Shoppers in need of a sugar rush are going to be in for a treat this week as the town’s first sweet bakery opens for business.

Cheran’s Bakery, in West Street, Sittingbourne, is the latest business venture of mother-of-two Cheran Friedman and has already proved a big hit after a special ‘taster session’ pulled in the crowds.

Cheran Friedman speaking about her new Sittingbourne Bakery

The 29-year-old, from Rock Road, says the venue will serve up milkshakes, ice creams, cakes, brownies, cookies and coffee.

Prior to the store’s opening this Thursday, she explained: “I’ve been baking forever and everyone always said I should do something with it. I finally decided to take the plunge.”

Cheran, who also runs a car and bike touch up paint company, never thought her baking skills were going to lead to her opening a town centre store.

She said: “Originally this was just going to be a click and collect service, I was going to run it out of a unit.

“Baking wise, it was never going to be a shop. It was never going to be something with this much choice.

“But as I’ve thought about it, the idea developed and we thought about offering other things. It’s grown into this.”

This time last year Cheran hadn’t even thought of running her own bakery.

She said: “This is a complete shock to me and everyone else around me.

“But it’s nice to hear all the feedback because everyone says there is nothing at this end of town and I agree.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere that people particularly make an effort to go to in the High Street.

“So it’s nice to bring something that people think is aesthetically pleasing to Sittingbourne.”

Cheran’s Bakery used to be The Lock Hub, but with lots of time and money Cheran and her team have transformed the store into a pink and glamorous looking dessert bar.

Working alongside Cheran are Sarah Wilkinson, Lois Woods, Lily-Grace Taylor and Khyra-Marie.

Last weekend the staff hosted a taster opening where they offered customers half price drinks.

Cheran said: “In that short window we were open to give the staff some training we made 86 milkshakes.

“The store seems to be a big hit already. We’re still finishing some last minute bits inside and people see us through the window and try to come in.

“We’ve had to turn many people away and explain that the big opening is on Thursday.

“We were back-to-back busy for the taster day. Everyone’s feedback was amazing.

“It’s reassuring to know that we’ve already been noticed by word of mouth - it is lovely.”

The business owner has also been in communication with nearby businesses and offered discount cards to encourage local workers to build a friendship and have somewhere new to get their morning coffees.

Cheran and the team have all had specialist barista training and, along with the freshly made cakes, blondies, cookies and breakfast pastries, can make a milkshake from a large variety of chocolate bars including Twix, Oreos, Mars and others.

She added: “There is so much here and we’ve tried to make it reasonable.

“We’re also trying to do our bit for the environment.

“All our cups, packaging, straws, everything is biodegradable.

“It’s all friendly to the environment. We’ve even got glass bottled drink.”

Cheran’s Bakery can be found at 70 -72 West St, just past Lidl.

To find out more or to place orders click here.