We tried the ‘very poor’ Eccles cakes from Lytham’s 70 year old Cheese shop and they were anything but that
Lytham high street is full of quirky independent stores, all selling something exciting to residents and tourists alike.
One of these businesses is Tom Towers Tasty Cheese Shop, which has been a permanent fixture on the street for the past 68 years. Having been around for almost seven decades has earnt the business an excellent reputation for quality and customer service.
But it is not immune from poor reviews. Thankfully, Patrick Fradley, who has run the shop for the last six years, doesn’t take these to heart.
READ MORE: Darwen pub worker praised after saving choking punter’s life
In fact, his thick skin has seen many of the negative comments become a badge of honour. And Patrick uses a board outside the shop to display them for all to see.
Previous slogans have included: “You must try! Our ‘very poor quality Eccles Cakes.’ According to one person on Google Review. Only £1.30p each.” Another recent one was: ” Free Range Eggs; just like normal eggs but covered in sh*t.”
Today’s sign outside the shop
(Image: LancsLive)
When I visited recently, the slogan on the sign was another poke at the quality of the Eccles Cakes, saying a reviewer found them ‘very dry’.
It takes a special kind of confidence to sell your wares in this way. And all this fuss about the Eccles Cakes in particular meant I had to try them.
It was a very cold afternoon when I visited the tiny shop, tucked away on the high street. Feeling a bit gloomy, I stepped in to be greeted by the most cheery man I’ve ever met, Patrick himself.
Patrick was clearly was very passionate about his produce. He talked me through what the shop sold, and suggested I take home half a pound of crumbly Lancashire cheese. I also picked up and Eccles Cake, as it was what I actually went for.
My Eccles cake and crumbly Lancashire cheese
As Patrick was cutting me a slice of slice of cheese, he asked if I’d had some before, and when I said no, he cut me a little sample to try. The cheese was crumbly and mild, with…
..