Merchant spotlight: Bumble & Goose Bespoke Bakehouse
At needi, we love celebrating brilliant independent businesses that bring heart, creativity, and a whole lot of joy to the world of gifting.
This month, we’re sweet on Bumble and Goose, a Northern Ireland-based bakehouse creating luxurious, handmade bakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Founded by former NHS Specialist Nurse Lynsey Bleakley, Bumble and Goose is the result of one incredible leap of faith (and a lot of late-night recipe testing).
What began in a custom-built studio has grown into a thriving family-run business with a loyal following and brownies that are, frankly, life-changing. (We handed them out at a recent trade show, and they were so good, they moved someone to tears!)
We caught up with Lynsey to get the story behind the bakes.
Business: Bumble and Goose
Founder: Lynsey Bleakley
Location: Northern Ireland
🧁 Perfect for
- Delicious client gifts that make your brand unforgettable.
- Branded treats for events, launches or bespoke campaigns.
- Letterbox-friendly moments of joy – for teams, customers or just because!
🌟 Founder insights
Biggest lesson: Never compromise on your brand and stand by your ethos.
Top business tip: Know your market and never trade quality for cost.
Most memorable gift received: A poem written by Lynsey’s daughter, illustrated, and framed by a local artist - heartfelt and handmade, much like her bakes.
What inspired you to start your business?
Bumble & Goose began to take shape in 2018 when, after a series of personal losses, I felt the need to re-evaluate my situation and take time to not only heal but move forward in a more positive, less stress-filled direction.
Part of that journey involved a lot of restorative baking (and sampling!), with many of my creations making their way to the doorsteps of friends and loved ones. I soon discovered the joy my bakes were bringing to others.
Before long, I was sending handmade brownies across the UK and Ireland on a regular basis, and a quiet but steady demand began to grow for more delicious letterbox gifts. That’s when the cogs really started to turn.
After plenty of planning, building (and even more sampling), Bumble & Goose was born. Self-funded with my savings, I took the leap and left my NHS Specialist Nursing career behind to launch the business, with the incredible support of friends and family. “Bumble 1”, our first custom-built studio, became home to luxury cakes, OMG brownies and personalised biscuits.
By 2021, demand for our letterbox gifts had pushed the original Bumble Bakehouse to its limits. That’s when we took the next leap and moved into a larger space - and our little team grew with it!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far on your journey?
Never compromise on your brand and stand by your ethos.
What makes your business special?
We pride ourselves on our luxury handmade bakes, using only the finest ingredients, including real butter and vanilla, to create something truly memorable.
Our goal at the Bumble & Goose Bakehouse has always been to tickle taste buds with the most delectable, divine treats. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift or a branded treat featuring your logo, we'll make sure your clients never forget you!
Plus, our bakes can be shipped anywhere in the UK and Ireland (and further afield too - just ask!).
What's your favourite product and why?
It has to be our handmade QR code biscuits - they are incredibly adaptable and have so many uses for businesses. From client engagement and reviews to personalised online videos... all connected through a delicious handmade logo biscuit! Who can resist?
What’s the top piece of advice you would give to fellow small business owners?
Be true to yourself and your brand. Never try and compromise for a lower price if it will affect your finished product. Know your market and your place in the market.
What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?
A framed poem from my daughter. She wrote the poem and commissioned an artist to illustrate it and frame it.
Get inspired
Bumble & Goose is a brilliant reminder of what can happen when you follow your passion and pour your heart into something you love.
From a leap of faith to a thriving bakehouse, Lynsey’s journey shows just how powerful it can be to back yourself.
Whether you’re marking a milestone, delighting a client, or sending a little joy in the post, Bumble & Goose deliver something truly special.
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