All I want for Christmas....

Are you stuck for those last few Christmas gifts? We we have the perfect solution with our Fancie Cupcake experience.

Get 5 friends and unleash the Cupcake queen within in the comfort of our beautiful shop on Sharrowvale Road.

For the girl who has everything...

Customer comment

So you may have seen on your last visit to Fancie that we have customer comment cards on the tables to feed straight back to the bakery.

Every week we will share with you some of the comments that people have left....

'King' Soloman said:

"I would recommend it, the best hot chocolate in the world and give it to the Queen and ALL my friends"

Thanks Soloman, look forward to your next visit!

Snow is falling...

But that doesn't stop us!

Despite this freakishly white weather we are having, the Fancie team are pushing on to bring you your cakes. Our staff have travelled by Plane, Train and Automobile (well maybe not plane) to ensure we could get open as soon as possible- and so today after two days being closed, we reopen!

The staff are as eager to get back to it as you are to shake your cabin fever off, so come and indulge as you get back to your Christmas shopping.

See you at Fancie!

Fancie. Faces

Look who's been enjoying Fancie. Cupcakes......

Olly Murs

Eliza Doolittle

Rolf Harris!!

There's no denying they have great taste......

Christmas time!!

Don't forget to get your Christmas orders in on time!

Luxury Rich Fruit Christmas cakes from £25
Gift Boxes of Christmas Cupcakes from £12
or try our alternative Christmas Cake:
Chocolate Christmas Layer Cake: £25

Call your most convenient store to order and arrange collection:

388 Sharrowvale Rd, Sheffield, S11 8ZP

t: 0114 266 7238

map

Kiosk 6 The Winter Garden,
S1 2LH

t: 0114 275 4288

map

High Street, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, S9 1EJ

t: 0114 2354 325

map

Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG

t: 0114 222 8695

map

Meadowhall opens!!

So our fourth shop opened this week and we LOVE it!

You told us you couldn't always get to Sharrowvale Road- so we brought Fancie to you, and you've not been disappointed! Come and see us in our new Meadowhall store where you can take a break from your Christmas shopping for a cake and cup of tea, and then collect a box to take home and share (or at least pretend to share!)

Exciting opportunities

Fancie are looking for enthusiastic, smiley people who love hard work to cover over the Christmas period.

Opportunities are available in all areas of the business: Bakery, Retail and Driving.

Although full training is given, experience is preferred in all areas.

The successful applicants will have a passion for bakery, excellent customer service skills and a desire to succeed.

Full and Part time temporary positions available.

Please email a CV and covering letter to Careers@fancie.co.uk in the first instance.

Due to the high amount of CVs we receive, unfortunately we will only be able to contact those who have been successful.

Fancie. Faces

It was dark and miserable as I walked out of work. I noticed the colours had changed on the trees. No longer a glorious glowing green, but a multitude of oranges and reds, it was officially autumn. Usually I love to see the colours change, but today had officially been the day from hell, not only the day from hell but a shockingly awful week.

As I wandered home I listened to my iPod while events of the day started recalling through my mind. If only I hadn’t slept through the alarm, if only I’d had to time to answer all those emails, if I only stay awake through the 2 hour meeting, if only not spilt my lunch down my brand new top. If only everything had just gone to plan.

As I continued on my journey the sky turned black and the heavens decided to open. It was silting it down, proper pouring. With no umbrella or jacket it was the perfect end to such an unfortunate day. Dodging puddles I kept on walking, I wasn’t that far from home. All I could now think of was reaching my destination, climbing into a hot bath and relaxing all my thoughts away. Hot bath, relaxing front of the TV with a large glass of wine was my mantra through the last five minutes of speed walking up the hill.

Walking through the door of the place I called home, it was suspiciously empty. The boyfriend who usually greats me with stories of how his day been notably wasn’t around. As I looked around I all saw was a huge box left on the table with a post it tacked on the top. It simply said ‘enjoy’, as I opened the box there was the biggest Fancie cupcake sat inside, you know the ones that are usually reserved for birthdays or weddings. I had one in front of me. It was mine …ALL MINE!!

As I took it out of the box I stared the fluffy pink icing laced with hearts and bit of glitter. Carefully resting it on the worktop I couldn’t resist sticking my finger in it and licking the icing off. It was the sweetest thing I had ever tasted. Then all of a sudden I had an urge like no other, I lowered my head and flung it into the cake as if it was the softest most delicate pillow in the world. Nothing actually mattered I’d found paradise! At this point I heard the door open as I raised my head and opened my eyes and saw the boyfriend stood there staring at me like a woman gone mad. All of a sudden he walk over to me and started laughing and endearingly said ‘I’ve never seen you looking so attractive’. It was definitely the perfect end to a very imperfect day!

Jenn McCambridge- Fancie Guest Blogger.

Groupon offer

We recently ran an offer with the discount company Groupon- My City Deal for a box of 12 minis for £5 instead of £10- 50% discount.

Unfortunately, the deal was mis printed and stated that the voucher was worth £20. This has caused alot of confusion and understandably people are upset.

Groupon have issued a full explaination of their error and offered a full refund to any customers who don't wish to take up the offer.

This whole episode has been regrettable and something that was meant to be a nice treat for our customers- old and new- has backfired on us.

Rest assured we are taking steps to make this up to our customers and are grateful that those who have always supported us, still are.

As a good will gesture we have additional vouchers for all the customers who exchange their vouchers and would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience.

The matter is now being dealt with by our solicitors.

We only went and won!!

So we attended the Eat Sheffield awards last night and were in great company. Sheffield finest food industry insiders were in attendance and Eat Sheffield put on a great evening.
The categories we really well fought out with some very deserved winners... including us!!
We scooped Best cafe/ deli and I won Sheffield's food champion. Both were absolutely amazing but the Food Champion accolade is utterly gobsmacking- what a title!!

Thanks Eat Sheffield and in particular Niki Baker- such a fantastic evening, all your hard work paid off!!

See the full list of winners here http://www.eatsheffield.com/Restaurant_Awards/

Sheffield Food Champion
Sponsored by Sheffield Unleashed

Winner: Amanda Perry
"Quite apart from running a successful business, Amanda has shown a real dedication to supporting Sheffield food as well as promoting entrepreneurship in the city. Her work with Sheffield College and Entrepreneurs Exchange demonstrate her enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of food businesses, and indeed businesses in general. It was Amanda who saw the potential opportunities and benefits of getting a group together to discuss promoting Sheffield food, an idea that could result in a higher profile for and better appreciation of Sheffield food producers. She is without doubt a Food Hero."

Guest Blogging

So, I was recently asked to do a guest blog article for The Culture Vulture blog which is Leeds and Sheffield's oracle on all things Cultural, from the Arts and Theatre to Food and Discussion, this is the site you need to know.

Here is our little piece, hope you like it!

Allow me to introduce myself; I am Amanda Perry, Owner, Founder and devotee of Fancie. in Sheffield.

I first decided to rekindle the baking skills I had finely honed in some of the best kitchens throughout the UK in December 2007. Whilst at my parents over the Christmas period, I looked around at all the various boxes of chocolates that had been left by well wishers and family members and became slightly daunted at the variety on offer.

Buying a box of sparkly, foil wrapped chocolates had become as second nature to the average consumer as a bottle of bubbly. So why wasn’t that the case with cake?

And so I set out creating a ‘box of cakes’ at home in my kitchen. I managed through trial and error, to make a selection of miniature versions of British classics - Victoria Sandwich, Coffee, and Lemon - all moist and as fresh as if they were from your Grannies tea tray.

Next, I had to think of it from a commercial angle - if this were to be a feasible business (I must have been watching too much Dragons Den at the time!) then I would need to make the cakes a lot less fiddly in order to accommodate volume sales. And so I arrived at cupcakes - the perfect solution. A compact, individual cake that could encapsulate any flavour, colour or style combo your heart could possibly desire! It was so obvious - so why was no one else doing it?...... Little did I know that at the very same moment, SJP, Kim Cattrall et al. were hitting the big screen devouring the very same thing from the little known Magnolia bakery in NYC - and so began ‘Cupcake Britain’!

You can barely mention the word Farmers market these days before you hear the donning of pinnies across the country as the world and his wife start thumbing through cupcake recipe books. So what makes Fancie. different?

Well, for a start in the 18 months we have been trading in earnest, we have opened three shops and number four is on it’s way (watch this space). Fancie. is a brand, but what use is a brand without a decent product - style without substance, or, all fur coat and no knickers, if you will.

With my bakery training in a variety of top pastry kitchens combined with my passion for baking and uncompromising eye for detail - nothing is missed. OK, so I’m not saying we haven’t had complaints. ‘Dry’ cake seems to be the scourge of the 21st century, and of course, taste is entirely subjective. However, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, party or just tea and cake in the shop - we are never short of crumbs flying from the mouths of our customers as they lavish praise on our mini (or not so mini) creations.

They helped Nick Clegg through Election Day; Eric Clapton sent his daughter a box for her birthday and Paloma Faith enjoyed hers so much, she ordered some for her guitarist’s birthday. We have been featured on the BBC, Channel 4, in Vogue Magazine as well as the Guardian.... I could go on but that would make me sound like a media crazy name dropper - when all we are really interested in is real, freshly baked, lip smackingly good CAKE.

It’s exciting times for Fancie. and we are continuing to grow. We have lots planned for the next 12 months, so - stay tuned, keep enjoying our mini masterpieces and watch this space!

Find us at:

Fancie.| Sharrowvale Road

Fancie.| The Winter Garden

Fancie.| Sheffield Student Union

www.fancie.co.uk

Happy Birthday Meadowhall!

We were delighted to be part of Meadowhall's 20th Birthday celebrations this weekend.

The Fancie. roller Girls took to the malls with 2,000 mini cupcakes to give away- and boy, did they give them away. The cakes lasted little over 2 hours and put smiles on many a shoppers face!

Special thanks to The Leeds Roller Dolls!

Drum roll please...

Ok.... so after much teasing we are delighted to announce the location of one of our new shops!

We are absolutely over the moon to be taking up residence at Sheffield Uni Studen Union! Yes, nestled away under the new golden arches of then SU you will find our delightful cakes and friendly faces ready to serve you Teapigs Tea, Fresh Coffee and of course, cakes!!

Are you excited?? We are!

Fame at last!

Look at us!!

Check out this lovely blog- with fabulous taste, natch!

Oooh, you tease!!

So.... we have been Tweeting about it, alluding to it on Facebook, dropping hints when we have spoken to you in real life... we arranged for the Red Arrows to spell it out in the skies over Sheffield last week.... but you must have been looking the other way.

Now is the time for us to stop these silly games and spill the beans...

Surely??

Guest Blogger #2 Jenny McCambridge- Simple Pleasures.

Simple Pleasures

So we’re not quite the Sex and the City girls, but there are four of us. As we sit around we chat away. Wedding planning, hen nights and children seem to be the order of conversation, these do not interest me. A single, childless female in my (very!) early 30’s, surely this should be what I thrive on, domesticity and all that comes with it? As it happens it’s not. Give me friends, music, nights out, nights in and no strings it’s what I love.

I adore these conversations with the girls, getting the four of us together is difficult given the work/life clashes that are thrown at us. No matter what is going on, be it good or bad, there’s always time made for these moments and akin to the SATC girls, we share our musings and rants over a box of Fancie cupcakes. The topic of conversation soon drifts from the previously mentioned on to the impending choice of delicious pieces of cake. Our own quirks shine through here when posed with selection be it Lemon, Pink Velvet, Chocolate Mint, Carrot need I go on? I’m drooling at the thought as I sit and type this.

To me, what it boils down to is this, it’s that special moment that you just can’t wait for, the midweek treat that you desire, a chat with the girls as we regroup, gossip and plan our future as friends. There’s no pretence or need for Manolo Blahnik shoes, Chloe bags or even a Cosmo here, it’s our quality time together, simple pleasures that include a Fancie cupcake.

Exciting opportunity

A vacancy has arisen in our bakery.

We are looking for someone who is able to lead a team and has a strong creative flair.

Although full training will be given, the ideal candidate would have a background in catering- preferably patisserie.

A flexible working attitude and full commitment to the role are essential.

Please email a CV to careers@fancie.co.uk in the first instance.

This weeks guest blogger- Omar Soliman.

It's the same routine every week and for some reason I never see sense to change it. The weekend has arrived but a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon are spent sweating out in preparation for the debauchery which will ensue. This particular routine of lie-in then gym probably does not differ from most. After the endomorphins have kicked in and the adrenaline is pumping, the hunger pangs begin and where do I decide to walk? That's right, through the Winter Gardens and past Fancie. You can't smell the cupcakes but as soon as that giant pink sign rears its head round the corner, my eyes (and my stomach) are already paying the most devoted attention.

Do the sums. 1000 calories, 90 minutes, and a shower. Do you bank the lost pounds or chomp down on some well deserved cupcakes? The heart and the belly prey give in, but the head says no. Temptation is indeed an awful thing when the sin is so heavenly. Dammit. Next time I'm getting the bus home. Or maybe just another double session on the crosstrainer.

Paloma ♥ Fancie.

Exciting few weeks!

So there's a rumble in the Fancie jungle (bakery!)

We have had a lovely new face lift in preparation for some pretty exciting developments which will be revealed in a few weeks. Yesterday we had a delivery of new decorating and baking benches, so there's enough room to keep up with demand and accommodate the whole Fancie Team!

Our army of bakers have also been busy experimenting with new treats to tempt you:
Oversized Macaroons will be hitting the shelves over the next few days and are really worth the visit,
the Fondant Fancies have seen us creating a rainbow of brightly coloured fresh fondant ready for dipping and our Pistachio Cupcakes are back!!

We listened to your cries for healthy treats and are now offering Blueberry muffins fresh every day drizzle with a teeny bit of white chocolate so you don't miss out your bit of naughtyness!

We have also been working alongside The Apprentice finalist Claire Young doing some exciting work with school children around Yorkshire. We're going to after school cookery clubs teaching them about cupcakes and enterprise- who knows, maybe we're even creating a whole next generation of Fancie bakers!


Keep your ears and eyes peeled for some exciting news to come......

Lovely cakey pics from our Winter Garden shop

Fancie. a challenge?

Fancie. is a fresh and dynamic bakery and retail company, looking to expand our team of experienced and enthusiastic staff to work in our fast growing business. 

We are now recruiting for the following roles;

Store manager:

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced manager to run a busy store. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail management with the ability to manage staff, supply and sales. You must be pro active, a problem solver and highly self motivated with a thorough understanding of customer service.

Team  members:

Smiley, happy cake lovers to work in our stores. Must be committed to providing excellent customer service and flexible in working hours as well as trustworthy and well presented. 

Bakery Staff;

Bakery staff needed to work with our existing team of creative bakers. A passion for cakes and baking is vital along with being able to work well in a team and under pressure. Previous experience preferred.

Fancie. invests in its entire staff, and full training is provided for all roles. We are also a firm believer in promoting from within, and as the business grows there will be more and more opportunities for progression for the right candidates.

Hours: Full time- up to 40, more in busy periods

  Part time- Various


Email your CV in the first instance to careers@fancie.co.uk

We ♥ Fancie. Cupcakes

Do you??

Free cake!

Do you work in an office and find you spend the whole week looking forward to your Friday treat?

Well fear not Fancie fans, for we have a very special offer just for you.....

Print this form off, bring it to us and we will enter you in our monthly draw for FREE cakes to your office..... there are 3 boxes up every month and we will be announcing winners very shortly so get scribbling!! xx

And so, the end is near....

The end of our first week in our new Winter Garden shop that is!

And what a week it's been, you've flocked to us in your droves and bought us out on more than one occasion (about 6 times actually, but who's counting!).

We have had a lovely week and it's been wonderful seeing so many friends and customers old and new coming to our new city center location.

Both shops are now open 7 days a week;

Sharrowvale Road; 10am-6pm (10am-4pm on a Sunday)

Winter Garden; 10am- 5pm

See you in one of them soon! xx

Fancie. baking?

Fancie. is a fresh and dynamic bakery and retail company, looking to expand our team of experienced and enthusiastic bakery staff to work in our fast growing business.

We pride ourselves with providing excellent customer service to all customers, both retail and wholesale. In addition to the shop/ takeaway we offer a bespoke service, where the sky is the limit with creativity!

Bakery staff would benefit from having sound experience in baking, frosting and decorating cakes, though full training is given.

Fancie. invests in its entire staff, and training is provided for all roles. We are also a firm believer in promoting from within, and as the business grows there will be more and more opportunities for progression for the right candidates.



Hours:
Up to 40 hours per week- more during busy periods.

Email your CV in the first instance to Cupcakes@fancie.co.uk

New shop!!

So, you may have heard.... Fancie have a new shop!

We are setting up residence in the Sheffield Winter Garden, which is most exciting as it is an absolutely beautiful setting and adjoined to The Millennium Galleries so we have beautiful plants and lovely art to keep us company!

Keep your eyes peeled for opening offers xx

Keep those ears pinned back...

Fancie are ready to unleash some pretty big news on you next week....

Excited? We are!

Cake and Flowers- yes please!!

Fancie have teamed up with our lovely friends (and Sheffield's finest flower artists!!) at Swallows and Damsons to bring you the perfect Valentines gift- flowers and cake for no extra delivery charge. Pre orders being taken already but they will also be available to pick up over the most romantic weekend of the year.... Swoooon!!

Check out their beautiful website and make sure you go and see them soon http://www.swallowsanddamsons.com/

Call 0114 266 7238 for more Valentines info xx

Come on, Vogue!

Fancie have, at last hit the big time.

Here we are featured alongside the likes of Alexa and Madonna..... Lucky aren't they!

Super Sweet Valentines

Let Fancie help you woo your Valentine this year with a box of personalised cakes.

Prices start from £8 for a box of 4, call 0114 266 7238 to order yours... Don't worry, there will be plenty to buy over Valentines weekend too for those who like to leave it til the last minute!

A lovely thought for the day....

Exciting times ahead!

And with exciting times, comes exciting opportunities!......

Fancie. is a fresh and dynamic bakery and retail company, looking to expand our team of experienced and enthusiastic café assistants and bakery staff to work in our fast growing business.

We pride ourselves with providing excellent customer service to all customers, both retail and wholesale. In addition to the café/ takeaway we offer a bespoke service, where the sky is the limit with creativity!

Café assistants are required to be passionate about providing excellent customer service to all customers, as well as a real passion for our fantastic product!

Bakery staff would benefit from having sound experience in baking, frosting and decorating cakes.

Fancie. invests in its entire staff, and training is provided for all roles. We are also a firm believer in promoting from within, and as the business grows there will be more and more opportunities for progression for the right candidates.



Hours:
Up to 40 hours per week- more during busy periods. 

Email your CV to cupcakes@fancie.co.uk in the first instance.

Fancie art!

Look at us... Fancie through the eyes of local artist Wildago. We love it!

http://www.wildago.com

New year, New bakery!

We are literally beside ourselves with excitement at the prospect of our shiny new bakery!

Refusing to be hampered by this crazy weather, we have spent all week Packing, unpacking, painting, making workmen tea, lifting things that are far too heavy and patting ourselves on the back at the prospect of having a new bakery to make our cakes in!

Here is a sneaky snap from this week as we were just starting to get sorted. Keep your eyes peeled for final pictures soon!

January Newsletter

Our new January newsletter has just been sent out and with a beefy 10% all cakes through January, you don't want to miss out!! Sign up by emailing cupcakes@fancie.co.uk with Newsletter in the subject field! xx

(feel free to print and use the voucher on this one too!)