Merryfall Cake Bakery in Whitley drafts boss's farmer hubby

Steph Horn, a former nursery teacher, took the plunge in 2022, going full-time running Merryfall Cakes Bakery from her purpose-built kitchen studio on her parents' farm in Whitley.

The 32-year-old, who's a regional finalist at this year's Wedding Industry Awards, also bakes for local shops and cafés including The Milk House in Comberbach, Dexter & Hemsley in Davenham, and Poppy Rose Tea Room on Witton Street.

Earlier this year, the mum-of-three was getting so many orders she was desperate for another pair of hands, and it turns out help was available from a somewhat surprising source. 

Steph’s husband, Reuben, an agricultural engineer more used to welding tractors than icing fancies, decided it was something he’d like to have a go at, and the 34-year-old is now working with her three days a week.

Steph's bespoke wedding cakes have attracted regional attention (Image: Steph Horn) Reuben bakes things like the cookies, brownies, blondies, and sponges, freeing up Steph to concentrate on the posh wedding cake side of the business, which is where she really excels.

Asked what it’s like being her husband’s boss, Steph said: “Well, I got shouted at the other day – in my own kitchen! - for stealing his chocolate.   

“In my defence, it was an emergency. I needed it in a hurry for an order, and all I could find was what was on his bench.

Steph works out of a purpose-built studio kitchen at her parents' farm in Whitley (Image: Steph Horn) “Actually, we get on really well, and I love working with him.

"He used to work for my dad's agricultural engineering business as a welder and fabricator, but he's proven he can turn his hand to anything. 

“We each know what it is we have to do, and we both just get on with. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The wedding cake side of the business is very much Steph’s passion because she loves how creative it lets her be. 

Reuben's is now responsible for the wholesale side of the business, which supplies shops and tea rooms to order (Image: Steph Horn) She also loves seeing the joy on couples' faces when she unveils her cakes, which can be pretty elaborate. 

If she’s successful at the regional Wedding Industry Awards final in November, she'll go on to represent the Northwest in the national finals, which take place in January 2025.

A win at the regional Wedding Industry Awards in November would see her catapulted to the national finals in January (Image: Steph Horn)

Steph added: “I entered the Wedding Industry Awards to showcase my passion and dedication, and to be recognised for delivering exceptional experiences to couples on their most special day.

“Winning at the regional awards would be a huge honour, especially knowing the tough competition with the other cake artists who’ve made it to the final.

“It would affirm the passion and dedication I put into my work, and motivate me to continue creating unique and unforgettable cakes for couples on their special day.”