The Fine Print — Secret Garden Pantry Co

Welcome to The Secret Garden Pantry Co. By placing an order with me or paying a deposit, you ("the Customer") agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your order.

1. Quotations and Booking

  • Validity: All price quotations are valid for 14 days from the date of issue. If an order is not secured within this time, prices may be subject to change.

  • Securing Your Date: Your order is not confirmed until your deposit has been received and I have issued an order confirmation.

2. Payments and Deposits

  • Deposits: A non-refundable deposit of £25 is required to secure your booking and date in my diary. This covers initial administrative costs and design work.

  • Final Balance: The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 7 days prior to the collection or delivery date. For short-notice orders placed within 14 days of the event, payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

  • Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer.

3. Cancellations and Postponements

  • By the Customer: Cancellations made more than 14 days before your collection or delivery date will forfeit the non-refundable deposit.

  • Cancellations made less than 14 days before the date will be charged at 100% of the total order value, as ingredients will have been purchased and work commenced.

  • By Me: In the unlikely event that I must cancel your order due to unforeseen circumstances (such as severe illness or a family emergency), a full refund of all monies paid will be issued immediately.

4. Changes and Alterations

  • If you wish to amend your order design, size, or flavours, please notify me in writing as soon as possible.

  • I will do my best to accommodate changes, but I cannot accept alterations less than 14 days before your collection or delivery date. Significant changes may result in a price adjustment.

5. Allergies and Dietary Requirements

  • Allergens: Unless specifically agreed otherwise, my bakes are prepared in a kitchen that handles all major UK allergens, including cereals containing gluten, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soya, and sulphur dioxide.

  • Responsibility: While I take great care to avoid cross-contamination when requested, I cannot guarantee 100% allergen-free products. It is the Customer's responsibility to inform their guests of any allergy risks. The Secret Garden Pantry Co accepts no liability for allergic reactions.

  • For full allergen details, visit the Allergens & Dietary Information page.

6. Collection and Transport

  • Collection: Cakes collected from my premises are inspected by the Customer (or their representative) at the point of handover. Once the cake leaves my premises, responsibility for its safe transport and storage transfers entirely to the Customer.

  • Transport Advice: Cakes should always be transported on a flat surface (such as an empty boot or front footwell) with a non-slip mat, kept away from direct sunlight and heaters, and driven carefully.

7. Delivery

  • If delivery has been agreed, you must ensure someone is available at the venue at the agreed time to receive and sign for the cake.

  • Once the cake has been delivered and checked, or a signed delivery note has been obtained from the venue coordinator, The Secret Garden Pantry Co is not liable for any subsequent damage (e.g. weather damage, guest mishaps, or venue table instability).

8. Storage

  • Detailed storage instructions will be provided with your order. Generally, sponge cakes should be consumed on the day of the celebration for optimal quality. I cannot accept responsibility for quality issues arising from improper storage after handover.

9. Complaints

  • If you are unhappy with your order for any reason, please contact me immediately upon collection or delivery so I have the opportunity to rectify the issue.

  • Formal complaints must be made in writing within 48 hours of receipt, accompanied by photographic evidence.

10. Photographs

  • All bakes are photographed before handover. The Secret Garden Pantry Co retains the right to use these images for portfolio, website, and social media purposes.

  • If you would prefer your order not to be shared publicly, please notify me in writing at the time of booking and this will be respected.

11. Limitation of Liability

  • The Secret Garden Pantry Co's total liability in respect of any claim arising from an order shall not exceed the total value of that order.

  • I am not liable for any indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of enjoyment or additional costs incurred as a result of a faulty or delayed order.

12. Governing Law

  • These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.