Sponsored: A delicious new destination on Battys Road

There’s a new reason to head down Battys Road, to number 95 to be precise, and it smells like freshly baked cake.

Sweet Creations has officially moved into its new home and owner Melissa Rae couldn’t be happier.

Adrienne Matthews

She now has the space she has long dreamed of, which includes generous parking and easy access with room for customers to sit inside or out. Only opened last week, the new location is designed to make popping in effortless and the business is already receiving repeat customers.

“It feels amazing to be here at last,” Melissa says following months of preparation. “It is the perfect space for Sweet Creations. I’ve got a fabulous commercial kitchen where my staff and I can enjoy whipping up all our delicious goodies.”

The move marks a major step forward for the much-loved local business. What began in Melissa’s home kitchen quickly outgrew its space as demand for her cakes, cupcakes and catering boxes surged. The new building allows her to bake on a larger scale while creating a welcoming environment which customers are already loving being in.

“It was exciting to find just the right building that we could personalise to reflect what we do,” she explains. “Customers are already calling it a destination.”

The shop’s interior reflects Melissa’s love of vintage colour. Rich blues, teal and touches of pink and cream create a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Designed with guidance from Simone of Cinnamon House, the effect is welcoming and distinctive.

Outside, Melissa has space to grow fruit trees, herbs and flowers that she can incorporate into her cooking, reinforcing her commitment to fresh, locally inspired ingredients.

Inside, the cabinets are brimming. Everything is made from scratch and there’s something for every taste. Customers can expect all manner of sweet delights including cupcakes, cheesecakes, tiramisu, banoffee pie, black forest mousse domes, triple chocolate mousse cake, little lemon meringue tarts, Portuguese tarts, brioche doughnuts, cookies and even old-fashioned fudge.

Melissa might not be in the business of making individual custom cakes, but the Sweet Creations range that can be ordered is spectacular with the website showing all the items in a blaze of delicious, almost edible colour.

The range of classic cakes continue to be a standout with an extensive number available including Chocolate Caramel Mud Cake layered with caramel Swiss meringue buttercream, Lemon Cake filled with house made lemon curd, and Tall Vanilla and Strawberry Layer Cakes dripping with chocolate and fresh fruit.

Signature celebration cakes such as Dinosaur, Unicorn, and a Ruffled and Mermaid Tails Cake are perfect for children’s birthdays while the likes of a Heart Shaped Vintage Cake and a Pressed Flower Cake are popular for birthdays and milestones. Continually putting her imagination to work, there is even a Donuts and Dried Flower Cake.

Sweet Creations also offers courier cakes that can be sent overnight around New Zealand, the perfect surprise for a loved one having a special occasion.

Global Flavours

While the sweet treats remain front and centre, the new premises have allowed Melissa to expand into hot and savoury options, too.

“Our spicy Korean toasted sandwich has already been a hit as have our teriyaki chicken and salad baguettes,” she says. The store’s signature sandwiches are not to be missed either.

Sweet Creations continues to cater for weddings, christenings, birthdays and corporate events, offering everything from layered buttercream wedding cakes and macaron towers to catering boxes full of mouthwatering delights. There are Mini Sage and Sausage Rolls, High Tea boxes and even a Sweet Platter that looks like it has arrived directly from heaven along with many others.

Melissa’s European travels last year have influenced the evolving menu. A trip to France included a specialised macaron cooking class.

“The French are known for their patisserie skills,” she says. “The macaron class gave me some great tips. They will soon be a regular feature.”

Spain provided further inspiration, and a visit to a tart shop in Amsterdam where she sampled miniature tarts filled with tiramisu, lemon meringue, chocolate caramel and citrus flavours, sparked new ideas.

Sweet Creations’ popular award-winning Dessert Queen trailer will still appear at major Marlborough events while Friday Dessert Nights, a firm local favourite, are set to return soon. High Teas will also make a comeback in the near future while breakfast boxes and new products are gradually being added to the range.

Melissa says she has been overwhelmed by the positive messages since announcing the move.

“I’ve been blown away by how supportive everyone has been,” she says. “I love what we do here. It’s about spreading some sweet happiness.”

With coffee on the go, cabinets full and plenty of parking, Sweet Creations’ new Battys Road home is ready to welcome Marlborough in.

“Enjoy life. Eat cake,” laughs Melissa.