Icing on the cake for Steven at Sunny Bank Mills

The multi-award-winning Farsley Cake Company has opened a brand-new shop at the iconic Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds.

Owner Steven Newbatt-Macdonald has moved from Town Street in Farsley to smart premises at 1 Old Engine Room in the heart of the mill complex.
The move marks an exciting new chapter for the independent business after several years on Town Street, with Steven saying: “This is the best thing I have ever done.”

He explained: “I am so excited to have relocated to Sunny Bank Mills, the beating heart of the Farsley community. The historic mill is now a fabulous retail destination, as well as being home to so many successful young businesses and a brilliant art gallery and music venue. It’s so busy all the time.

“I now have a much more suitable space for my growing customer base with my baking, decorating and retail areas on one floor, making my day‑to‑day operations significantly easier. I will also be able to work more closely with my international suppliers and extend my opening hours, including Sunday trading.”

Having been based in Farsley for seven years, Steven said that Sunny Bank Mills instantly felt like the right fit.

During the past 13 years, Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has transformed into one of the most exciting and respected cultural and community hubs in the Yorkshire region. It has 126 diverse independent companies and creatives on site bringing 520 sustainable new jobs to West Leeds.

John Gaunt, joint managing director with his cousin William commented: “I am delighted to welcome Steven to Sunny Bank Mills. Farsley Cake Company is a perfect fit for the Mills. A well-established and respected local business, run by someone who is full of energy, creativity and expertise.

“Farsley Cake Co is a great addition to our destination retail offer, and the perfect place to the buy the exact cake accessory or order an amazing celebration cake, baked here at Sunny Bank Mills."

Farsley Cake Company is known for its celebration cakes, illusion cakes and wedding cakes, including novelty designs shaped like hamburgers, Star Wars‑themed cakes and Superman‑inspired creations. Alongside handmade cakes, the shop stocks a large selection of professional‑grade cake‑decorating equipment and accessories.

Steven added: “As Sunny Bank Mills is now an established and popular retail destination, I am confident I will be busier here than in my previous premises. Consequently, I will be opening longer and potentially taking on more staff.”

Sunny Bank Mills, where Yorkshire Television’s popular series Emmerdale and Heartbeat used to be filmed, currently has both retail and office space available to lease.