6th November 2023
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I’m sure I’m not the only one who for the past year has used ‘shop local’ to justify multiple unnecessary purchases. Lockdown has brought out the creative flair in many of us, and it has never been a better time to support small businesses. This article details some small student businesses in the Liverpool area, and the wonderful goods they have to offer.
Holly is a third year history and politics student who sells a variety of sweet treats including blondies, brownies and cookies. Whilst at uni she delivers locally around L15, and is based in Bury when at home. Prices vary from £1 to £1.50 per cookie/brownie etc. and come in boxes of 4 to 12.* With free delivery for locals and occasional weekly specials, Big Batty Bakes is definitely worth a try.
Instagram handle: @bigbattybakes.
*Box sizes differ depending on chosen product. Check the instagram page for more details.
PSA – best for light, fluffy brownies.
Lily is a third year student studying diagnostic radiography. She established L. A. Delights with her brother in the first lockdown at home in York, and has since begun running it herself in Liverpool. As well as the beautiful celebratory tray bakes as pictured above, Lily sells brownies, blondies and rocky road in a variety of flavours including malteser, mars and crunchie for £1.50 a piece. For all with dietary restrictions, she also sells vegan and gluten free bakes. These delicious treats would make the perfect birthday present, or simply as a gift to yourself amidst the stress of the upcoming exam season.
Instagram handle: @la_delights_.
PSA – best for dense, chewy brownies.
Luke who studies Geography and Ed who studies International business and politics are two second year students who are friends from home in Bristol. After realising the expense of weekly Uber Eats and Deliveroo orders in first year, they set out to create a cheaper takeaway alternative. Ed is the head chef and delivery driver, whilst Luke controls social media, customer service and promotion. The duo deliver to Kensington, Smithdown and Wavertree, and offer fresh, healthy, home cooked meals for a much lower price than the average takeaway. Each meal is £5 including delivery and is advertised on the page around two days before delivery dates. Past meals have included paella, bangers and mash and slow roasted pork shoulder. Furthermore, order time preferences are sent via instagram DM, and delivery is usually between 5 and 7pm. For tasty food that doesn’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong.
Instagram handle: @smithdownscran.
Daire is a a second year student who shares a whole host of mouth-watering recipes on social media. Also a product of the first lockdown, he initially used his cooking skills as a way to make money during the pandemic, and has since amassed a large social media following. He has developed two University Munchies recipe books with a variety of delicious dishes and cuisines. For only £3 each or both for £4, the PDF format means they are easily accessible for all students and a great way to vamp up your cooking on a budget.
Additionally, he posts new recipes and foodie photos on his Instagram, with a feed so visually pleasing it belongs on a Pinterest board. Daire makes Tik Toks of simple, easy to follow recipes at @culinarywithdaz. If you’re bored of eating the same meals and want to try something new, definitely purchase something from the University Munchies series, and have a browse through Daire’s pages.
Instagram handle: @culinarywithdaz
Website: unimunchies.com
Connie and Oliver are two second year students studying psychology and aerospace engineering respectively. They have always had a passion for baking, and decided to use their student kitchen to make that passion profitable. The pair offer nationwide postage, which is included in the price, and local delivery in Liverpool at reduced prices. All the brownies are gluten free, besides any biscuit topped flavours.* The menu includes Oreo, Curly Wurly, Kinder Bueno and Reese’s Pieces, all of which are available either as brownies or blondies. Prices start at £8 for a box of 4, and you can even request custom orders. To get your sugar fix home and away, definitely give these goods a try.
Instagram handle: @studentbrownie.
*Always DM the instagram page to double check about allergens.
PSA – best for rich, gooey brownies.
These small businesses are just a few of the ways Liverpool students have embraced their creativity and talents during the pandemic. Even when things are back to normal, keep shopping local and supporting those who truly need you.
One purchase goes a long way.
Feature image credit: Unsplash
To find out the best food and drinks that Liverpool has to offer, and tasty recipes, check out some of our other articles.
