Exciting New Independent Bakery Set to Open in Formby This November
There is some very exciting news for Formby as a brand new independent bakery is preparing to open its doors this November, created by a local woman who has lived in Formby all her life.
The Cookie Counter Bakery is set to become a permanent new addition to Formby, serving freshly baked bread, bagels, pastries, cakes and cookies alongside hot and cold drinks.
Behind the new business is Formby local Jennifer Williamson, who is taking the exciting step of opening her first permanent shop after building up The Cookie Counter through pop ups across Liverpool, including appearances at the Baltic Market.
For Jennifer, opening in Formby means something particularly special. She was born and raised locally and has lived here all her life. After spending the last few years working as a chef in Liverpool city centre, she is now bringing everything she has learned back home and turning a lifelong love of baking into her own shop.
That love of baking began with Jennifer’s mum, who ran a small business creating bespoke birthday cakes.
Jennifer grew up watching her mum bake and decorate cakes and, over the years, began developing her own recipes and style.
Now the pair are joining forces.
Jennifer and her mum will be opening The Cookie Counter Bakery together, with some of Jennifer’s friends also helping as they prepare for the big launch.
Jennifer said: “I have grown up in Formby and lived here all my life. I have been working as a chef in the city centre over the last few years but I have always loved to bake.”
“It is something I got from my mum. I grew up watching her make custom birthday cakes for her small business and slowly developed my own way of doing things and fell in love with it all over again.”
“We have been operating all over the city doing pop ups and we are finally so excited to set up permanently in Formby.”
The Cookie Counter will bring together the feel of a traditional bakery with some of the treats Jennifer has become known for through her pop ups.
There will be fresh breads and bagels as well as pastries, cakes and cookies, with customers also able to pick up a hot or cold drink.
The bakery will also create bespoke celebration orders for birthdays and other special occasions.
Jennifer said the idea came after spotting what she felt was a gap locally for somewhere offering freshly baked breads, bagels and sweet treats alongside coffee.
After taking The Cookie Counter to locations around Liverpool, opening a permanent shop in her hometown felt like the natural next step.
Formby can get a first taste this Saturday
There is even an opportunity to try some of Jennifer’s baking before the new shop opens. Jennifer will be at Wrap and Joy this Saturday from 10am until 3pm, where she will be giving away free cookies and cakes to customers as part of the celebrations.
The Cookie Counter Bakery is due to open in November 2026, with the exact opening date still to be announced.
At a time when independent businesses are facing plenty of challenges, it is fantastic to see a Formby local taking the plunge, investing in the area and opening a completely new independent shop.
From baking alongside her mum to pop ups across Liverpool and now preparing to open the doors to her own permanent bakery in the place she calls home, it is a huge milestone for Jennifer and an exciting new addition for Formby.
Join the Cookie Counter Facebook page:
We will bring you the opening date as soon as it is confirmed.
We would like to wish Jennifer, her mum and everyone involved with The Cookie Counter Bakery the very best of luck with their exciting new venture, and we look forward to welcoming another independent business to Formby.
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Good luck Jenny! You’ve got this ❤️❤️