“I’m more of a Nigella than a Delia – without the glamour!”

And The Cookery Nook’s creations are some of the very best.

Baking in her home kitchen in Oxton, Belinda Johnson whips up celebration cakes and tasty treats and the delicious desserts have scooped the talented baker our latest Best of 2024 award – Wirral’s Best for Dessert.

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 11 awards.

Best for Hair – LA Hair

Best for Pies – Pies4u

Best for Nails - By Taylor Jade

Best for Roast Dinner - The 21st Amendment Hoylake

Best for Cocktails – Cow Shed Bar & Grill

Best for Breakfast – At Gilly Gem’s

Best for Fish and Chips - SelFish

Best Beer Garden - The Red Fox

Best for Fitness – Clubbercise and Chill

Best for Tattoos – Speakeasy Tattoo Studio

Best Independent Shop or Business – Snips Movies

Voting for Wirral’s Best for Kids is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Pets.

Vote for Wirral’s Best for Kids 2024

Nominate your favourite for Wirral’s Best for Pets 2024

Ten delicious dessert destinations in Wirral made the shortlist for our latest Best of 2024 award and The Cookery Nook took this year’s coveted crown.

Belinda Johnson started her business in 2017 working from her kitchen at home on Village Road in Oxton.

The Cookery Nook's home kitchen

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Belinda ran cookery and baking workshops but lockdowns forced her to diversify and she began baking for friends and neighbours in her village.

Belinda, who grew up in Prenton, said: “During the pandemic, everyone was craving cake and all the shops were closed so they asked me if I’d do some baking.

“It started with cupcakes but I soon had requests for celebration cakes and it took off from there.

“The orders came in pretty quickly, so I had to learn fast, spending hours practising, learning to create fondant models and refining my cake decorating skills.

“Having been a PA for many years, I decided it was time to pursue something I genuinely enjoyed rather than something I felt obligated to do.

“My love for cooking and entertaining friends and family with my food and bakes led me to start a baking club in 2017.

“The turning point came during a relaxed gathering of 12 friends in my kitchen where we crafted edible Christmas gifts and enjoyed a few glasses of fizz.

“Their encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to take the plunge and that’s how The Cookery Nook was born.

“Since then, I haven’t looked back!”

Belinda has mastered her craft over the past seven years

Belinda is a self-taught cook and baker – more of a Nigella than a Delia “but without the glamour”!

Belinda said: “Everyone loves cake.

“I get immense satisfaction from seeing people’s reactions when they collect their celebration cakes - sometimes there are even tears!

“It really makes my job worthwhile, knowing I can bring a smile to people’s faces.

“I always do my best to help my customers whether it’s supplying cupcakes and other bakes at short notice or ensuring that my creations taste as delightful as they look.

“I always put in the effort.

“I have also been fortunate to win the Wirral Bake Off two years running; a fabulous charity event that takes place each year at Claremont Farm.”

The Wirral Bake Off winning cake

The Cookery Nook’s most sought-after bakes are the light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a not-too-sweet buttercream and the Victoria sponge remains a favourite.

Belinda is a versatile baker and can turn her hand to baking whatever customers want.

She said: “Special celebration cakes are my passion, especially the eye-catching number cakes and elegant drip cakes decorated with fresh flowers.

“During the summer, I host a pop-up stall on my driveway once a month where folk can sample a variety of my cakes without committing to a full batch.

“The next pop-up is August 18.”

Victoria sponge is always a favourite

What do customers think of The Cookery Nook? Why did they want the business to win our latest Best of 2024 award?

Regulars say the cakes here are fantastic and by far the best desserts in the area.

Perfect for a special occasion or just for a little treat!

Belinda said: “Many regulars say they won’t go anywhere else for their cakes.

“When I receive a special commission, I’ll always work with the customer to really understand what they want and to deliver something which exceeds their expectations.

“Many customers have become friends over the past few years, returning each year for birthday cakes and for my Christmas cakes, which I have been told are the best ever.

“My order book is already filling for this Christmas.”

Belinda’s bakes are on sale at Twenty Sixteen Coffee and Kitchen in Oxton village and she bakes full time.

Belinda makes cakes for all special occasions

She said: “My plan was to work three days a week and enjoy my dogs and garden, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way.

“I currently work full time and absolutely love the buzz I get from receiving orders for my cakes.

“I occasionally teach cake decorating classes which adds diversity, as and when time permits.”

Hearing The Cookery Nook had made the shortlist for this year’s Best for Dessert in Wirral was a thrill for Belinda and she quickly messaged all her friends and family asking for their support.

Belinda said: “When I was told I had won, I think I was in shock!

“There are so many fabulous bakers in Wirral, I was bowled over.

“My customers are so very important to me and I can’t thank them enough for taking the time to vote.

“I am so grateful to everyone for their support.

“I also think the Wirral Globe is doing a fabulous job of engaging with local businesses more than ever before.

“It’s giving small businesses like mine a boost at a time when we need it most.”

Light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes are a best seller