Lydia's Cheesecakes: Five-year-old Waterlooville baking maestro starts Facebook business

Lydia Hughes, 5, from Waterlooville, took an interest in baking from a young age and her enthusiasm and passion led to the creation of Lydia’s Cheesecakes on Facebook. Initially just serving family and friends, word quickly spread of the delicious cheesecakes on offer.

Her parents, Nikki and Trevor, saw the passion for cooking from an early age and steered her towards desserts as a safer way to enjoy her interest. Lydia’s dad, Trevor, said: “Before Lydia took an interest in cheesecakes she really enjoyed watching MasterChef and helping me out in the kitchen, chopping the veg.

“Being terribly stubborn she wanted to get involved with the hob and the oven which we didn't feel was appropriate so that’s when we introduced her to dessert making and cheesecakes.”

Once Lydia got started on cheesecakes she became really adept at making fun and tasty creations. Trevor said: “It was initially just for friends and family but then people started seeing the kind of stuff she was making and wanted a piece of the action. That is when we started taking it a bit more seriously.”

When asked why she likes to make cheesecakes Lydia replied “It keeps me busy”, much to the amusement of her dad. Lydia’s Cheesecakes sell a range of cheesecakes as well as blondies, brownies and cookie pies. However, there is one clear favourite that Lydia has and that is the Biscoff cheesecake.

The business is on Facebook under Lydia’s Cheesecakes, which was a page created to compile and document photo’s and videos of her creations. It now has over 600 followers and people can order by sending Lydia a message with the family offering delivery and collections.

Lydia’s Cheesecakes is also now available on Havant and Waterlooville Eats.