Mrs Gills Country Cakes

Baking in the heart of Devon since 1988, this is a small operation that has stayed small on purpose. Everything is made by hand at Market Walk in Tiverton, using local ingredients, and the cakes have the awards to show for it. The scale is unusual: they will fill a wholesale order running to hundreds of cakes, then turn round a single one for a birthday with the same attention.

The range covers cherry and almond, chocolate and almond, chocolate fudge, chocolate crunch tiffin and Christmas cakes, mostly from £6.50 up to £38 depending on size. There is a Winter Fireside Box at £35.95, and bespoke cakes for weddings, christenings and anniversaries. Afternoon tea catering comes with sandwiches, fresh scones and cream, bottomless tea and coffee, crockery if needed. Most cakes are made to order, so allow a couple of days for a fixed date.