Cox Cookies & Cake (London, UK)

This post may seem a little random, considering this isn't a food blog, though I have featured tasty treats in the past. But this is my (belated) way of celebrating my birthday, which was this past Sunday, and Cox Cookies & Cake is actually something I stumbled upon, while searching for some yummy delicacies I could serve that day. Not only that, but this small cake shop, nestled in the heart of Soho also has a fashion connection, as it was founded by shoe designer Patrick Cox. The designer's inspiration to venture into the food business, lies with his mother, who would bake with him every Saturday morning and who after his move to the UK (from his native Canada) still sent him care packages with baked goodies. Together with Eric Lanlard, one of London's finest cake makers, Cox Cookies & Cake was launched last September and has already gained a huge following.

Overview of the store interior (image via weheart.co.uk).

Much of that has to do with the unique decor and the extraordinary cupcakes on display. If you're one of those people who is 'over' cupcakes, because they're everywhere or always hated the vintage-girly look of some of the more typically famous cupcake emporiums, then this might just be the place for you. Situated among adult entertainment shops and some of the best foodie outlets, Cox Cookies & Cake manages to combine the two worlds. If it weren't for the cupcakes in the windows, you might just mistake this for yet another seedy store - an employee by the door was even wearing a very S&M-esque leather apron. While the bright neon sign and the all-black interiors may be misleading, the actual cupcakes are quite cute... and almost too pretty to eat.

A selection of limited edition cupcakes celebrating the Royal Wedding.

I want them all... some of the specialty cupcakes I sighted.

The range includes regular cupcakes, such as red velvet or lemon and white cheesecake (£2 each) and more elaborate examples like the Marilyn Monroe 'Pop' cake or the ones featuring black and red skulls (£4 each). But in keeping with their surroundings, you'll also find the naughtier treats from the 'Soho Specials' line that features various naked male and female body parts - some more disturbing than others.

A selection of regular cupcakes.

Previous limited edition cupcakes celebrating Christmas and Easter.

The cupcakes definitely steal the show, but you'll also find a selection of brownies and other treats, as well as a large choice of hot beverages. The leather aprons are for sale too and if you'd rather just stare at cakes all day long instead of eating them, you'll also find a few colorful glass figurines of your favorite treats. During special events or holidays, look out for limited edition cupcakes, which in the past have included Royal Wedding themed delicacies or cute Easter pastries.

Neon-lit displays showcased the cupcakes in the windows. Top: Marilyn and skull cupcakes. Lower right: Yes, that's a cupcake shaped like a boob. Other 'Soho Specials' include a man's ripped torso and a bulging bicep.

Very pretty: limited edition cakes for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

This place is definitely worth a browse if you're ever in the area. The cakes I tried were excellent and I find it refreshing not to be surrounded by pastels when I'm in a bakery. If you're not in London though, I just found out that Cox Cookies & Cake will be releasing a cookbook soon, which is available for pre-order here. Snap it up, and soon you'll be able to make your own Coco-Cola or Xmas Bauble cupcakes!

A cake for fashionistas: London Fashion Week treats (left). Kylie Minogue and Elton John limited edition cakes (right).

Glass cupcakes and glass cake stands.

Cute and creepy: Halloween cupcakes.

Address: 13 Brewer Street, London W1F 0RH
Opening Hrs: Sun-Thurs: 11:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00
Cox Cookies & Cake Homepage