Four must-visit female-led local businesses in Liverpool

PICNIC

Lauren Wright, one of the founders of PICNIC, started with no qualifications or experience in food or business, just a creative mindset, relentless hard work and passion for PICNIC’s mission – tackling the unhealthy standard fast food takeaways that have plagued our city!

PICNIC started out in Lauren’s garage with an Instagram account. At first, it took a lot of persuading people to post by coming up with creative meal deals and a lot of freebies until they created some buzz. PICNIC then relocated from Lauren’s garage to food pop-ups such as the Baltic Market and Red Door, to eventually having enough capital to open their first restaurant. Through trial and error over the years, many wins and many losses, PICNIC has become a success, and Lauren’s aim for the future is to have three sites by the end of 2022!

Over the years, Lauren and the rest of the PICNIC team have worked hard to create a brand that not only offers nutritious and delicious food, but is also dedicated to protecting the planet. More than 80 per cent of the menu is vegan or veggie, and all of the takeaway packaging is compostable or biodegradable.

PICNIC is known for its healthy fast food options, which include everything from the nutrition-packed rainbow bowls to their massive, mouthwatering vegan and meat-filled burgers. PICNIC is also the perfect lunch spot, as they offer a selection of meal deals, which you can take away or enjoy at their Smithdown location. You should try something sweet while you’re there, as they have plenty of delicious treats including their signature peanut butter protein balls.

PICNIC is open seven days a week, so you can head down and enjoy a specialty coffee or their signature wraps. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, then you can always order from the PICNIC app and get your favourite dishes delivered if you live nearby.

Flossy Cake

Self-taught baker Brittany O’Mahoney, first launched Flossy Cake in February 2020, after her mum gifted her baking lessons for Christmas. Flossy Cake was established just before the chaos of the pandemic began, however, this didn’t stop Brittany’s cake business becoming a success.

During lockdown, Flossy Cake became the go-to spot for bespoke birthday treats, anniversary sweets and other celebratory cakes, as the rest of the world closed down and buttercream cupcakes became one of the little pleasures people had.

The business continues to thrive today, as Liverpool locals flock to Flossy Cake for the colourful cake numbers and fluffy themed cupcakes which are the perfect treat for any occasion. All of Flossy Cake’s treats can be customised to your taste, from Kinder Bueno toppings and chocolate covered strawberries to floral touches and personalised lettering – there’s nothing Flossy Cake can’t do.

Flossy Cake is also known for the amazing attention to detail on all cake designs, which Brittany prides herself on, despite juggling a full-time job in the NHS (how does she do it?). Her dream is that one day she can leave her day job behind and open her own Flossy Cake bakery. Let’s pray this happens sooner rather than later!

To get your hands on some Flossy Cake treats, all you need to do is head to the Flossy Cake Instagram page. Remember to message in advance, as orders fill up fast! You should also keep your eyes peeled for Flossy Cake giveaways, which typically include one of their bespoke treats and matching decorations from another local Liverpool business. What’s not to love?

Lunyalita

Lunyalita is the baby sister of the Liverpool-based Catalan restaurant bar and deli, Lunya – which are both owned by husband and wife duo Peter and Elaine Kinsella.

Lunyalita has become the perfect spring and summer location, with two floors that overlook the stunning Albert Dock, including a ground floor sun terrace. Here, you can enjoy an array of traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some local favourites include the baked eggs flamenco for breakfast, the grilled morcillo sandwich for lunch and the dirty patatas bravas for dinner.

Lunyalita was established in July 2018 when an all-female team opened its doors to the people of Liverpool. The couple’s decision to recruit only female staff came easy, as the women had already been working with Lunya for many years and for their dedication and skills they were appointed key roles in their newest venture.

The Kinsellas are not only supporters of the women in Liverpool, but they are also invested in charities. In the past year, they introduced a £1 on the bill initiative with funds being given to various blood cancer charities, after sharing Elaine’s illness battle and recovery.

To support the Kinsellas and enjoy the wonders of Lunyalita, book a table or order some of their cook at home tapas, so you can indulge in Lunya specials from the comfort of your own home.

Mon Petit Chou

Betty is a talented pastry chef with eight years’ experience who decided to turn her passion project into a career during lockdown. She started by transforming her basement into a fully-fledged bakery where she bakes and sells her goods to the people of Liverpool. Betty has now established herself as a pastry master who offers everything from sweet to savoury treats.

Betty, the owner of Mon Petit Chou, is also known for her “too beautiful to eat” celebration cakes with are topped with melt-in-your-mouth buttercream. They are made fresh on the day for any occasion you can think of. You can choose from a wide range of flavours including classics such as vanilla and strawberry or more indulgent options such as double chocolate and tiramisu.

If your partner or loved one has a sweet tooth, then why not treat them to a Mon Petit Chou treat box or choux pastries for an upcoming birthday or special occasion? You can have these delivered if you live within a certain radius or you can collect them from Hope Place in Liverpool City Centre.

Treat yourself to some of Mon Petit Chou’s creations for International Women’s Day, which is also Betty’s birthday! Keep in mind, orders fill up fast so make sure you get your treats in advance on the website.