Two sisters who started baking during the Covid lockdown pandemic have taken that hobby to the next level - and opened a bakery.

Stella and Paula Kituli’s Pink Door Cake Company serves fresh buttercream-topped cupcakes and fudgy brownies.  The shop is situated on Portland Street, just outside the city centre.  Inside you will find the bakery embellished with pink decor and a sparkling Christmas tree has been put just in time for the holiday season.

“My sister started learning how to bake during the lockdown and after a few months, she got really into it", said Stella.

The pair, originally from Poland ,and came to the UK to study and work.  While Stella studied at Solent University, Paula worked in a marketing agency and went to Southampton University.  Before deciding to launch the café, the sisters were concerned about leaving their 9-5 jobs.

They said: “Initially, we were very scared and worried, but our friends and family were very supportive.

“Leaving the security of a full-time job all of a sudden felt risky, but I think we got our creative freedom and, overall, we are happy with our decision and hopeful for the future.”

Paula spent months perfecting the recipes. She said: “My kitchen looked very messy when I first started.  “I was also spending hours researching and learning things from other social media influencers.  “I thought if they could do it, then why can’t I.”

After spending months working and developing her recipes, Paula passed on her baking knowledge to her older sister.  The shop now specialises in cupcakes and brownies, which come in different flavours such as white chocolate and raspberry, chocolate, Biscoff, Nutella and more. Customers also have the option of ordering hot drinks while they wait.

The cake shop is open Monday to Sunday from 10am till 5pm.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/PinkDoorCakeCo