergies or Coeliac disease.Full allergen & dietary information.

Flavours of the World, Grown in Northumberland

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, living in Singapore, Germany, Northern Ireland, and Brunei, and visiting incredible places like Tbilisi, Amman, Tehran, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Budapest, New York, and Kuala Lumpur. The vibrant spices, unique ingredients, and spectacular flavour combinations I discovered on my travels continue to inspire and elevate my recipes today.

Now settled in beautiful Northumberland, my baking is deeply rooted in the land. Much of the produce I use is grown right here in my own garden, from sweet apples, pears, and figs, to vibrant gooseberries, honeyberries, and fresh botanicals. Baking in small batches allows me to work in harmony with the seasons, incorporating what I grow and forage into truly bespoke creations.

Familia Fortis Honor

"A strong family, bound by honor"

Everything created in the Secret Garden Pantry Co kitchen is rooted in this family motto. The strongest, most beautiful things in life are built with love, care, and integrity. From the heirloom recipes passed down by Nanny Florence, to the allergy-safe bakes perfected for my son, to the global flavours gathered on my travels, every single cake carries the values of family and honour at its heart.