Matthew Reardon is a man on a mission. As the creator of brand Cup & Cake he is single-handedly changing the face of the humble cupcake. Alt.Cardiff caught up with him at St Mary Street Market to talk travelling, chocolate and sticky toffee.
What made you start a cupcake business?
I had my own broker business that did well but I did not feel satisfied in my job, I wanted to do something more.
Had you always been interested in baking?
Yes, I used to bake with my Grandmother when I was young and I think these memories really pushed me into starting Cup & Cake.
Why are your cupcakes different from other brands?
I believe cupcakes are an indulgency so there are no half measures with my product. I source products locally, my butter is from Caerphilly plus my eggs and milk are Welsh. Unfortunately coco beans are not grown in Wales yet!
What is next for Cup & Cake?
Well there are lots of new flavours as I like to keep it fresh. We have a new sticky toffee flavour and we will be bringing out a chocolate orange cupcake for Christmas. I am thinking about opening a shop too, but timing is everything.
Cupcake parties are the latest trend to encourage Cardiff’s creative side.
The parties are aimed at groups of 10 to 20 people who are looking for an informal lesson in a variety of icing and piping skills. Sue Harding started the concept through Giggle Activities and styles every party on the client’s requests. Each guest is given four cakes by Sara Brock from the Happy Cupcake Kitchen to decorate in their own party environment. She encourages everyone to “just come along and let your creativity reign.”
The concept is simple and popularity is rising amongst adults who desire an alternative night out. Harding was astonished at “how a little cake that has been around for years has taken the nation by storm”.
Matthew Reardon is a man on a mission. As the creator of brand Cup & Cake he is single-handedly changing the face of the humble cupcake. Alt.Cardiff caught up with him at St Mary Street Market to talk travelling, chocolate and sticky toffee.
What made you start a cupcake business?
I had my own broker business that did well but I did not feel satisfied in my job, I wanted to do something more.
Had you always been interested in baking?
Yes, I used to bake with my Grandmother when I was young and I think these memories really pushed me into starting Cup & Cake.
Why are your cupcakes different from other brands?
I believe cupcakes are an indulgency so there are no half measures with my product. I source products locally, my butter is from Caerphilly plus my eggs and milk are Welsh. Unfortunately coco beans are not grown in Wales yet!
What is next for Cup & Cake?
Well there are lots of new flavours as I like to keep it fresh. We have a new sticky toffee flavour and we will be bringing out a chocolate orange cupcake for Christmas. I am thinking about opening a shop too, but timing is everything.