Cupcake Shops in the UK
Cupcakes had their big British moment in the late 2000s, when pastel-painted shops with towering buttercream swirls opened on high streets across the country. The craze has calmed, but the cupcake has settled in as a staple of birthday parties, baby showers, office celebrations and weddings. Specialist cupcake shops still do it best, with flavours rotated through the week and decoration ranging from simple piping to hand-sculpted sugar figures.
Cupcake specialists and bakeries with a strong cupcake focus are gathered here from open data; let 'Find near me' put the nearest at the top of the list. Many have a counter for walk-in purchases and take bulk orders for parties; some also offer delivery within a few miles. Below you will find what to expect, the difference between buttercreams, and how much to budget per cupcake.
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Cupcake Shops by city
Popular cupcake shops 1–30 of 125
Cupcake Cafe
Cafe South Pavilion Buckingham Park Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex BN43 6BA
Candys Cupcakes
Unit 6 - Candy's Cupcakes The Wellington Centre, Whitelands Road, Ashton-under-lyne, Tameside OL6 6UY
Chelsea’s Cupcakes
9 Windermere Road, North East Division, Carrickfergus, Antrim BT38 7JR
Cupcake Fashion Tea Room
Ridgewood Buildings, 244 Station Road, Yate, South Gloucestershire BS37 4AF
Buttercream, frosting and icing explained
- American buttercream – butter and icing sugar, sweet and sturdy, the most common UK cupcake topping
- Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream – silkier and less sweet, made with egg whites and cooked sugar
- Cream cheese frosting – tangy, soft and classic on red velvet and carrot cupcakes
- Ganache – chocolate and cream, glossy and rich
- Fondant – rolled sugar paste for smooth tops and cut-out shapes
Ordering cupcakes for a party
For a party, plan one to one-and-a-half cupcakes per guest. Most shops sell boxes of 6, 12 and 24, with mini cupcakes offered as a lighter option. Personalised designs – names, logos, photo toppers or themed sugar decorations – usually need three to seven days' notice. If you want a mix of flavours, ask how many varieties the shop will split a dozen into.
Carry cupcakes flat in their box and out of the sun, because buttercream starts to soften above about 20°C.
Tips before you go
- Order personalised cupcakes at least a week ahead, especially in May–September and December.
- Keep cupcakes in their box at cool room temperature; refrigerate only cream cheese or fresh cream toppings.
- Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before eating so the buttercream softens.
- Ask whether gluten-free or vegan cupcakes are baked on separate trays.
- Check if the shop delivers – boxes of cupcakes are delicate on public transport.
Fun fact: The earliest known mention of a cake baked in small cups appears in Amelia Simmons's American Cookery of 1796, the first cookbook written by an American and published in the United States.
What to order
- Vanilla with vanilla buttercreamThe plain test of a cupcake shop – sponge should be moist and light.
- Red velvetCocoa-tinged red sponge with cream cheese frosting.
- Salted caramelCaramel-filled sponge and a salty-sweet buttercream swirl.
- Lemon meringueLemon curd centre, topped with toasted meringue.
- Biscoff or cookies and creamBiscuit-flavoured bestsellers, especially with children.
- Personalised cupcakesInitials, photos or logos on fondant discs for parties and events.
Typical prices in 2026
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single cupcake (counter) | £2.50–£4.50 | Filled or premium flavours cost more |
| Box of 6 | £14–£25 | Mixed flavours usually allowed |
| Box of 12 | £26–£45 | Bulk discounts common |
| Mini cupcakes (dozen) | £15–£28 | Good for buffets |
| Personalised cupcake (each) | £3.50–£6.50 | Sugar models priced extra |
| Cupcake tower (with top cake) | £80–£250 | Popular at weddings |
Guide prices across UK independents and chains; London and specialist bakeries often sit at the top of the range.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy cupcakes near me today?
Use 'Find near me' to sort cupcake shops and bakeries by distance. Most cupcake shops keep a selection on the counter for walk-in customers, while bigger orders need notice. If you need a dozen or more for today, call ahead – many shops can set aside stock or decorate quickly.
How much do cupcakes cost in the UK?
In 2026 a single cupcake from a specialist shop usually costs between about £2.50 and £4.50. A box of six typically costs £14–£25, and a dozen £26–£45. Personalised or highly decorated cupcakes cost more, from around £3.50 to £6.50 each, depending on the detail.
How far in advance should I order cupcakes for a party?
For standard flavours in standard quantities, two or three days' notice is usually fine. For personalised toppers, logos or themed designs, allow a week or more. Around Christmas, Mother's Day and the summer wedding season, book as early as possible because popular shops fill their order books quickly.
What is the difference between a cupcake and a fairy cake?
Fairy cakes are the British original: small, light sponges baked in paper cases with a thin layer of glacé icing and maybe a sprinkle or two. Cupcakes, the American import, are usually larger and topped with a tall swirl of buttercream or frosting. Butterfly cakes are fairy cakes with wing-shaped sponge pieces on top.