How Tommy and Laura are making Sunderland sweeter

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The Sweet Petite is baking up a storm in Mackie’s Corner. The small-sized bakery serves up some of the sweetest and most unique puddings in town.

The Sweet Petite is the bakery serving up the most delicious handmade puddings from their little shop in Mackie’s Corner. Owners, Laura and husband Tommy, bring something special to their city, hitting the sweet spot with a loyal group of customers who are more than happy to queue for a taste of their wares. Laura shares, “We are very lucky to be able to do something that we love and that others love too.”

 

Puds to be proud of

Starting the business just before lockdown, Laura and Tommy managed to not only survive, but to thrive. “We are fast becoming one of the most loved afternoon tea spots in the North East, with customers travelling from all over the UK to see our tiny shop.” And for two locals that started with a small amount of experience in hospitality, it’s fair to say they’re chuffed with the response.

 

“It’s the local, independent businesses that are the heart of our city, and we are proud to be one of them.”

 

Made with love

The roots of The Sweet Petite began when the couple got married and Laura decided to make their own wedding cake. It turned out so well, that she took her sweet treats to the streets with an old blue horse box, managing a number of markets and events. They finally stumbled across their current spot in the beautiful Mackie’s Corner, transforming it into the go-to vintage destination it is today. “Taking the chance on the shop was the best decision we ever made”, says Laura.

 

Laura’s love of food has meant they’re always thinking outside the box, putting a modern spin on such classics as the Peach Melba Cheesecake, or Wearmouth Pit Blackberry Jam. “Knowing we are remembering the traditions of Sunderland and bringing them to a new generation means the world.”

 

Making the city sweeter

Laura and Tommy pride themselves on bringing something unique to Sunderland, a city with so much to offer. Laura explains, “There are so many independently owned, hidden gems here, run by people with a real passion for what they do.”

 

The couple love being part of people’s lives and celebrations, and hope to encourage more people to spend time in the city centre. “Instead of heading to neighbouring towns or cities, pop to the city centre”, says Laura, “we love seeing families and friends spending time together, seeing the same faces pop back, week in, week out, for their treats.”

 

Feeling inspired?

Take it further with these related pages and websites:

Discover other businesses on Mackie’s Corner.

Read more about shopping in Sunderland’s city centre.

Get advice on starting up your own business in Sunderland.